Gas Station Questions

[seashoreCM]

Some cards can be used as both debit cards and credit cards.

Almost all can.

Some cards give you points or airline miles only if you use them as credit cards (yes you can lie and push the credit button when using a debit card); some (fewer) only give you points or airline miles if you press the debit button and enter your PIN.

Debit cards take the money from your checking account almost as fast when you press the credit button.

"Lots" of credit card fraud happens in Florida, thus most gas stations have an added security measure such as asking for your zip code. A few in Massachusetts and New hampshire do and it seemed to me it was the stations just off the freeways and stations in less savory neighborhoods that did.

One station I went to did not ask for the zip code on my second and third visits using the same card.

 

[DVC-Don]

When I'm in Florida most stations ask for the credit card billing zip code. Back here in our local area, only Hess stations ask for that. The company I sell for also asks for the billing zip code also when paying by credit/debit card.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Here in NY you almost always have to key in a zip code, must be the zip code of the billing address, I thought the hold was a temporary think and once you were done pumping gas it was released - not sure why they do it...

Unless things have changed when we were in Buffalo for the day in September 2009 and got gas we didn't need to have a zip code after inserting a credit card. Now maybe that's because people from Ontario always go to shop in Buffalo at their various malls and etc, so the gas stations might realize with all their potiental business from those Canadians from Ontario that they shouldn't require a zip code to be used at the pumps.

 

[MM27]

I live in NJ, but have a home in NH that I spend my summers in. When I go to NH and use my credit card for gas, every station asks for a zip code. It's for your protection to make sure the card is really being used by the user. If someone stole your card, they wouldn't necessarily know where you were from and putting in an incorrect zip code would make the pump reject your card.

 

[HelenParr]

We're in Connecticut and it's about 50/50 near us on when you need zipcode (more and more requiring it).

When we leave WDW, we fill up the rental car at the last Hess on our way to airport (we go 417)...and it is now asking for zipcode. Twice now we had to see cashier even though entered correct zip, which was annoying, but mostly because it was unexpected. Cashier said it's newish and it's been glitchy.

Overall, small annoyance for being the card hasn't been stolen or misused.

 

[Eliza32]

Just came back from WDW 2 weeks ago. All gas stations we used (including St Petes & Daytona) required prepayment with the cashier or card payment at the pump requiring ZIP code. Being from UK, the ZIP code bit doesn't work for us, so it was prepayment with the cashier every time, which was a bit of a problem when trying to fill up and not knowing how much gas the car would need!!!!! Got it sorted in the end though!!!

 

[DebbieB]

I was at Walmart yesterday in PA and had to enter a zip code with my American Express card.

 

[skiingfast]

Just came back from WDW 2 weeks ago. All gas stations we used (including St Petes & Daytona) required prepayment with the cashier or card payment at the pump requiring ZIP code. Being from UK, the ZIP code bit doesn't work for us, so it was prepayment with the cashier every time, which was a bit of a problem when trying to fill up and not knowing how much gas the car would need!!!!! Got it sorted in the end though!!!

This may be very important for foreign travelers to know. While almost every pump in the US takes a card transaction, few take cash. Gas stations may not have an attendant to process your transaction late at night if you can't use your zip.

Entering your zip code is to verify your identity. If you drop your card on the ground it's unlikely somone would know where the credit card statements are mailed and be able to buy gas in a non person to person transaction.

Note how when you buy something on the internet the store will need a shipping address and also the billing address of the card. Another faceless transaction.

But when you go into a standard store using a card, you sign a reciept. The comparison of your signature on the card and reciept verifies that it is in fact your card and not stolen.

 

[Oglet]

I've been in to some around here in Orlando that wont even take a debit card at the pump, they require you to go in and pay for it. The 7-11 just near the publix on Old Lake Wilson does that.

 

[JB2K]

Hello, I was reading somewhere that when people went to gas stations they had to pre-pay and enter a zip code at the pump when they used a credit card to pay for gas. Has anyone heard of this? Not sure if this is only because these people were from the United Kingdom or not.

If so, is the zip code I should be using the zip for the hotel or the zip for where the card originates (my home zip code) ?

I would imagine the zip code of the billing address that is connected to your card.

And do I have to pre-pay?

It depends on the policies of that particular station. Many require you to make payment at the window, or by "swiping" your card at the pump.

They also mentioned that the gas stations holds more money against my account, than the gas spent, for a couple of weeks. Does anyone know how much more is held? For instance, I filled $40 worth of gas, will they be holding $80??

Yes, and no -- most stations will put an exoribitant hold on your card (above and beyond what you buy), but it usually drops-off within 3-4 business days.
While for credit card users, it may not be a major issue, it can be problematic for debit card users.

My advice - if you pay with plastic, pre-pay at the window/inside the store, first.

 

[Rania]

All of the gas stations that I have been to in NY require that you put in your zip code when using self service and paying with a credit card. The price per gallon that they charge me is the same regardless if I pay in cash or credit card. You should be using the zip code that the credit card statement gets mailed to.