Is There A Way To Get Around

[Tower]

I don't think the zip code is actually used for any specific purpose - I ran into this problem at a gas station in Buffalo a while back and while I stood there thinking "I don't have a zip code", I suddenly realized I had one zip code in my head that I could remember - 90210 - who doesn't know that?! Anyway, I typed it in and went on pumping gas - it accepted it and had nothing to do with being connected to my credit card. I was once in NYC buying subway passes and the same thing happened when I used my credit card - entered 90210 and away I went!

Hmmm, interesting! It could be due to the American machines don't have access to Canadian zip codes anyway since they don't recognize the letters. Just a guess

 

[BELLEDOZER]

FWIW I had major problems with the Disney Movie Club, and their website wouldn't accept my Canadian postal code. I was advised by them to use 99999 as a zip code to access their website, and have had no problems. Perhaps the same principle can be applied to the gas stations. It's none of their business where you are from when fueling up, so long as you get our money. We used Chevron gas stations excusively on our trip to DL from BC last year without any problems. Worse case senario use 92802, the zip code for DL.

 

[aristocat65]

I don't think the zip code is actually used for any specific purpose - I ran into this problem at a gas station in Buffalo a while back and while I stood there thinking "I don't have a zip code", I suddenly realized I had one zip code in my head that I could remember - 90210 - who doesn't know that?! Anyway, I typed it in and went on pumping gas - it accepted it and had nothing to do with being connected to my credit card. I was once in NYC buying subway passes and the same thing happened when I used my credit card - entered 90210 and away I went!

That's funny, because this is our "go to" zip code too. (The power of TV!) We were at a gas station a few years ago and my DH is trying to fill up and says he need a zipcode. Right away I said, "try 90210". It has worked for us ever since.

 

[glendalais]

Hmmm, interesting! It could be due to the American machines don't have access to Canadian zip codes anyway since they don't recognize the letters. Just a guess

It's probably something along those lines. I do know that US-issued cards will decline if you enter the wrong Zip Code. I moved houses a while ago, and my current Zip Code is the same as my former one, except that the two last numbers are transposed. It took quite a few embarassing situations to remember which one was correct, lol.

 

[sjsjbrook]

I use 90210 on websites that ask for a zip code. It's the only one I know. I wonder how many of us have increased the population of Beverly Hills.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

We've tried the 90210 zip at the RaceTrac gas station on 192 (near I4) heading into WDW and can tell you that it does not work We've even tried the zip of our hotel and that didn't work ... looking forward to trying our debit card next time though

 

[rjan67]

It also flags your card to your credit card company (if you use the wrong zip). It looks like someone has stolen it and if you do it too many times, it may freeze your account until you call them. I also have this problem as I have a Target Visa but a Canadian address = no zip!

 

[bankr63]

I tried using the hotel zip at a gas station (Shell) in Orlando - no joy. It would not recognize the zip.

What we do is send DW into the station with the card while DH (me) pumps the gas. That way she can keep an eye on the card until the transaction is complete. And it is a joint card, so NO I am not making her pay for the gas!

M Ross

 

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

we just returned from a drive down from calgary to LA and back and had to pre pay at all stations wether chevron shell or what have you. none of them accepted our debit card and most looked at us with stars in their eyes when asked if they accept canadian debit....it's kinda silly they're so far behind on this technology!

all 8 states we drove through had the same policies....