Postal Code / Zipcode
 

A while back I read about a series of numbers Canadians can use at the gas pump, etc. to replace our postal code when they ask for a zip code.
Can anyone remember what it was ?

:welcome:
I recall something in an older thread regarding using only the numbers and some zeros.....infront or before......I tried it some years ago and it didn't work....
Found the thread and this was the method I tried which didn't work.....

"Since this very problem ticked me off on the way home from Florida in Nov., I'm updating this thread with info I read in CSA News (Canadian Snowbird Association magazine)
According to a 'Bird Talk' contributor, you enter the three numbers in your postal code followed by 00 and this works as our (Canadian) equivalent of the zip code."

A1A 1A1 becomes 11100
Works at a lot of places but not all.
https://www.mastercard.ca/education/t...-gas-code.html
Where it wont work I estimate the cost and prepay.

Ask your card issuer or pay at the fuel desk.

NOTE: many pumps have authorization limits, the Fuel desk...Does not.

I just returned from Arizona and used my three numbers from postal code and two zeros and pressed enter. Worked on 99% of fuel pumps.

Norm

Seems to me it's a crap shoot. The digits from the Canadian Postal Code may or may not form the beginning of a valid US zip code, but most 3 digit numbers will very likely match up with something. Most, but not all, of the three digit prefixes from 010-999 are in use. Whether or not a "00" local suffix exists for those three is more questionable.

I just did a quick sample look-up on the USPS website. It reports that neither 01000 nor 11100 nor 23400 are valid zip codes. Zip-info.com says the same thing. Maybe the zip look-up that the pump authorization software uses is less precise?

Try yours at https://tools.usps.com/go/POLocatorAction.action

And it's just as bad, I found going from the US to Canada. Just go to the pay desk and have them start the pump. Yeah, I dislike making two trips as well, but we all need the exercise (or send your spouse:thumb:). Don't forget your receipt!!!!!!!

My postal code is N0A 1N4 and 01400 works most of the time.
It not a valid Zip code but is a way MasterCharge verifies that the user is the owner of the card.
In Canada most transactions require a PIN when using the card.

I didn't run into that where we stopped in ON, NB, NS and PEI - so just 'gave up' and went to the pay desk. The only card I have a PIN is a MC which is a bank ATM debit caard that I never use but at the bank for after hours cash withdrawals.

Probably, so one should not expect it to work with a Visa or other type card.

Just wondering, as I have had to enter it a lot while traveling.......whats wrong with entering your zip code at the pump.......During the card verification, if the entered zip does not match the card..........what happens? Denied?
After a quick online study...... https://business.time.com/2013/07/11/...e-just-say-no/

Bottom of the page address's gas pumps.....

Let me add that most Canadian Bank credit cards have a chip embedded. These require a PIN. When using that same card in the States no PIN is required.

Thanks everyone for the info, I've been away for a while. I went a different way that may work for all snow-birds. I get all my bills on internet so I called my bank and gave them the AZ. addy of the park, I told them why and they have no problem with that. Now I have that much sought after zip code. Again thanks everyone and hope this helps.