Starcraft21SSO
Atlanta, Ga.
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Joined: 10/18/2011
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camp-n-family wrote:Don't think it will work in all cases. Are there zip codes that start with zeros? For example my postal code is N0M 2J0 which would be 02000. I did a search on USPS site and it doesn't exist. What now?
Being from the US I've never heard of this trick until now. However, I can tell you that the zip code being valid should not affect processing. The pump is simply verifying against your CC account and whatever zip in the database.
2002 Starcraft TravelStar (21SSO) Hybrid TT
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2chiefsRus
USA Somewhere
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there are zip codes in the US that do begin with zero - I believe they are in the northeast area of the US.
Dave & Kathy
2007 Monaco Knight 40PDQ towing 2003 Odyssey
Fulltime since October 2007
Before you give someone a piece of your mind, make sure you can get by with what will be left.
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almcc
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 01/15/2006
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Yes, I have a number of zeros in our postal code and the "trick" has worked everywhere this year in the US, it did as well (with one exception) last winter as well.
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robatthelake
Vancouver Island
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It has Never worked for Me using Visa ,Master Card or American Express! I just send the DW in with the Card or go in and Pay XXX Amount .
One Thing that you don't want to do is OverPay because in some Stations that involves a Refund to Your card. Refunds Cost Canadian's an extra service charge.
Rob & Jean
98 Dutch Star Diesel Pusher ..92 Tracker 4X2
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moisheh
North America
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The system is not designed to work that way. There as many people who have luck with that trick as there are those who do not. The system cannot recognize your postal code from that trick. You are really only entering 3 numbers. Using that system many of us would end up with the same 5 numbers. So R3M 3N8 would have the same 5 digit number as R3W 3D8. These may not actually be postal codes but you should get the idea. It is likely that some of the pumps ask for the info and it works. But I bet you could enter any zip code and it would also work. Other pumps do not work as they require your actual ZIP.
Moisheh
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You can't take the Fisherman out of this Camper
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 04/09/2004
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camp-n-family wrote:Don't think it will work in all cases. Are there zip codes that start with zeros? For example my postal code is N0M 2J0 which would be 02000. I did a search on USPS site and it doesn't exist. What now?
Just for your info... my son followed me to Florida two weeks ago. He used his credit card and his postal code numbers plus two zero's were, 02000 and his card worked at every fuel pump he went to!!
1960's: Tents.. 1970's: Soft top & Hard top P/U.. 1980's: 17' RV.. 1990's: 24' RV.. 2000's: 2002 Cougar 276EFS; 2005 Laredo 29GS; 2002 GMC 2500HD Ext Cab 4x4;(Nfld/Labrador-Yukon/NWT/Alaska-Gaspe', Que./Florida!!)
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2oldman
Winchester WA
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Canadian zip code fuel thread 2007
Canadian zip code fuel thread 2010
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Paleo Ron
Ontario
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It's me again, the original poster. I think Golden_HVAC has the right idea. I'll call Mastercard at their toll-free number and see what they say. I've tried a ramdom 5-digit number as well as my sister's zip code (who lives in the States), and neither one has worked. And yes, it so happens that my "cheater" number would be 03000. I'll try it and we'll see, but I'm a bit skeptical. Thanks again people. I'll let you know.
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Lorne&Lorraine
Ottawa, ON
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Joined: 04/14/2003
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The postal code zeros thing will not work if the address verification system (AVS) is fully functional at a station in question. If AVS has been fully implemented (which it has not been at all stations) the computer compares the ZIP code you have entered at the pump with the ZIP that is on file with your credit card issuer. If they don't match, the pump will not turn on. I have tried different credit cards with different "tricks" all across the US and some of them work some of the time but none of them work all of the time.
Now I just put my US mailing address on one of my Canadian bank issued US $ cards and that works at the pump every time. You can also use a Canadian debit card with PIN at the pump at stations associated with the NYCE network. Not all Canadian bank cards will work and not all US stations participate. The Canadian banks were charging a fee each time their debit cards were used in this fashion. I see CIBC is now advertising international transactions with their Canadian debit card but I don't know if they are charging a fee or if they are just catching up with the other banks. I can also use my USA bank issued debit card and PIN at the pump (no transaction fee) but I prefer using a credit card.
So there are several ways to deal with this issue other than going inside and waiting in the slurpee/lottery ticket line. Of course, some profess to like the exercise and change of pace.
Lorne Ross
2003 Pleasure-Way Ford Excel TD
Camped the lower 48 states and 9 provinces
Most multiple times and now on the repeat!
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Golden_HVAC
Fulltime, CA, USA
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Joined: 08/19/2003
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My suggestion is to call the Mastercard people, and ask. Tell them you plan on driving to Florida, or wherever, and that you will be filling your RV with $300 in fuel from time to time.
The banks are very understanding (especially if you pay the bill on time) and want to keep you as a customer. They should give you the proper billing code, or another code to put into the pumps.
Otherwise how about using a ATM, and then you enter the 4 digit code that you pick out? Easier to remember.
Fred.
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