The American Gas-Pump SECRET Zip Code Generator!

[Bartron]

Ok, if you're like me, you've been annoyed by the throngs of gas pumps in the US that insist on prepayment but, after going through all the Credit steps, spoil your efficiency because they want your zip code.

I believe a couple buddies and I have found the solution. It was presented to us by a wonderful little lady behind the counter at one of these stations who provided us with a SECRET CODE.

Here's how it works:

You need to fabricate a zip code which will allow the credit card company to verify the billing address for your credit card. The new zip code is created using your existing postal code.

For example, if your postal code is

A1B 2C3

Then your zip code is 12300.

See what just happened there? You take the three digits in the order that they appear in your postal code, then tack on two zeroes.

Some examples:
Santa (H0H 0H0) would use 00000 for his backup generator (since feeding gasoline to reindeer is illegal).
Mr. Harper (T2V 5A8) would use 25800 when filling up his Camaro on a trip to Vegas.
The minister of international trade (L9N 1M7) would use 91700 to fuel his pickup carrying softwood lumber.

You get the idea so now go and try it and let us know how it worked out for you.

CAVEATS:
1. We only had success with Visa but in fairness only tried MC once.
2. We only tried this in Washington State - as that's where we were before coming back across the border.
3. If you use this for criminal gain, karmageddon will find you.

[Thraan]

Awesome tip, I will have to try it next time I'm down south. Thanks!

[IKIGAI]

Hot damn, I hope this works.

Oregon's the only state I like fueling up in -- the pump jockey's will take the cash or credit right there at the pump.
Getting gas anywhere else on the west coast, is a pain in the mangina.

[Grizzler]

Thanks - I hate when I can't use my CC for odd reasons like this (versus the well is dry).

==Grizzler

Originally Posted by Bartron

Ok, if you're like me, you've been annoyed by the throngs of gas pumps in the US that insist on prepayment but, after going through all the Credit steps, spoil your efficiency because they want your zip code.

I believe a couple buddies and I have found the solution. It was presented to us by a wonderful little lady behind the counter at one of these stations who provided us with a SECRET CODE.

Here's how it works:

You need to fabricate a zip code which will allow the credit card company to verify the billing address for your credit card. The new zip code is created using your existing postal code.

For example, if your postal code is

A1B 2C3

Then your zip code is 12300.

See what just happened there? You take the three digits in the order that they appear in your postal code, then tack on two zeroes.

Some examples:
Santa (H0H 0H0) would use 00000 for his backup generator (since feeding gasoline to reindeer is illegal).
Mr. Harper (T2V 5A8) would use 25800 when filling up his Camaro on a trip to Vegas.
The minister of international trade (L9N 1M7) would use 91700 to fuel his pickup carrying softwood lumber.

You get the idea so now go and try it and let us know how it worked out for you.

CAVEATS:
1. We only had success with Visa but in fairness only tried MC once.
2. We only tried this in Washington State - as that's where we were before coming back across the border.
3. If you use this for criminal gain, karmageddon will find you.

[Hockeygod]

I too have used this in Washington State (with Visa) and it worked for me... mainly used Safeway Gas Stations.

[H96669]

Thanks.....I'm heading that way tomorrow,all the way across, I'm sure I'll hit some of them pumps while getting my frequent doses of Ethanol....

And an easy one at that to remember....01000.

[Bartron]

Originally Posted by Hockeygod

I too have used this in Washington State (with Visa) and it worked for me... mainly used Safeway Gas Stations.

Interestingly enough, it was at a Safeway station where the secret was divulged.

[Drif10]

Gonna have to try that. Ain't hard to remember 03000.

Always annoyed the crap outta me, cause when I'm in get there mode, I splash and go at the pumps, you lose so much time when you stop otherwise. With the GSA, I can get 700 kms a tank, so covering distance just got easier if this works.

Thanks for that.

[BackRoader]

Thanks, I could have used your little secret more than once on last months trip to the World Super Bike Races in Salt Lake City.

One of the fellows with us was some pissed off as it was nearly impossible to pay with cash as the pumps will not turn on until he pre-paid for the gas.
( that's like the core areas of Winnipeg)

Oh well next trip I will try it out.

[timk519]

+1 - I can't think how much time I lost to this prepay (and sometimes having to go back again to get a credit!).

I talked to Visa about this, and apparently there are some generic numbers that'll work for Cdn cards. (I don't remember what they are though).

Drop them a line and ask.

[the kaz]

ok this would be AWESOME if it works for me
I will try it next weekend

[Drif10]

Originally Posted by the kaz

ok this would be AWESOME if it works for me
I will try it next weekend

Let us know how it works out for you, if you would.

[Country Doc]

I'll try it this week. Driving the truck down to North Carolina and back on a camping trip with my son.

03000, just like Drif.

dc

[Toadride]

Guess I'm in the dark here. Don't think I've ever used a credit card to fill up the bike. Just debit. Are you saying that if you plug in a credit card, you are asked to enter your zip code? or is this over the counter?

[the kaz]

Originally Posted by Toadride

Guess I'm in the dark here. Don't think I've ever used a credit card to fill up the bike. Just debit. Are you saying that if you plug in a credit card, you are asked to enter your zip code? or is this over the counter?

When you use a Canadian credit card at a USA gas pump.....not over the counter and not when useing actual gas cards