24 replies to this topic

[thelowpriceleader]

I'm noticing the practice of gas pumps wanting zip codes for Credit Card Use seems to be decreasing in my area. What are others noticing? I can think of a few station locations (different brands) that were requiring zip code, but have stopped. Other station locations of the same brand and same dealer/owner still want zip code, and some other locations of the same brand and same dealer/owner have never wanted a zip code.

[Unas2k5]

Most gas stations are independantly owned and operated.

[BBQ123]

I've noticed more gas pumps want the zip code.

I've also noticed that the gas station that gives a "cash discount" of 5 cents a gallon is losing business because people see the big sign saying "$2.69/gallon" and can't see the tiny tiny wording of "cash price," and then when they go to the pump and pay it charges them $2.74/gallon" and people don't like being deceived.

[GEORGE]

I'm noticing the practice of gas pumps wanting zip codes for Credit Card Use seems to be decreasing in my area. What are others noticing? I can think of a few station locations (different brands) that were requiring zip code, but have stopped. Other station locations of the same brand and same dealer/owner still want zip code, and some other locations of the same brand and same dealer/owner have never wanted a zip code.

YES...

ZIP CODE IS NOT THE SAME AS DEMANDING A DRIVER'S LICENSE TO COMPLETE THE SALE

Edited by GEORGE, 02 November 2009 - 10:08 AM.

[GEORGE]

I've noticed more gas pumps want the zip code.

I've also noticed that the gas station that gives a "cash discount" of 5 cents a gallon is losing business because people see the big sign saying "$2.69/gallon" and can't see the tiny tiny wording of "cash price," and then when they go to the pump and pay it charges them $2.74/gallon" and people don't like being deceived.

THE ONE PLACE THAT I KNOW OF THAT USED THE CASH DISCOUNT SCAM WENT OUT OF BUSINESS LIKE 2 YEARS AGO

Edited by GEORGE, 02 November 2009 - 10:09 AM.

[Uncle Leo]

Zip code never really caught on around here. You see it asked for occasionally, but not often.

Cash discounts the same. Every so often someone will try them, then apparently find out they don't work as well as expected, and discontinue them.

[hinklesc]

The station here that gives the "cash discount" is usually pretty desolate. Their cash discount price is the same as other stations (that take cash, credit, etc.). Then their "credit" gas price is higher.

Most of the convenience of using a card is pay at the pump. I can just swipe card, pump, and go. I hate going inside, waiting in line, then going back out to pump. Many times the clerk doesn't do something right so you have to go in twice.

If it were like the good old days (not long ago), you could pump first, then pull up front and run your money in. Since it is now prepay, much easier to use a card.

Edited by hinklesc, 02 November 2009 - 10:15 AM.

[Uncle Leo]

I've also noticed that the gas station that gives a "cash discount" of 5 cents a gallon is losing business because people see the big sign saying "$2.69/gallon" and can't see the tiny tiny wording of "cash price," and then when they go to the pump and pay it charges them $2.74/gallon" and people don't like being deceived.

The deception doesn't seem to hurt retail stores that advertise...

SAVE up to 50%!!!

[GEORGE]

The station here that gives the "cash discount" is usually pretty desolate. Their cash discount price is the same as other stations (that take cash, credit, etc.). Then their "credit" gas price is higher.

Most of the convenience of using a card is pay at the pump. I can just swipe card, pump, and go. I hate going inside, waiting in line, then going back out to pump. Many times the clerk doesn't do something right so you have to go in twice.

If it were like the good old days (not long ago), you could pump first, then pull up front and run your money in. Since it is now prepay, much easier to use a card.

The one place here that gave a "CASH DISCOUNT" was $0.05--->$0.10 HIGHER than all the other stations
with-in 5 or 10 miles for their "DISCOUNTED" cash price

Edited by GEORGE, 02 November 2009 - 10:19 AM.

[higher180]

I've only seen one gas station in my area that gives a discount for cash, and that was swifty, and no one goes there for some reason lol

[improper_validation]

No stations around here ask for zip at the pump, and they all allow you to pump then pay if you like.

I don't mind entering my ZIP when asked though.

[hurricanesfans27]

zip code imho is no big deal

[GEORGE]

I've only seen one gas station in my area that gives a discount for cash, and that was swifty, and no one goes there for some reason lol

The same thing with the ONE here that totally died

[whar8]

Zip code is permitted as part of AVS (Address Verfication) for US only. I forget all the details but the MA merchant guide book has a nice and simple to understand section on it. Though I do find some use it for survey purposes and it is random and others it is a fraud prevention technique.

[Uncle Leo]

Zip code is permitted as part of AVS (Address Verfication) for US only. I forget all the details but the MA merchant guide book has a nice and simple to understand section on it. Though I do find some use it for survey purposes and it is random and others it is a fraud prevention technique.

Hope so, because the US is the only country that has "ZIP Codes".

[Minnesota]

I believe for most transactions, by inputting your zip, they company pays the same interchange fee as if you were to have signed the paper. Meaning for example, they pay 1.5% instead of 1.75%. So it can save the merchant some money...

I may be wrong, but...

[AlwaysPIF]

It's not a huge inconvenience, so I don't mind the practice

[Mike SIU]

So many places now ask for my zip.

Today I shopped at Walgreens and a burger place called Fat Patties and both needed the zip to process the transaction.

I kinda like this safeguard

[Mike SIU]

Uncle Leo
Hope so, because the US is the only country that has "ZIP Codes".

My "Postleitzahl" in Austria is 5020. Direct translation is postal code aka "Zip Code"

[Labyrinthine]

There is this gas station down the road from me that always has shockingly lower prices than the others. And now I know why. Last night they were priced at $2.68/gallon and the others were $2.79+. So, of course, I go to 2.68 station.

I live in Oregon where you cannot pump your own gas. So I tell the attendant to fill up the car and go to hand him my card. He tells me I have to go inside to pay. I can pay cash at the pump but I have to pay via card inside. Ok. This is a hassle, but whatever. So, I go inside and proceed to be told I will be charged 75cents to use my card! I was only putting about 5 gallons in my tank so that would bring the price per gallon to 2.83 - a full .04 more than the other stations. Screw that, I walked over to their ATM and pulled out cash (gotta love the free ATM usage I get from my bank).

Not only do I have to get out of my car (unheard of around here) to pay at this station, but I get the pleasure of paying MORE as well. I think not.

[GEORGE]

There is this gas station down the road from me that always has shockingly lower prices than the others. And now I know why. Last night they were priced at $2.68/gallon and the others were $2.79+. So, of course, I go to 2.68 station.

I live in Oregon where you cannot pump your own gas. So I tell the attendant to fill up the car and go to hand him my card. He tells me I have to go inside to pay. I can pay cash at the pump but I have to pay via card inside. Ok. This is a hassle, but whatever. So, I go inside and proceed to be told I will be charged 75cents to use my card! I was only putting about 5 gallons in my tank so that would bring the price per gallon to 2.83 - a full .04 more than the other stations. Screw that, I walked over to their ATM and pulled out cash (gotta love the free ATM usage I get from my bank).

Not only do I have to get out of my car (unheard of around here) to pay at this station, but I get the pleasure of paying MORE as well. I think not.

1st problem...have to have somebody pump the gas

I was trained to pump gas before I could DRIVE

When we went to OREGON it was really hard to let them pump the gas
(and on top of knowing how to pump gas since before I could drive...I was a manager of a FULL SERVICE/SELF SERVICE GAS STATION IN CA)
...we even had a couple mechanics

FEE TO USE A CREDIT CARD IS A VIOLATION OF CREDIT CARD POLICY (unless you are talking DEBIT)

Edited by GEORGE, 07 February 2010 - 11:32 AM.

[improper_validation]

Let them charge the fee, get a receipt and file a chargeback for the 75 cent fee.

[GEORGE]

Let them charge the fee, get a receipt and file a chargeback for the 75 cent fee.

+1

or

EDJUMICATE THEM IN ADVANCE ABOUT THE FEE AND DEMAND THEY DON'T CHARGE IT

[BBQ123]

Let them charge the fee, get a receipt and file a chargeback for the 75 cent fee.

+1

or

EDJUMICATE THEM IN ADVANCE ABOUT THE FEE AND DEMAND THEY DON'T CHARGE IT

Sometimes you'll get the ENTIRE SALE refunded on a dispute over the fee.

[tedjones666]

redbox also does this