Gas pumps-the actual pumps, not pricing

[D900SP]

LooneyTunes said:

D900SP said:

I've never had a problem with either pre-paying, using a US debit or credit card at the machine or going into the shop and using cash or a card in several western states

You shouldn't have a problem using a US-issued card at the pump... but any of us Brits visiting get our UK-issued cards rejected. Legitimate UK postal (zip) codes are alphanumeric (so we can't enter them) and picking a US zip just gets declined as it clearly doesn't match the one logged against the card holder's address.

Sure you can pre-pay, but it's a right PITA if you're just wanting to fill a hire car before dropping off and have no idea of either the fuel economy or tank size.

We usually get round it by electing to buy the tank at the time of hire and just adding the odd splash of fuel if it looks like we might run dry.

I am a Brit and have used my UK cc at the shop for fuel, never tried at the pump though.

Pre-pay at the shop if you don't know the tank's capacity? the last time I had a rental, the shop just ran the card just like it was at the pump. Again, in my experience, a non-issue.

[HD Adam]

D900SP said:

LooneyTunes said:

D900SP said:

I've never had a problem with either pre-paying, using a US debit or credit card at the machine or going into the shop and using cash or a card in several western states

You shouldn't have a problem using a US-issued card at the pump... but any of us Brits visiting get our UK-issued cards rejected. Legitimate UK postal (zip) codes are alphanumeric (so we can't enter them) and picking a US zip just gets declined as it clearly doesn't match the one logged against the card holder's address.

Sure you can pre-pay, but it's a right PITA if you're just wanting to fill a hire car before dropping off and have no idea of either the fuel economy or tank size.

We usually get round it by electing to buy the tank at the time of hire and just adding the odd splash of fuel if it looks like we might run dry.

I am a Brit and have used my UK cc at the shop for fuel, never tried at the pump though.

Pre-pay at the shop if you don't know the tank's capacity? the last time I had a rental, the shop just ran the card just like it was at the pump. Again, in my experience, a non-issue.

The petrol station owner apparently has the option to turn the Zip Code function off at the pumps.

At the last Shell station before Intercontinental Airport in Houston, they have done this very thing and when I commented on it, they said it's because they get so many non Americans returning hire cars and doing a fill up there.

[Ten Ninety]

D900SP said:

I am a Brit and have used my UK cc at the shop for fuel, never tried at the pump though.

Pre-pay at the shop if you don't know the tank's capacity? the last time I had a rental, the shop just ran the card just like it was at the pump. Again, in my experience, a non-issue.

Yes, I have found that they will run the card like it's at the pump which avoids the guesstimation and pump slow-down... if you then leave your card inside with them whilst you go out and fill! You then go back in to collect your card and receipt afterwards, which means queueing twice, and trusting them not to do anything untoward with your card whilst it's out of your sight.

Clearly our experiences are different. I've racked up many thousands of miles in the South West over the years and have seen my fair share of gas stations but seeing as you appear to live in the US, I'm sure your experience is more representative than mine. Nevertheless, I maintain that the use of a Zip code as a farcical 'security' measure, whilst a non-issue for those with US cards, achieves absolutely nothing other than to annoy non-resident tourists.

[HD Adam]

Ten Ninety said:

Nevertheless, I maintain that the use of a Zip code as a farcical 'security' measure, whilst a non-issue for those with US cards, achieves absolutely nothing other than to annoy non-resident tourists.

It stops stolen cards being used.

If you "lost" your card and somebody picked it up, they could go and use it at a pump to fill their car.

When you noticed your CC was gone, you would cancel the card and dispute payment.

The CC company would not then pay the petrol station so the owners would lose out on a tank of fuel.

They are only doing it to protect themselves, which seems sensible.

[Ten Ninety]

HD Adam said:

It stops stolen cards being used.

That's my point, though - it really doesn't. As I said before, if you 'found' someone else's card that had yet to be reported lost then you could just go inside and pre-pay with the cashier, as they just 'swipe to authorise' and never check the signature anywhere, ever.