ZIP Code Verification at the Pump

How does the Zip Code Verification Program work?

This program is a security program that protects the card holder’s information from fraud and improper use. The ZIP Code verification program only applies to outside transactions using the following consumer credit cards:

VISA

MasterCard

Discover

American Express

The following types of cards are NOT part of this program: Diners Club, Voyager, Wright Express, Debit or ATM Cards, Fleet and other proprietary cards, other third party cards. Transactions using any type of card inside the store do not require zip code verification.

Cardholders using a credit card at the pump will be prompted to enter the 5-digit ZIP Code for the card’s BILLING ADDRESS. The ZIP Code will be included and processed with the authorization request sent to the cardholder’s issuing bank. The consumer’s card issuing bank will compare the ZIP Code submitted to the cardholder’s BILLING ADDRESS ZIP Code and review for purchase approval.

What if the entered ZIP Code fails authorization?

Please remember that Pump n Pantry is not supplying approval of a card’s authorization to purchase. The card’s request for authorization is being electronically sent to the card’s issuing bank that is responsible for either authorizing or declining the purchase. Common reasons a card is declined because the zip code entered at the pump did not match the zip code on file with the issuing bank are:

  1. Cardholder is using a company supplied card and enters their home zip code rather than the billing zip code of the card (account statement business address zip code).
  2. Cardholder recently moved and issuing bank either has not updated its files yet, or the cardholder has not yet notified the bank of the new address change.
  3. Cardholder mistakenly entered the wrong zip code – try again!
  4. Someone from another country (Canada, Europe, etc.) will be unable to use their cards at the pump and will have to pay inside (ZIP Code verification is not required for inside transactions).

If a card is not accepted at the pump, or if there is difficulty entering the zip code, please pay the sales associate inside the store. Inside transactions do not require zip code verification.

What is the Zip Code Verification Program and why is it needed?

The credit card industry’s name for Zip Code Verification is the "AVS Program", which stands for "Address Verification Service Program". The AVS Program was created to help protect consumers from fraudulent use of their credit cards when used at the pump. Since the implementation of the "pay-at-the-pump" system, consumers have been provided greater convenience in purchasing fuel; however, because these transactions occur in an unattended environment with no verification of cardholder PIN or signature, this has resulted in increased credit card fraud. The AVS Program requires consumers to enter their 5-digit account billing ZIP Code when using the "pay-at-the-pump" feature. Studies have shown that people who do not know the cardholder’s billing address commit the most fraud. By verifying even a portion of the consumer’s card account billing address, we can improve chances of intercepting fraudulent transactions. Pump n Pantry is joining the industry in implementing this very effective fraud prevention program.

We hope the above information helps you to better understand the AVS Program and why Pump n Pantry has initiated this program. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this program feel free to contact us at www.pumpnpantry.com and click on the "Contact Us" page.