It is possible that the zip code to where the monthly statements are mailed are encoded on the magnetic strip on the credit cards. The Vending machines are in constant contact with a central switcher which routes the transactions to the card issuers so the verification may be at that point.

One day I transposed a number on the keypad and it would not accept the transaction but when i tried again and typed it in correctly, the transaction went through.

northie - the MetroCard machine are the only place you will be asked for a zip code on a transaction for a credit card. Since you can't sign anywhere to complete the transaction, the entering of the zip code cuts down on people using stolen credit cards to buy MetroCards because they won't know the zip code of the person it was stolen from.

Thanks but I think I'll have cash handy.

I can't remember the last time I pumped my own gas when I wasn't asked to enter my zip code. That seems standard.

Actually, we're never asked to input our zip code, so it would still seem unusual to us.

Alan we have chips in our credit cards, and just use a pin in New Zealand. In the US though we had to sign each time, but the signature was never checked!!!

Alan,

Cash is always good but a couple of things ot be aware of when using cash in a MetroCard Vending Machine:

The maximum amount of change the machines will give back is $8.00 If your transactions will result in change back above $8.00, the machine will not complete the transaction.

Any change given back will be in the form of dollar coins (for amounts equaling $1.00) and smaller denomination coins.

Subway station booths which are cash only will not accept large denomintation bills for small transactions:

Example: a $50.00 bill for a $20.00 transaction. A $100.00 bill for anything less than a $75.00 transaction.

Thanks nysguy. I have some $20 now but will get a couple of $10's while in Texas to make life easier.

We are off on our two month trip this morning. The house sitter had another inspection yesterday afternoon and will be taking us to our Sydney flight later this morning. Very excite but not as nervous as I was a week ago.

Thanks everyone on this board for their help in this and other threads. One could do it without you, but not nearly as well.

Have a wonderful time, Alan! Can't wait to hear all about your trip and you're right--the New York folks on Fodor's are very helpful and I think you'll find that New Yorkers are just as nice and helpful IRL.

Oh, and dont use any bills older than 1995. I had some old bills, $10 from 1989, $1 - 1985, $20 from perhaps 1992/3 and the machines wont take them.

I now use only ATM card to purchase/fill-up Metrocards as I dont want to use cash. Never been asked to enter zip; just pin.

Entering your billing zip code is becoming standard on the US east coast and Middle Atlantic states, especially for gas. The 99999 trick will be useful to our Scots relations this summer.

You have to enter a zip code at gas stations in California too.

I've never had to enter my zip code at a gas station in Northern California.