VISA & MC in Manhattan
 

Is it possible to use mastercard and visa without a pin number? The system is changing in the UK - moving from a signature to a 4 digit pin and I was wondering if it is still ok to sign for purchases made in stores?

thanks

Yes. We don't have a pin number system here. Sometimes they ask for your zip code though.

I think the ZIP code is a marketing tool rather than a security measure, so you can refuse, or just make one up. I have notice no trend at all towards increased PIN use in the US, they're used only on debit cards.

The zip code is indeed used as an "address verification" and not just for marketing. If I enter the incorrect zip code when I get gas, the card is declined!

Assuming you're using a Visa or MC credit card, and not one of their debit cards, you won't need a PIN. If it is a debit card than yes, you will need to enter a PIN.

Dan,
Both answers are correct regarding zip codes. Some retailers, particularly self-serve gas stations where there is no interaction between an employee and customer, might be using it for verification. However, equally often it is part of a customer profile that a retailer is trying to build.

I can see zip codes being used for security reasons, but I also agree that zip code requests at retailers are often used strictly for marketing. I don't live in the US, so when I shop there I use various zip codes of friends and family in different states and have never had a problem.

Most retailers who ask for my zip are asking whether I use cash or credit. Linens 'N' Things does it every time I shop there.

If a credit card machine is asking for it, it's for address verification!

Wow Dan, a bit passionate about this issue I see. As I'm rarely if ever asked for my zip code when buying gas, perhaps you've got some issue with your FICO score that you might want to look into.

I get asked to put in my ZIP when I buy gas with my AmEx card, but not if I use my MasterCard, so I figured this was some AmEx security issue. I'm on equally wonderful terms with both accounts.

Dan, when a store asks for your zip code it's for marketing/advertising. I get Bed, Bath & Beyond mailed ads in my zip code, but my parents (who live closer to the store) don't.

This zip code business has nothing to do with FICO scores. I get asked for my zip code when paying for gas with a credit card at some self-serve stations too.

Being asked for a zipcode when paying at the pump when getting gas is a new one to me. I've frequently used both Amex and Visa and have never been asked for this info.
The zipcode request at stores is strictly a marketing thing.

I use my Visa card for gas and I get asked for my zipcode about 75% of the time.

Well we have to put our zip code in when we buy gas using a Visa card. Maybe it depends on the station one uses. No zip code, the charge cannot be made.

And some retailers ask for zip for strickly marketing reasons.

Interesting how a thread that started with a tourist to Manhattan - the least likely place in the country where a tourist would actually need to buy gas - into a thread that's 90% about using a credit card to buy gas.

Ryan, I was thinking the same thing.

Sometimes stores will even ask for a phone number. Now THAT I refuse to give, even though it's probably just for marketing.

*Especially* if it's just for marketing!

I mean, if they're using it to see where their customer base is, and perhoaps open stores closer to where people live. They did that with Home Depot, which has just opened several locations in Manhattan, because they were getting so many zip codes from there.

Enough of this. I feel responsible for a day of drivel. All Sally wanted to know was whether she was going to need a pin number.

Asking for a zip code is usually NOT a marketing measure but a security measure. If the entered zip code does not match with the billing address, you're in for a hassle. (I know -- I have credit cards that bill to different zip codes and have learned the hard way.)

Sometimes when using a credit card, the machine will ask for a pin. Just tell the salesperson it's "credit" and they'll fix it.

Enjoy!

Gekko, I' ve been asked for my ZIP code when paying cash.

Gekko, I' ve been asked for my ZIP code when paying cash. My sister's credit card bills all go to a PO box in a different ZIP than her home address and when she pays by cc but gives her home ZIP there's no problem.

Gekko, my deal is the same. We don't get mail at our home because there is no mail box. We get all of our mail at the PO Box which is in a different zip code than the one in which we reside.

Therefore, my zip billing address is different from my home address and I always give my home zip and not my billing zip.

I also get asked for a zip code when paying with cash. I don't see how it could possibly be used for security purposes. Why wouldn't the credit card thief live in your zip code? How could you be tracked down using your zip if your intent was to defraud the company?

gekko: Most retailers ask and key in the zip code even before they ring up the sale. It is definitely NOT a security issue. They do it if you are paying cash, using a gift cert, a credit card or a debit card.

Requiring a pin, like Dan says when buying gas - is a secutity issue - but it is only for those places where you are making the purchase w/o human contact. If there is a sales clerk, they are supposed to check for identification/signature (but we all know they don't always do it).

Even at that - only a small fraction of self service locations currently ask for zip codes.

Oops - meant to say "Requiring a ZIP CODE, like Dan says . . . "

When asked for my ZIP, I just tell them I live outside the US, which is true. Think I'll continue to use that line when I move back.

I live in Manhattan. I shop in Manhattan. I buy gasoline in Manhattan. Like I said, <i>usually</i> when one is asked for a zip code, it's for security reasons. <i>Not always</i>. On several occasions, most recently a few days ago at a gas station, when I've keyed in my home zip instead of my billing zip, I've been &quot;locked out&quot; and forced to show ID to use my VISA. Perhaps it's specific to certain card issuers? I don't know, but SallySally from the UK should be aware of the possibility.

As for how can it be an effective security measure, think about it for a moment. Someone finds your credit card on the street or steals your wallet/purse. If the thief doesn't know your billing zip code, he can't use the card without photo ID and a signature match. I personally like the security measure, having been a victim of identity theft not once but twice.

At retail stores like Bloomingdale's, I don't recall ever being asked for a zip code, but the card readers often ask for a PIN even when credit is being used. In that case, just say &quot;credit&quot; to the salesperson.

Dear God, please kill me.

I live, work, and spend money in Manhattan. You don't need a 4 digit PIN, Sally. Enjoy your trip!

My daughter received her credit card on the day we left for New York City- 17th December 2004. It needed a pin which had not arrived. The chance of this card to be used in NYC when she hadn't expected to have it available was too good to miss so she rang Mastercard to ask about the pin issue in the States. She was told she didn't need it which was correct.
Even better she still hasn't had the bill!

Frances: that PIN is only for cash advances, which are a very bad idea anyway, so she needn't have worried.