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, usually when one is asked for a zip code, it's for security reasons. Not always. 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 "locked out" 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 "credit" 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.