Paying for fuel using uk credit card whilst in the usa

Bammosan

Does anyone know of a work around for the problem of paying for fuel at gas stations in the USA with UK credit cards on automatic fuel pumps? At one time this was easy to do, now you are requested for a ZIP code to enter similar to using a pin code here in the UK. However if you are a visitor to the USA you obviously don't have a ZIP code so how do you get around this problem other than paying by cash all the time which defeats the point of having a credit card which ironically was first used in the USA?

dzug1

I've heard that putting the zip code of the British Embassy in Washington (20008) works. OTH that may be an urban myth.

Or pay inside where the option is available.

Alt

I have had the same issue without managing to bypass it.

Two points:

1. As of last year when I tried in Texas, Sam's Club stations did not need a zipcode. obviously this might have been an exception or changed by now.

2. I try to pay at places where you have an attendant. Just leave your CC or some cash at the till and make sure to say you want to pay by CC.

goldspanners

could you not use the zip code of the hotel you might be staying at?

Premier_2

I've no idea what the Zip code is requested for, but can only guess it is for security purposes. e.g. the system checks that the Zip code is that of the billing address, else why ask for one?

Obviously, whatever zip code you give won't tally with the billing address of the card.