I’ve used it and it works. But it is something the Canadian banks do. When asked the ZIP code check they compute as described in the link and verify it. It also works to fill a NY City Metro Card which requires a ZIP (although you can also pay cash at a kiosk, if there is one open). Unless the British bank has made a similar arrangement, it will likely not work for Brits. Or for residents of other countries.
In Australia we mainly use contactless chip and require a pin if over $100, works great and yes my card is also non embossed.
True enough, but the main reason they ask for it is to (theoretically) prevent fraud from spoofed cards.
I say “theoretically” because my card was compromised a month or two ago, and several gasoline purchases were made in New Jersey. Maybe the thief put “90210”!
Why is your license in your wallet? I keep mine separate.
Something I’ve not seen mentioned thus far is that here in the UK if chip and pin is not used, liability for any fraud is on the retailer; if chip and pin is used, liability for fraud is on the card provider. How does that work in America?
Unlike in the UK, we’re legally obligated to possess the actual document at all times when driving, though actually being cited is a sign that the cop was in a very grouchy mood. And depending on your usual habits (buying alcohol etc.), going around without ID can be an annoyance.
Indeed, but why keep it in your wallet? I too keep my driving license on me, but separate, not in my wallet.
As of three years ago* the card associations did require a sig but merchants could opt out under a certain amount (typically $25) if they wished. If it turned out the card was no longer valid, the merchant would eat the charge. It started with fast food places where speed is of the essence and presumably not many people presented a bad card but it has spread to others as well.
My credit union debit card is no longer embossed. Made it really quick when I had to get it replaced – the teller disappeared in the back for a couple minutes and came back with the new card instead of my having to get it in the mail. My bank credit and debit cards are expiring this fall. It’ll be interesting to see if they’re still embossed or not.
*I retired and things may have changed since then.
But with chip, it’s pretty hard to spoof the card. Presumably they made a copy of the magstripe, an the card was swiped.
As I said, 00000 has worked fine too for me for over a decade. I don’t think foreign banks validate the credit card zip code at all.
Yep.
There are still places that don’t have a chip-enabled reader. I forget where it was but I encountered one such fairly recently. I’d bet the restaurant didn’t have one, I’d bet the parking meter and vending machine didn’t either. The gas stations are a puzzlement.
My understanding is that now, if a business doesn’t have a chip-enabled reader, it is liable for any fraudulent charges.