ZIP codes were introduced in the 1960s to track mail, but they are now in use in the payments industry.
Often, credit card issuers and payment companies will use ZIP codes in order to identify card owners. This, like most data collected by card companies, is used for reasons of security and user tracking.
You probably will not need to use your ZIP code in most transactions, but it is a good idea to become familiar with how ZIP codes work in relation to your bank account and what to put for your zip code on a debit card payment.
What to Put for Your ZIP Code on Debit Card Purchases
Debit cards do not usually have ZIP codes printed on them. Usually, prepaid cards only have your 16-digit card number, your expiration date, and CVV code printed on them.
You do not usually need to provide your prepaid card ZIP code when you make purchases with your prepaid card.
Point-of-sale terminals may ask you for other information or retrieve your personal information from your card’s chip or magnetic stripe, but you will rarely need to enter your ZIP code.
Although your card might not have a ZIP code attached to it, you should be familiar with the number because there are situations where you have to provide that information, particularly when making online purchases.
When Are Debit Card ZIP Codes Required for Payments?
When you sign up for a prepaid card, you might need to provide a ZIP code, area code, or other information about your location. This data, along with your street address, will help card companies ensure that you live in an area serviced by the company and verify your identity.
After you provide your prepaid card ZIP code for the first time, you will rarely need to enter it again unless you make specific purchases. For example; many automated gas pumps in the United States require card users to enter their ZIP code due to a large amount of theft in that industry. Similarly, many online payment portals include a field to enter your ZIP code.
If you move to a different city or state, you should update your ZIP code for your prepaid card along with the rest of your street address. You can do this by contacting your prepaid card provider.
Are Billing Addresses Required for Debit Cards?
You usually need to provide a billing address when you are issued a debit card. Your financial institution will send monthly balance and spending statements to that address.
While it is more common for prepaid card issuers to allow you to manage your balance online without paper statements, most card providers still require you to provide an address when you sign up for a card for security reasons.
It is important to note that billing addresses and shipping addresses are not always the same. When you make an online purchase with your card, you can often provide a shipping address that is different from your billing address.
In fact, shipped items usually do not even need to be sent to your own address. You can send them to the addresses of family, friends, or anyone else.
What ZIP Code to Use for a Visa Gift Card
Depending on the card issuer, you may not need a ZIP code for a Visa gift card. You may be able to purchase and use a gift card using simply the card number, CVV, and PIN if applicable.
Some issuers do, however, require a billing address and ZIP code when purchasing or activating the card. Even if the issuer does not, some machines or online portals may request a ZIPcode to complete a purchase.
If you received the gift card by mail, the ZIPcode will likely already be correct. If it was purchased and activated for you, there is a chance the purchaser already entered a gift card ZIPcode. If you do not know what that code may be, there will almost certainly be an online portal (listed either on the card or in the packaging) where you can update the billing address and ZIPcode associated with the card. Simply log in and update to your preferred ZIPcode.
Gift Card ZIP Code Workarounds
Note that many automated systems such as online portals simply require a valid ZIPcode in order to submit the purchase query. It does not necessarily matter what that ZIPcode is as long as it's valid. So, if you are unable to update or verify what ZIP code to use for a Visa gift card, you may try just any ZIP code.
Additionally, many gift cards can be processed both as debit or credit transactions. If you find a machine that won't process the credit transaction without a ZIP code, (for instance at a gas pump), try going directly to the teller and (as long as you have a PIN) you may be able to complete the transaction as a debit purchase.
Payset’s Business Debit Card Solution
Payset is in the process of offering a prepaid card solution that you will be able to use in 34 currencies and in 180+ countries around the world.
Here are a select few of the many benefits of our multicurrency account and (future) debit card solution:
Foreign Exchange Access
Payset offers support for 34 different currencies, meaning that you will be able to swap the balance on your card between different foreign currencies as needed.
With our multi-currency accounts, you can save money by paying in the local currency or swapping up to 38 currency pairs to take advantage of the strongest-performing currency at any given moment.
Multi-Currency Support
With a Payset multi currency debit card, you will be able to hold up to 34 different currencies at once and use your balance in any currency you like.
When you spend the local currency in each country you travel to or do business in, Payset can usually send it over that country’s local banking network, allowing for faster and often cheaper transactions compared to transactions sent over international settlement networks.
Physical and Virtual Cards
When Payset begins issuing prepaid cards, you’ll get access to a physical plastic card and a virtual card, making it easier for you to do online banking and spend money.
It’s an ideal option for anyone, whether you are spending money online, in your home country, or when you travel abroad.
Sign up now using the "Get Started" button below or contact us for more information!
