ZIP Codes vs. Postal Codes When Using a Credit Card

A postal code is an identifying piece of information found in a Canadian mailing address. A ZIP code is the U.S. equivalent. You may be asked to supply one of these codes when applying for a credit card or processing a credit card transaction.

Partner Spotlight

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

Our pick for the best airline credit card in Canada, with a strong intro offer of up to 50,000 Aeroplan points. Plus, the potential to receive a first-year annual fee rebate. T&Cs apply, account must be approved by January 6, 2025.

APPLY NOW

on TD's website

What is a credit card postal code?

Postal codes in Canada are a six-character string consisting of three letters and three digits. For example, the postal code for the CN Tower in Toronto is M5V 3L9. Every mailing address in Canada has a postal code, which helps mail carriers and couriers sort and deliver mail.

If you’re prompted for your credit card postal code when making a purchase online or over the phone, use the postal code from the billing address that’s on file with your card company.

What is a credit card ZIP code?

Residents of the United States have ZIP codes instead of postal codes. ZIP codes are five-digit numbers, such as the famous 90210.

Why credit card postal codes and ZIP codes matter

Your postal code or ZIP code acts as a security measure. When making purchases online with a credit card, you may be prompted to provide the mailing address or postal code associated with your card. This serves as a security check to ensure that you’re the one using your card.

While this system is not foolproof, it can help prevent thieves from charging fraudulent transactions to your card if all they have is your name and credit card number.

Using a Canadian postal code at U.S. gas pumps

If you travel to the U.S., you may be asked to provide a ZIP code when making a credit card transaction. This is especially common at gas stations. And it presents a problem if you’re paying with a Canadian credit card, since you can’t enter a postal code using letters and numbers.

Fortunately, there’s an easy solution. When prompted for your ZIP code, enter the three digits from your postal code, followed by “00.”

For example, if your postal code is M4B 1G5, your credit card ZIP code would be 41500. Mastercard recommends this strategy.

What happens if my ZIP code or postal code doesn’t work?

The ’00’ ZIP code strategy may not always work, so it’s practical to have a backup payment method, like a debit card or cash, while travelling in the U.S. That way, if your credit card is declined at the pump, you won’t be stranded.