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What’s a Credit Card ZIP Code?

Published December 3, 2024

5 min read

Table of contents

Key points about: ZIP codes on credit cards

Some merchants require you to enter your credit card ZIP code to complete an online or in-person transaction.
The credit card ZIP code is the same as the ZIP code listed as your credit card billing address.
A ZIP code helps merchants verify your identity to prevent credit card fraud.

Credit card ZIP code basics

The credit card ZIP code is the five-digit ZIP code attached to your credit card billing address. If you're using a personal credit card registered to your home address, the code is usually your own residential ZIP code. For business credit cards registered to a business address, the card ZIP code is typically the same as the business location or office address.

When you shop online with your credit card, you may be asked to share card details, including your name as it appears on the account, the credit card number, the card verification value (CVV code), and the ZIP code. These measures make credit card transactions more secure.

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Is the credit card zip code the billing address or the mailing address?

The credit card ZIP code is usually the billing address ZIP code. This is often the same as your residential address, and it’s typically the address that you used to apply for the credit card. Suppose you receive mail at a different address than where you live, you’ve recently moved, or you’re temporarily living elsewhere. In that case, your mailing address may differ from your billing address. After moving, it’s generally a good idea to inform your credit card company of the change in address.

Can you use a PO box for a credit card?

When you apply for a credit card, your card issuer might require a valid residential address (not a PO box) to process your application. However, you could add a separate mailing address that the credit card company can use to send you bills or other documents. The mailing address could be a PO box, but your billing address would likely still be the residential address you initially provided. Your credit card ZIP code stays the same as your billing address.

What is a ZIP code on a credit card used for?

The ZIP code associated with your credit card billing address allows merchants to verify your identity as a cardmember if you use a credit card to make a payment. The credit card ZIP code essentially acts as a personal identification number, like those associated with debit cards, to provide additional security for transactions. If the zip code entered is incorrect, the transaction could be declined.

Online transactions

Some online transactions, including purchases and utility bill payments, may require you to type in your ZIP code or even your full billing address. This is because when you make an online purchase, the merchant can't always be sure that you’re the rightful owner of the card by reviewing a second form of identification. Instead, they may ask for your ZIP code to confirm your identity, as someone using a stolen credit card may not know the ZIP code associated with the card's billing address.

In-person transactions

Some in-person credit card transactions, like paying for gas at the pump, may require ZIP code verification. ZIP code verification for credit card purchases can help confirm that the cardmember is making the purchase and prevent fraudulent activity.

If someone else accesses your credit card (or even just card details) and your ZIP code, they could make unauthorized purchases with your card. According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, reviewing credit card statements regularly is a useful way to ensure that you’ve authorized the transactions and that there aren’t any suspicious charges.

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Can you use your credit card without the ZIP code?

You may be able to use your credit card without entering your ZIP code, depending on the merchant. Merchants can decide if they want this additional security measure; not everyone may require it. For example, restaurants often require your signature as a form of authorization rather than a ZIP code. Other transactions may allow you to bypass the ZIP code verification.

What's the difference between a postal code and ZIP code for a credit card?

ZIP codes and postal codes both serve to identify a particular region or delivery area in a specific country. However, they’re not exactly the same.

Postal code: A postal code usually includes a mix of numbers and letters to denote a specific geographic area. Postal codes are used by the postal service in various countries.

ZIP codes: ZIP codes are used mainly in the U.S. and are 5-digit numerical codes representing a given region, city, or delivery area.

If you plan to use a foreign credit card in the U.S., it’s a good idea to speak to your card issuer about options for transactions that require a ZIP code verification.

Can you change your credit card ZIP code?

Since your credit card ZIP code must match your billing address, you can’t change the former without changing the latter. If you move or have a change of address, notify your credit card issuer, and provide them with your updated address. When the credit card company updates your information in their records, the ZIP code associated with your card changes too.

Is a credit card zip code printed on the card?

No, ZIP codes aren’t printed on credit cards. Remember that your ZIP code acts as a security code, so while you should sign your credit card, avoid writing your ZIP code on your credit card. If your card is lost or stolen, a thief is less likely to have access to your personal information to make unauthorized or fraudulent purchases without your zip code.

Where can you find your credit card ZIP code?

Not sure what your credit card ZIP code is? Here’s how you can find out.

Look for your billing address on a recent credit card statement.
Log into your online banking account and review your billing address.
Contact customer service and confirm your address and ZIP code. The customer service team may require you to verify your identity with other personal information.

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