ZIP Code Validation for Payments

The card payment processor for Rogers Water Utilities made changes starting January 14, 2026, to enhance ZIP code validation as an improvement to mitigate fraud. This change goes into effect for all credit and debit card transactions processed through existing Chase merchant accounts starting June 15, 2026.

When you submit a card payment for processing, the ZIP code you enter must match the billing ZIP code on file with your card issuer. Payments with a mismatched ZIP code will be declined. This fraud prevention measure helps protect organizations and payers from unauthorized card use. As an enhanced security practice, it can also reduce the number of disputes related to fraudulent transactions, lowering the rate of chargebacks.

What is affected

All credit and debit card transactions, including payments made with stored cards are affected. If a stored card uses an incorrect or outdated billing ZIP code, payments using that card will be declined. You will see an error message like:

Verify your payment information with your bank before trying again.

Payments made by ACH or eCheck are NOT affected.

Common reasons for a billing ZIP code mismatch

• Have you recently moved and have not updated your billing address with the card issuer.

• Is the card associated with a work or secondary address.

• The bank has a different ZIP code format on file (5-digit vs. ZIP+4)