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In the USA some of the Consumer Goods stores (eg Sports Authority) used to ask for a ZIP Code; I used to blatantly tell them the ZIP Code of my Hotel as shown on the room key - they were happy to take it, they just needed to complete a mandatory field.

Contrary to your original question, I know that many USA Merchants progressed to getting a list from the Card Associations of which BINs represented US-issued Cards, so they could refer to them in the POS, and not bother asking foreigners for their ZIP. I've worked in a professional capacity with K-Mart, Walgreens & Wal-Mart on such a list.

Then if I'm buying any controlled drugs like Advil Cold Remedies containing pseudoephedrine (controlled because it is used to make methamphetamine aka crystal meth), I've have to provide my Passport (which doesn't contain my Address), and then provide my UK Drivers License which does (but doesn't show my photo), and then there's the consternation trying to fit a 7-character alpha-numeric UK PostCode into a 5 numeric ZIP?

Don't know if this still happens, but there used to be a 'fashion' amongst US residents to NOT actually sign their cards, but to write in the signature strip "ask to see Photo ID", thus prompting the sales clerk to ask for Drivers Licence with Photo - an interesting precaution so long as the sales clerk can be bothered to flip the card over? 

I warned my own staff a few years ago about relying on BankWizard.

It doesn't seem to have a formal arrangement with any of the Card Associations for keeping up to date with BINs. One of their employees told me they compiled their list anecdotally by inspecting the Cards in their own Wallets and Handbags.

That would tie up with RBS Natwest saying they done what was expected of them with the Visa Acquirers - and Experian/BankWizard is not an Acquirer.