[vagarwa]

Merchants (such as Safeway) don't get this information if you use a credit card to make a purchase. The network (Visa, MC, Amex etc) authenticates the transaction and issuing bank releases the funds. But merchant doesn't even get the ZIP code of the customer. If you make online purchases, most merchants do ask you to create an account (accept those 'enlightened ones that allow you guest sign-up), in which case they get all your information. There too you can use Paypal/Gwallet, if it is offered, but Paypal/Gwallet may or may not share the information with the merchant. That is kind of a grey area. Paypal clearly doesn't for merchants on ebay but in cases like Homedepot, I am not so sure.