A term used to describe a dispensing pump designed to be actuated through insertion of a coded card.

Cardlocks are commonplace in commercial installations–in fueling facilities operated by taxicab companies, for instance. Each driver is issued a coded card that will actuate the pump. When he refuels, no cash is involved in the transaction. Instead, the driver merely inserts his special coded card.

The cardlock device not only records the amount of fuel dispensed, but can also enter information in the records, printed out later, which identifies the driver. Some cardlock systems are programmed to calculate mileage driven between fillups, vehicle miles per gallon, and similar data.

See also Keylock.