Chip & PIN
- How the new Chip & PIN credit cards work
- Choose a PIN that you'll remember
- Keep your PIN a secret
- Where can I change my PIN?
How the new Chip & PIN credit cards work
All banks and card providers have introduced Chip & PIN credit cards in a united effort to reduce credit card fraud. Instead of signing your name when you use your credit card to make a purchase or withdraw cash, you enter a 4–digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) into the PIN pad. If you shop at a retailer that does not have a PIN pad attached to the terminal, or if you have yet to receive your Chip & PIN card, you will be required to sign as you always have done.
Choose a PIN that you'll remember
You are allocated a PIN by us when you get your card, but you can change it at most cash machines to one you'll more easily remember (but we won't allow patterns such as 1234 or 7777). If you forget your PIN and enter it incorrectly four consecutive times, the PIN becomes locked and you'll need to sign a paper receipt to confirm that you're the cardholder; to unlock it again, call 0800 062 062 and speak to an adviser.
Keep your PIN a secret
Never disclose your PIN to anyone or write it down. You will never be asked for your PIN when making a mail order or internet transaction, only the 3–digit security number on the signature panel on the reverse of your card. Do not confuse the two–your PIN is for machines only.
Where can I change my PIN?
Currently the following banks have cash machines with PIN services, where you can change or unlock your PIN by following on–screen instructions.
In the United Kingdom
Abbey
Alliance & Leicester
Bank of Scotland
Barclays
Clydesdale Bank (Visa cardholders only at present)
Co–operative Bank (Visa cardholders only at present)
Halifax
HSBC
Lloyds TSB
Nationwide (Visa cardholders only at present)
NatWest
Northern Bank (Visa cardholders only at present)
Royal Bank of Scotland
Yorkshire Bank (Visa cardholders only at present)
In Northern Ireland
Allied Irish Bank
National Irish Bank
Ulster Bank
For more information about Chip & PIN, go to www.chipandpin.co.uk.
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