Chip and PIN is used when we pay for things with cards.
Instead of signing your name, you insert your card into a Chip and PIN machine and enter your PIN number
(Personal Identification Number).
Your PIN is a
four-digit personal security number
that is given to you together with your
card. It is the same number that you
use when you withdraw money from a cash
machine. It’s important that
you never let anybody else find out
your PIN!
The Chip and PIN
system was introduced to tackle
card fraud. PINs are thought to be
more secure than signing your name
because you are the only person who
knows what your PIN number is. You don’t
need your PIN when you buy things
over the telephone or via the Internet,
so please remember that you shouldn’t
tell anybody what your PIN is.
Below you can find
a simulator of a Chip and PIN machine. It is the
same as the Chip and PIN machines you will find
in most shops, restaurants, etc. To
pay with your card using the PIN pad,
you will have to go through the following
steps:
1. At the checkout,
staff will usually ask you to put your card into the
card-reading slot on the Chip and PIN machine or
they will do it for you.
2. The card
reader will recognise if your card
is a Chip and PIN card
3. Just follow
the instructions on the screen. You
will be asked to check the amount
and to enter your PIN
4. When you enter
your PIN it is not displayed; instead
it will show up as four stars (****)
5. If you enter
your PIN incorrectly, you can press
the ‘clear’ button and
enter your PIN again
6. Finally, the
screen will show you that your transaction
has been successful and you will be
issued with a printed receipt.
Why not try it
out for yourself using our Chip and
PIN simulator below.
YOUR
RECEIPT - move over items for pop up
information
