Using Credit/Debit cards in the UK

[Andym]

Thought that this might be of interest to those coming to the UK. From 14th February 2006, credit cards and debit cards will need a pin number. see http://www.chipandpin.co.uk/ for more info.

[SLH]

Actually, I checked the website it says if you have a chip and pin card you will need a pin number if your card doesn't have a chip in it you can still sign.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Yes, and they also say there will be plenty of warning. This from my bank's website on the matter (Royal Bank of Canada):

 

When are you going to introduce CHIP technology?

 

RBC Royal Bank is continuously looking at ways to serve our customers better. Chip technology is one of many solutions being investigated by the industry. Any change of this magnitude, however, takes time and we owe it to consumers to do it right. For example, it means changing every location that a card is used both at ATMs and retail outlets. That's why we are working with the industry to find the best solution to ensure that we continue to protect our customers. For this reason, we are not committing to a time frame for its roll out across all payment systems.

 

One consideration is customer convenience when traveling. Some countries have made no indication that they will move to CHIP, such as the U.S. Even so, it is likely that cards will be issued with both a magnetic stripe and CHIP to ensure that cardholders can use their cards in other countries where CHIP is not yet available.