Chip and Pin (part two)
Mar 20th 2006, 6:56 am
#1
Ping-ponger
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2002
Location: Dreich Alba
Posts: 12,024
Chip and Pin (part two)
If you are going to the UK in the near future, watch out for a couple of things:
As mentioned in a previous thread, the Chip and PIN system is in effect, with no signatures allowed. I also found on this trip that shops would not allow me to use my US credit card without a PIN (others have said previously that if you are from the US and using a US credit card, you culd use the signature route, but I didn't find this to be the case).
ALSO, my ATM card was refused at the bank (i.e., could not use it to get cash out of an ATM machine). When I called my bank, turned out VISA has put a "block" on cards being used in certain counties (including the UK) for taking out more than $50 at a time. I tried for 200 quid, then 100 quid, then 50 quid and them assumed it was not the amount but some problem with my card. If I had tried as low as 25 quid I guess I would have been OK.
Basically, if I wasn't a Barclays cutsomer and therefore able to get cash from Barclays Bank over the counter I would have been up a creek without any cash whatsoever. Be warned.
As mentioned in a previous thread, the Chip and PIN system is in effect, with no signatures allowed. I also found on this trip that shops would not allow me to use my US credit card without a PIN (others have said previously that if you are from the US and using a US credit card, you culd use the signature route, but I didn't find this to be the case).
ALSO, my ATM card was refused at the bank (i.e., could not use it to get cash out of an ATM machine). When I called my bank, turned out VISA has put a "block" on cards being used in certain counties (including the UK) for taking out more than $50 at a time. I tried for 200 quid, then 100 quid, then 50 quid and them assumed it was not the amount but some problem with my card. If I had tried as low as 25 quid I guess I would have been OK.
Basically, if I wasn't a Barclays cutsomer and therefore able to get cash from Barclays Bank over the counter I would have been up a creek without any cash whatsoever. Be warned.
Mar 20th 2006, 7:02 am
#2
Thinking about it
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Mid-West
Posts: 9,435
Re: Chip and Pin (part two)
Originally Posted by dunroving
If you are going to the UK in the near future, watch out for a couple of things:
As mentioned in a previous thread, the Chip and PIN system is in effect, with no signatures allowed. I also found on this trip that shops would not allow me to use my US credit card without a PIN (others have said previously that if you are from the US and using a US credit card, you culd use the signature route, but I didn't find this to be the case).
ALSO, my ATM card was refused at the bank (i.e., could not use it to get cash out of an ATM machine). When I called my bank, turned out VISA has put a "block" on cards being used in certain counties (including the UK) for taking out more than $50 at a time. I tried for 200 quid, then 100 quid, then 50 quid and them assumed it was not the amount but some problem with my card. If I had tried as low as 25 quid I guess I would have been OK.
Basically, if I wasn't a Barclays cutsomer and therefore able to get cash from Barclays Bank over the counter I would have been up a creek without any cash whatsoever. Be warned.
As mentioned in a previous thread, the Chip and PIN system is in effect, with no signatures allowed. I also found on this trip that shops would not allow me to use my US credit card without a PIN (others have said previously that if you are from the US and using a US credit card, you culd use the signature route, but I didn't find this to be the case).
ALSO, my ATM card was refused at the bank (i.e., could not use it to get cash out of an ATM machine). When I called my bank, turned out VISA has put a "block" on cards being used in certain counties (including the UK) for taking out more than $50 at a time. I tried for 200 quid, then 100 quid, then 50 quid and them assumed it was not the amount but some problem with my card. If I had tried as low as 25 quid I guess I would have been OK.
Basically, if I wasn't a Barclays cutsomer and therefore able to get cash from Barclays Bank over the counter I would have been up a creek without any cash whatsoever. Be warned.
How did the job interview go ??
Mar 20th 2006, 7:04 am
#3
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,578
Re: Chip and Pin (part two)
Originally Posted by dunroving
If you are going to the UK in the near future, watch out for a couple of things:
As mentioned in a previous thread, the Chip and PIN system is in effect, with no signatures allowed. I also found on this trip that shops would not allow me to use my US credit card without a PIN (others have said previously that if you are from the US and using a US credit card, you culd use the signature route, but I didn't find this to be the case).
ALSO, my ATM card was refused at the bank (i.e., could not use it to get cash out of an ATM machine). When I called my bank, turned out VISA has put a "block" on cards being used in certain counties (including the UK) for taking out more than $50 at a time. I tried for 200 quid, then 100 quid, then 50 quid and them assumed it was not the amount but some problem with my card. If I had tried as low as 25 quid I guess I would have been OK.
Basically, if I wasn't a Barclays cutsomer and therefore able to get cash from Barclays Bank over the counter I would have been up a creek without any cash whatsoever. Be warned.
As mentioned in a previous thread, the Chip and PIN system is in effect, with no signatures allowed. I also found on this trip that shops would not allow me to use my US credit card without a PIN (others have said previously that if you are from the US and using a US credit card, you culd use the signature route, but I didn't find this to be the case).
ALSO, my ATM card was refused at the bank (i.e., could not use it to get cash out of an ATM machine). When I called my bank, turned out VISA has put a "block" on cards being used in certain counties (including the UK) for taking out more than $50 at a time. I tried for 200 quid, then 100 quid, then 50 quid and them assumed it was not the amount but some problem with my card. If I had tried as low as 25 quid I guess I would have been OK.
Basically, if I wasn't a Barclays cutsomer and therefore able to get cash from Barclays Bank over the counter I would have been up a creek without any cash whatsoever. Be warned.
Mar 20th 2006, 7:21 am
#4
Account Closed
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 15,019
Re: Chip and Pin (part two)
Originally Posted by dunroving
If you are going to the UK in the near future, watch out for a couple of things:
.
.
Mar 20th 2006, 7:23 am
#5
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: back in Gods own country..
Posts: 4,007
Re: Chip and Pin (part two)
we had a nightmare trying to explain to our bank and credit card companies what the deal was back in the UK (I leave on Thursday) even American Express here were crap.. 
We phoned American Express back in the UK with whom we used to have a card, explained the situation and they sent me a brand new chip and pin card with a 6000 pound limit..<drools> 
We phoned American Express back in the UK with whom we used to have a card, explained the situation and they sent me a brand new chip and pin card with a 6000 pound limit..<drools>
Mar 20th 2006, 7:28 am
#6
Lapine Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Austin, Texas in my own little world
Posts: 21,691
Re: Chip and Pin (part two)
I don't even understand the c&p system.... if one has a Visa debit card, in the US, that means it works like a credit card in the sense that it's accepted where Visa is accepted, but you may have to enter your PIN and that turns it into an immediate debit.
Is that good enough?
The sh*t will hit the fan come tourist season if UK merchants don't work this out.
I didn't have trouble using a cashpoint to get 200 squid, using my BankOfAmerica ATM card.
I think those of you who are "obviously" British (eg accent) may be hassled more than those of us who are not British. If desperate try acting the ugly American?
(that ought to be a drink name, Ugly American -- only what to put in it? our awful beer? )
Is that good enough?
The sh*t will hit the fan come tourist season if UK merchants don't work this out.
I didn't have trouble using a cashpoint to get 200 squid, using my BankOfAmerica ATM card.
I think those of you who are "obviously" British (eg accent) may be hassled more than those of us who are not British. If desperate try acting the ugly American?
(that ought to be a drink name, Ugly American -- only what to put in it? our awful beer?
)
Mar 20th 2006, 7:40 am
#7
staying around
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: In peace
Posts: 2,328
Re: Chip and Pin (part two)
Originally Posted by snowbunny
I don't even understand the c&p system.... if one has a Visa debit card, in the US, that means it works like a credit card in the sense that it's accepted where Visa is accepted, but you may have to enter your PIN and that turns it into an immediate debit.
Is that good enough?
The sh*t will hit the fan come tourist season if UK merchants don't work this out.
I didn't have trouble using a cashpoint to get 200 squid, using my BankOfAmerica ATM card.
I think those of you who are "obviously" British (eg accent) may be hassled more than those of us who are not British. If desperate try acting the ugly American?
(that ought to be a drink name, Ugly American -- only what to put in it? our awful beer? )
Is that good enough?
The sh*t will hit the fan come tourist season if UK merchants don't work this out.
I didn't have trouble using a cashpoint to get 200 squid, using my BankOfAmerica ATM card.
I think those of you who are "obviously" British (eg accent) may be hassled more than those of us who are not British. If desperate try acting the ugly American?
(that ought to be a drink name, Ugly American -- only what to put in it? our awful beer?
)
Mar 20th 2006, 7:49 am
#8
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Location: Avon Lake, OH
Posts: 5,270
Re: Chip and Pin (part two)
How it should work is when a card is swiped the machine should detect if there is a chip on the card or not. If it has a chip it should ask for a PIN, if not then it shouldn't. That part should be the same as it has been with certain card processors for the last 3 or 4 years, the only difference now is using the PIN and not the CVN.
Mar 20th 2006, 7:49 am
#9
Account Closed
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,266
Re: Chip and Pin (part two)
Originally Posted by snowbunny
(that ought to be a drink name, Ugly American -- only what to put in it? our awful beer?
)
Mar 20th 2006, 7:49 am
#10
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Re: Chip and Pin (part two)
Originally Posted by candy wy.
I leave on Thursday so no time to do anything about it now. guess if they have a problem accepting the cards i will have to try your suggestion and act the ugly american.
Mar 20th 2006, 8:21 am
#11
staying around
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: In peace
Posts: 2,328
Re: Chip and Pin (part two)
Originally Posted by Ray
Nice of you to return to the fold after a 4 month absence
Mar 20th 2006, 8:23 am
#12
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Re: Chip and Pin (part two)
Originally Posted by candy wy.
4 months... I guess I must be enjoying life
Mar 20th 2006, 8:24 am
#13
Former Blonde
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: In a wibbly-wobbly world of my own
Posts: 1,380
Re: Chip and Pin (part two)
I found myself educating the stores when I was over there - I told them first about being allowed to sign before handing them the card.
Never had a problem with it at all.
My only problem was, as dunroving's experience, finding that my bank here in the States decided to stop any transactions on my card even though my Hubby's was just fine and our branch knew that we were over in the UK for two weeks.
If I'd not had my credit card I would've been buggered!
Never had a problem with it at all.
My only problem was, as dunroving's experience, finding that my bank here in the States decided to stop any transactions on my card even though my Hubby's was just fine and our branch knew that we were over in the UK for two weeks.
If I'd not had my credit card I would've been buggered!
Mar 20th 2006, 8:26 am
#14
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Re: Chip and Pin (part two)
Originally Posted by FlyergirlUK
If I'd not had my credit card I would've been buggered!
Mar 20th 2006, 8:28 am
#15
Lapine Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Austin, Texas in my own little world
Posts: 21,691
Re: Chip and Pin (part two)
Originally Posted by TouristTrap
Takes an entire barrelful of yellow-colored water to turn you into an Ugly American.....
but yeah, it'd take a keg's worth for most Brits. Again, I think those of you who ARE British might encounter more hassle over this because the "help" at the establishment might think you were trying to pull a fast one. Be very clear that you live in the US, your credit/debit cards are issued in the US, and that under the law, you must report any establishment who refuses to take a transaction from a non-UK credit/debit customer. Tell them that you fully intend to report them and ask for the manager.
Someone at Gatwick tried this on me -- they of all places ought to know better -- but the supervisor soon set it right.
