chip and pin on credit cards?

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

I know this has been probably asked before but can anyone answer me this -- if I tried to use an American credit in the UK these days will they require a chip and pin? cause I'm not sure I have a chip and I don't know the pin for my card - problem?

[Otto 83]

Depends on the CC company...best call the customer service number on the back...

[jlivings99 0]

No you do not have a chip (unless yours are better than mine) ... they will have to charge it the old fashion way but you can use it no problem ... but a few companies will not want the extra bother ... but beware of international transaction fees ... many US credit cards charge 3% for the privilege of using your card outside of the US

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

mine doesn't seem to charge international transaction fees

good to know I'll be able to use it -- I just found out last minute that I will be going on a business trip and the hubs and I decided to make a long weekend of it - neither of us have been back in over a year. Certainly don't have time to get traveler's checks or anything.

[Kez/JWolf 6]

I used both my Mastercard and my American Express card in the UK and I had no problems... they do not have a chip...

In smaller shops they gave it a good look but just swiped it the old way...

Have a wonderful trip

Kez

[Mags 112]

Just before I left the UK last December, there were quite a few big name stores that said they will no longer accept cards without chip and pin. The reason being, they then have to make up any monies lost due to fraud rather than the credit card companies.

Again, I'm not sure which stores (I think Boots is one of them though), but I think you may find that it won't be accepted everywhere.

[Kez/JWolf 6]

I just called Mastercard in the UK... they have said that if you are a tourist and have additional ID, i.e foreign passport or a State driving licence then it will be accepted everywhere... the Chip & Pin is only for UK issued Cards... if a store is refusing to take the card ask them to call the number on the back to verify the card...

Kez

[Dan&Tiffany 0]

Useful to know. I've used my debit card there before with the PIN number, but it doesn't have the chip. I think the US is starting to implement the chip system over here - was reading on Wells Fargo website this morning. Of course - we've been using PIN for ages, but not quite to the extent that they're now doing in the UK with EVERY transaction (restaurants, etc). Ah well. I was surprised to learn I couldn't use my Discover card there, but they take American Express!

Edited April 23, 2007 by Dan&Tiffany

[Amby 490]

I confused a whole lot of people using credit cards without the chip and pin. I just started handing it to them and saying there is no chip once they looked at me like huh? A few people didn't even know how to swipe it the "old way".

Edited April 23, 2007 by Amber&Neil

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

thanks for the info guys

[John & Annie 0]

We were over for Christmas this year and had no problem with my card, everyone checked my ID, but no problems. Even in Boots.

[paulinespens 3]

merchants do have the facility to accept debit and credit cards where they swipe and sign. But its down to that particular shop whether they agree to take the payment method.

Its down to chargebacks by the banks on whether the shop is willing to take the card.

If merchants didn't take overseas cards it would really affect the UK tourism industry.

[TimsDaisy 0]

I've had some stores get pissy with me for the lack of chip and pin, but I try to stay calm to explain it's not like I'm being lazy in not getting one - we just aren't quite there yet!

Side note: many US banks are related to or have agreements with overseas banks, which can be useful for withdrawing money from ATMs (far, far cheaper than using an exchange place that rips you off). For example, Bank of America customers can access Barclay's ATMs for no extra charge (aside from the small conversion fee, which is still cheaper than an exchange).

[Girona40 0]

Went to the UK in May of last year - the chip and pin thing was a real probem, many places simply wouldn't take my US card.

Just got back from three months in the UK and it seems that the "teething problems" have been sorted and my card was taken EVERYWHERE, no problem.

From what I was told by various retailers in the UK, they were losing so much business from overseas customers that they kicked up a fuss and it was sorted. Retailers in places like Canterbury, high tourist spend, were losing out big-time.

So, don't worry - you shouldn't have a problem at all now. I wasn't asked once during my recent 3 month stay whether my card had a chip and pin.

[JamalNTam 1]

When Jamal was here just couple weeks ago, some places had a real problem and refused to take payment from his card! It just depends where you go!!