Since the 14th February you do not have the alternative of signing your name when using a chip and pin card.
If a person cannot manage their pin number – e.g. because they cannot physically manage to use the buttons or cannot remember the number, they can ask their bank or card company for an alternative such as a Chip and Signature card instead. This means that when the card is placed in the terminal, it will say ‘ask for a signature’ and you will be asked to sign your name instead of using the PIN.
If you cannot use a PIN and find signing your name difficult e.g. because you have a physical disability, or you get flustered when trying to write in public and it never looks the same, you can ask the bank or credit card company to agree to you using a signature stamp. This is a rubber stamp with of your signature, and you are given an official letter confirming that you are entitled to use it.
If either of these will help people you know or support, you are advised to assist them to contact their bank or credit card agency as soon as possible.
You can find out more about Chip and Pin from their website
Send us your comments: