Top ten queries

Can anyone still sign? Is my liability for fraud affected? What if someone has seen my PIN? How will I use my card in shops? Won't people see me enter my PIN? What if I forget my PIN? When will chip and PIN affect me? How will disabled users be affected? What does it mean if my card is locked? How will I know if my card is a chip and PIN card?

The consumer trial in Northampton

Chip and PIN trial

The trial of the chip and PIN system started in Northampton in May 2003 as an initial step toward national rollout. It involved re-issuing a significant number of Northampton cardholders with new chip and PIN cards. These included a representative range of people, including disabled cardholders.

It also involved upgrading point-of-sale terminals at a selection of retail outlets. A range of leading retailers took part including many well-known household names.

Why Northampton?

Northampton is representative of the demographics of the UK. It has a high proportion of people who live and shop in the same area, is of a sufficient scale for a meaningful trial and has a good representation of leading high street retailers.

Find out more

• Feedback from consumers who have used chip and PIN