Top ten queries

What is happening after 14 February 2006? Are there any exceptions where people will sign after 14 February 2006? When will I get my card? Will my card need to be signed? 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?

Paying with your card

Using your PIN to pay is quick and easy.

Checkout tills in shops automatically recognise a chip and PIN card when you go to pay with one. It will then ask you to use your PIN rather than sign to authorise your purchase. Here's a step-by-step guide to a typical transaction:

• When you go to pay, checkout staff will put your card into a card reader or will ask you to do so.
• If you have a chip and PIN card the card reader will recognise it and ask for a PIN to verify your purchase.
• There will be a pad on the counter (like at an ATM) into which you enter your four-digit PIN. All you have to do is follow the instructions that come up on the screen. In most cases the PIN pad can be picked up or removed from its holder to make it easier for you to enter your PIN more securely/discretely.
• Don't enter your PIN until you're asked to. You will see this message: “Amount £xxx.xx; Enter PIN”.
• When you enter your PIN you are agreeing to pay the amount shown just like you do when you give a signature.
• When you have entered the PIN press the 'ENTER' (green) button.

The PIN itself is never displayed for security reasons. You will see asterisks instead (****).

Find out more

• If you forget your PIN
• If you make a mistake
• Adding a tip
• At a hotel reception
• Getting a refund