To combat an increase in card fraud, the UK Banking Industry has introduced chip and PIN as the new way to pay with your credit and debit cards. Goldfish is currently in the process of issuing chip and PIN cards to its cardholders.

If you have a chip and PIN card, you will need to use your PIN number when making a purchase.

What is chip and PIN?

Chip and PIN cards contain an encrypted microchip with an individual four-digit PIN. The chip guards against counterfeiting by preventing the card’s information from being read or copied, while the PIN – known only to the cardholder – ensures that nobody else can use it.

How does chip and PIN work?

The PIN replaces the need for a signature on paper receipts. Cardholders will simply check the amount and type the PIN into a keypad provided at the till. This same four-digit PIN can be used at cash machines. If you do not yet have a chip and PIN card, your current card with its magnetic stripe is still effective, so please continue to use it until your new card arrives.

The design of the new cards and keypads

The appearance of chip and PIN cards is similar to cards with a magnetic stripe, although some keypads may vary slightly from business to business e.g. restaurant keypads may be portable. The layout of the keys will always be the same however, and shielding over the keypad will prevent others seeing what you enter. Discretion is advised when entering any PIN number, and for your security, never share your PIN.

Will I be able to choose my own PIN?

Yes. If you want to change your PIN to something that you will find easier to remember, or if you forget the one we give you, you can request a PIN in the Goldfish account centre, or call us on 08705 111 444

For more information on chip and PIN, please visit www.chipandpin.co.uk or call one of our customer service advisors on 08705 111 444