Chip and Pin in USA?

[quinda]

Last time I was in America I used cash for most things, so I didn't really notice how debit cards worked.

Do you have to use chip and pin over there, or do they ask for your signature?

I have a friend who thinks that pin numbers are evil and he doesn't know his for his credit card. He refuses to use chip and pin because he thinks its too dangerous, so he only uses his card in places that use a signature, or over the phone.

I'd rather not get into the debate (I don't think chip and pin is a well implemented system either, but if you have to use it, fair enough) but it would be nice to know if its going to cause problems using his card abroad.

[spondishy]

I don't think they've implemented chip and pin in the US... I certainly didn't use it on my last visit in January. I guess the only place you would need it is to get cash from a cash machine.

[jfarley]

The cash machine it is, USA are almost there, would be handy for them to catch up. Its usualy us catching up with them.

Jamie

[lorna]

hi just to let you know that we went to orlando september this year and had a terrible time with atm machines we are with barcleys and use a visa debit card the atm would not recognise our card i think we have 4 digit pin but we were told they do there post code which is 5 digit we had to go into bank of america to take out cash which cost us quite a bit but we could pay for petrol in garages with it or pay in resturants so just check before you go

[twinn]

I'm an American living in Orlando, Florida. We do not have a chip and pin system in place here (and there are no plans to implement one). All of our cards are read by magnetic strip. Although you may see some of the newer MasterCard PayPass system in Orlando, it is not popular and it's only an option.

Depending on where you shop you may have to sign a receipt or enter your pin. American debit cards use a PIN but you can usually process them as credit requiring only a signature. Credit cards require a signature or if you're at a gas station your US billing zip code (only at the pump, not inside).

Note that many counter service restaurants do not require a signature or a PIN, they just swipe and give you a receipt.

If you have a MasterCard or Visa card you should have no problems with acceptance as they are accepted everywhere that takes cards. I never carry cash and get by just fine.

[spondishy]

Hi twinn... Thanks for the nice concise answer there... That'll help a lot of brits out.