For some of us, punching our pin number into a terminal at a retail or leisure commercial property has become intuitively – as many of us don’t even need to look at the screen to put the four digit code in.
Adrian Kamellard, Chief Executive of the Payments Council said: “Card payments using Chip-and-pin are now such an integral part of daily life, both for cardholders and retailers, that we hardly even give them a conscious thought.”
But for some older people or those with sight problems, pressing the keys or remembering the pin number can put some people off visiting commercial properties.
But did you know there is an alternative, that all shops must accept – a chip and signature card. The card works the same way as it is inserted into a payment terminal, but instead of punching in a four digit code, you simply sign for your purchases just like in the good old days.
Speaking of the chip and signature cards, Adrian added: “It is vital that retailers know that they can accept chip and signature cards from these customers with confidence.
“They just need to follow the prompt on their point-of-sale terminal which will advise them to accept a signature.”
Chip and Signature cards have to be accepted by law in all commercial properties that are manned, which means they are not accepted at self-service machines like those found in cinemas, petrol stations and supermarkets.
The signature cards will allow people who aren’t comfortable using chip and pin the freedom to purchase their own goods or withdraw their own money rather than asking a friend or family member.
Michelle Mitchell, for Age UK said: “For some, the cards mean that they can have total control over their finances and will not have to ask someone else to get cash for them.
“It is important that the public is aware that chip and signature cards are available from banks and building societies and that every retailer is obliged to accept them.”
Do you struggle to remember your pin number? Were you aware that you could still sign for goods?
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