Since 14 February 2006, most retailers have been using Chip and Pin technology when asking you to pay for your goods or services.
What is Chip and Pin?
The Chip and Pin system is designed to cut down fraud by asking you to type a four-digit Pin number into a keypad, instead of signing a receipt. The banks and credit card issuers have recognised that using keypads may be difficult for some blind and partially sighted people. In this case, a Chip and Signature (or Pin Suppressed) card can be issued instead, allowing you still to sign for your purchases.
How to get help
If you find using the Chip and Pin card difficult, you should contact your bank or credit card company as soon as possible and let them know you need a Chip and Signature or Pin Suppressed card when your card expires. Don't wait until the new Chip and Pin card arrives, as you could have to wait a couple of weeks for the replacement Chip and Signature/Pin Suppressed card to arrive.
If you find that your bank or credit card company either refuses to issue you with a Chip and Signature or Pin Suppressed card, or makes it very difficult for you to get one, please contact the Campaigns team on phone 020 7391 2123 or email campaigns@rnib.org.uk.
A useful tip
Ron Sears has a useful tip for other blind and partially sighted shoppers: "Before you use your new card, you can change your Pin number. Mine was easy, but it might be a good idea to choose a number like 9989 so that you don't have to dodge about all over the keypad. It would be less likely for anyone to see what your number was."