ATM card or Amex card with a chip&#59; what's a chip?

According to the German Rail (Bahn) website, the latest (2nd generation) touch screen Bahn automats will accept cash and magnetic strip cards. The first generation machines didn't accept cash, but did accept mag strip cards (I used a few). The Bahn's "automat tour" for the new automats even shows how to the card, strip down to the right. I have encountered (rarely) local, Nahverkehr automats in Germany that did not accept cash, but did take my mag strip card. It looks like some of the first generation automats have gone to the Rhein-Main Verkehrsverbund (RMV) in Frankfurt and, unless modified, won't accept cash, just cards. A chip card might have the same information on it as the strip card, but it's contained in a computer chip (gold rectangle) on the card. Supposedly it's harder to copy, so you don't have to worry about the waiter taking it somewhere else to copy so you can get charges from Romania, where you've never been.

Tom, The "Chip & PIN" cards are a newer technology for credit and debit cards, which is supposedly more secure and fraud resistant. The technical term is "EMV" ("Europay-Mastercard-Visa) and these cards are now in use in many locations in the world including Europe and Canada. Rather than "swiping" the card during transactions, the cards are ed into the Point-of-Sale terminal and a PIN is entered. When the transaction is completed, the card is removed. In the case of credit cards (such as your AmEx), this replaces the need for a signature. Have a look at This Website for a more detailed explanation. The credit card photo shows the gold data "chip" on the left side of the card. From what I've seen, all cards currently being issued have both the Chip as well as the magnetic stripe on the back, so they will work with either the new or old technology. As the first reply indicated, American Express is not as widely accepted in Europe as Visa and MasterCard. The "bottom line" is that you should be able to use your credit card at Hotels & restaurants, and will be asked for a signature as usual. However, some automated devices such as ticket machines, fuel pumps, etc. will ONLY accept "Chip & PIN" cards. For example, the ticket Kiosks at CDG airport in Paris will ONLY accept "C&P" cards or Euro coins. I also found that even the staffed ticket office at Amsterdam Central will ONLY accept "C & P" cards. They have large signs on each ticket window stating that. Regarding ATM cards, your magnetic stripe card should work fine. However, it's important to note that your travel funds must usually be in a chequing account with a four-number PIN. I'd suggest taking a "backup" ATM card. Happy travels!

omnibus reply to all the great answers I've gotten so far! Nancy, I'm a little confused by my remark about credit card vs debit card, too! Senior moment, I guess. I never use the Amex card for cash advances. I knew (but obviously forgot) that using the ATM card immediately reduces my check acct balance by the appropriate amount. I think, maybe, I was saying the ATM card is one I only use at ATM machines, as I also have a bona fide VISA credit card issued by one of the megabanks that does work as a credit card, but I don't use THAT one for cash withdrawals either. Frank, ROFL! I will NOT quote you to MY wife! Lee: Thx for clarifying it all. Now what else should I worry about? Rhetorical!!!

Don't worry about it:) All ATM machines in Europe will accept our "old fashioned" magnetic strip debit cards. Also, most all merchants that deal with tourists will also accept magnetic strip credit cards...mostly MC/Visa. American Express isn't as widely accepted, but it has nothing to do with the chip issue. The only problems you might encounter is using automated machines at places like train stations, or gas stations. They typically only accept chip&pin cards.

Thx Michael. My wife'd tell you, if I can think about it, I can worry about it. So lemme follow up your answer with another question: If I want to use a non-chip card specifically at a ticket machine at a train station, to make a seat reservation, for example, might this be the kind of use I might NOT be able to do with a non-chip card? I'm aware I can just ask a human if that's what I'm trying to accomplish. I'm just trying to understand...

You sound like my wife. If she didn't have something to worry about, then she would worry about that. It is possible that some of the newer ticket machines will require a card with a chip. That is wide spread in the Netherlands and varies else where. But cash at a ticket attendant works well. ...it's a credit, not a debit card..... Absolutely do not use a credit card to obtain cash -- the fees will kill you. To obtain local currency, use a debit card only at a bank ATM. And take two debit cards tied to two different accounts.

You are right, Tom. Automated ticket kiosks and such require the chip card to operate. In most cases, you will be able to accomplish the same thing at a ticket window with your regular card. Be aware, though, that Amex is not as widely accepted in Europe as Visa or Mastercard. I'm a little confused by your statement "it's a credit, not a debit card;". Your ATM card is a debit card. Amex is a credit card. Never use a credit card in an ATM unless it's an emergency - it's treated like a cash advance and starts accumulating interest right away. Your debit card won't be usable for purchases everywhere, either. In short, use the debit card to get cash at an ATM. Use the credit card for purchases (unless they don't take Amex).

Dear, normaly in europe you will get money at an ATM with a credit card. The most european banks do not accept debit cards. But you can go into a bank and inside they will give you money on the card. It is just a question of the ATM. To be sure you can find some free creditcards from european companies and banks. Look at www.finance-zoo.com This is a website who compair the cards. If you need more help send a mail to mitzi@ruedescaves.com.
I life in luxembourg and travel a lot.

I think Mitzi is confused by debit and credit cards. Her response is not accurate. All ATMs (or at least all the ATMs that I have encountered in the past ten years or so) accept debit cards issued by VISA or Mastercard - Plus and Cirrus. I have never had to use a live bank person so I do not know what would happen if I tried to use a live person. I have never tried to use a credit card at an ATM because that is a big NO, NO unless it is an absolute emergency. On our past three trips we depend entire on cash via ATMs and rarely use a credit card for anything. It is some more convenient and often get a discount at the hotels for paying in cash.

@Mitzi, The cards I normally use in Europe to obtain cash from ATM's are both Credit Union Debit Cards. These have worked well at ATM's for many years. These cards don't work for POS transactions in Europe, but they work fine for POS / Debit transactions at home (both are "Chip & PIN" cards). As others have suggested, it's NOT a good idea to use credit cards to obtain cash from ATM's as the "cash advance" fees are huge. However, that option is available in an "emergency". Cheers!