BA Chase Now Offering Chip And Pin

Thanks for the info, Russ. Did you get it through Chase bank or through British Airways?

Thanks for the info, Russ. Did you get it through Chase bank or through British Airways?

Through the British Airways website.

It looks to me like there is a $95.00 annual fee. Am I wrong?

That's what it is. My fee isn't as high as I've had the card for a few years.

Best chip-and-PIN card in the US is offered by the Andrews Federal Credit Union in Maryland. You don't have to be a resident of Maryland to join. No annual fees, low interest rate if you don't pay off the card, and a chip that works everywhere in Europe. It's called the GlobeTrek Visa card, see http://www.andrewsfcu.org/page.php?page=553 Apparently anyone can become a member of Andrews FCU by joining the American Consumer Council, which is free. http://www.andrewsfcu.org/page.php?page=330 You can join the American Consumer Council during the application process for membership in the credit union. It's a seamless process that's free and easy. And this is a TRUE chip-and-PIN card that will work in off-line machines in Europe. Unfortunately, the Chase/Bank of America/JP Morgan chip cards won't work in off-line transactions. They'll work in the Paris Metro but may not work at a gas pump in Brittany on a Sunday afternoon when there's no attendant. I did join the consumer counsel and got a number which I can now use to join Andrews (only can do this 9-5 by phone) and then i can get the card.. its free just a few phone calls and the interest rate seems low
looks like a really good deal

I second Barbara on Andrews FCU. I got one just before our recent one month trip to France, and it came in handy. I did most of the application process on-line, although some phone calls were required.

I just got mine yesterday. It took 3-5 days and I leave on my trip in about 10 days.

So what does that A..Credit Union chip & pin Visa card charge for foreign charges - exchange rate?

Andrews charges a 1% fee; their exchange rate seems identical to other cards based on my recent usage.

As I see it, the BA "chip and signature card" has the advantage of NO foreign transaction fee (this is NEW with this card!) but has the disadvantage of having to sign when making a transaction such as a grocery store in the UK. The Andrews "chip and pin" card has the advantage of not having to enter a signature when using the card in the UK but has the disadvantage of having a foreign transaction fee. To me, the hassle is having to sign in the UK when the locals don't sign (they use a pin). If I am off the beaten path in the UK where the cashier doesn't see many tourists, requiring a customer to sign is sometimes a BIG event for their day; ie., they look at the signature on the piece of paper you are signing then they look at the signature on the back of the card and they play detective by comparing the signatures. One cashier at Marks and Spencer's in Dundee, Broughty Ferry, Scotland asked me to show her another card with my signature! So, I must say I am most unhappy with BA's decision to make there chip card a "chip and signature" card rather than a "chip and pin" card.

Well, even using the Andrews Credit Union card can still require a signature, depending on the country and the foreign bank. When I was in Italy last month using my Andrews chip-and-pin card, even at the grocery store I had to sign a receipt instead of punching in my PIN. I was actually disappointed that I couldn't use my PIN. I'm not sure why, but I think it may have to do with the Italian bank processing the card (they automatically default to a signature if the card is American).

Yes, I too had to sign occasionally in France using my Andrews chip and PIN card. I don't know why, but it didn't matter. The main thing was that it always worked with the PIN at unattended gas station and train station machines.

For what it's worth, I had looked into the chase BA chip card. Realizing that the card would need a PIN for the cash advance function, (not something I would consider doing ) , I inquired of CHASE whether making a credit card purchase with the card and the pin would work . The rep told me that it would , but that it would be processed as a cash advance and not a credit card transaction. Didn't think I wanted to take that kind of a chance. Meanwhile I now have an andrews card with no hidden traps . Applying for the card was a no brainer.