I know - a much discussed topic - but I thought Id share a quick FYI as I didn't find it in the search when I looked. Jan 2012 - I just received my USA CHASE British Airways Visa card with a CHIP in it. While Ive had the regular card for a while - I read that the chip was now more widely available from Chase (not just "test market" like earlier last year) so I called to inquire and in 3 days my new card arrived (same car but with a Chip on it). This one is nice in that it also has no foreign transaction fees (another much asked topic). So no need to open overseas accounts just for travel. If you have a Chase - call and ask! Weather you need it or not - nice to have ONE in the wallet for travel in the event you get a shop owner or automated system that "thinks" they need it! :) Apologies to the moderators (both real and self appointed) for any duplicated info since last Summer when the chips were just coming out more frequently here in USA!
Posted by
OP
Newport Beach, CA, USA
769 posts
Oops I posted/spoke too soon - 5 lines down someone posted advice about Chiped Chase cards. At least mine will show up in the title search!
Posted by
OP
Newport Beach, CA, USA
769 posts
@ Michael - thanks for the info. I figured I would have to wait until Im back in Switzerland for my yearly Alps Hiking trip in Sept! I called the Chase rep to see if the pin was needed and he said there is no other PIN (so maybe this is a Chip & Sign?!) - the saga continues! I will try your advice. I just found this on Wikipedia - but no mention on Chase's site when I went to go look: Quote:
" As of June 17, 2011, Chase began offering the JP Morgan Visa credit card, which also offers a Chip & Signature, but not Chip & PIN capability, to US cardholders. No prior relationship with JP Morgan is required to sign up for the new card, but the absence of a PIN associated with the Chip may make these cards less useful as most unattended kiosks will not accept them. Chase is telling customers that when used in unattended kiosks or fuel stations, the chip in the card is recognized, then the terminal will report "checking PIN", and the transaction will be approved without having entered a PIN. This transaction process is similar to Chase's existing "Blink" approval process."
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2789 posts
Thanks I had missed the other thread. I have a couple of Chase cards. Will call to see if either of them can be converted to a Chip and Pin card. Would be nice to have one. (However, their "conversion fees" mean it's only getting used in a MUST have situation...)
Posted by
OP
Newport Beach, CA, USA
769 posts
Carol - just confirmed there is actually no PIN with these - just the chip. Im trying to find out where the PIN comes in (unless its just the cash advance ATM PIN which should never be used as its like 25%!)
BTW - depending on which chase card you have - you may have no transaction fees! ask when you call to request the CHIP'd card replacement.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
There was a recent news article I saw that also confirmed US card issuers are starting to experiment with the chip and pin. FYI - All cards, even magnetic strip cards, come with or are capable of having a PIN. Sometimes you have to activate it. I occasionally used my PIN in Europe even though it is not a chip card.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9109 posts
Tom, you would use the "ATM pin" for all transactions. Only if you actually got a cash advance would you get hit with the high interest rates. For regular charges at a store or ticket machine you would the same pin number, it isn't going to invoke automatic interest charges like with the advances.
Posted by
Texan in CA
4415 posts
Definitely get a PIN for your card.