Using credit cards

I use a Capital One Visa with chip all the time: hotels, stores, professional services. The only time I have a problem is in the ticket machines for Trenitalia. You have to have a PIN for those, so I use my ATM card or cash.

I used my Andrews Federal Credit Union Chip and Pin card in Trenitalia kiosks with no problem. Also used them in the Paris Metro kiosks with no problem. Neither ever asked me for the PIN. First I tried to use my non-chip Cap1 which is a complete no-go.

You can call Capital One (or perhaps go online) and they will issue you a PIN. That's what I did after I got my replacement card.

I've had to replace one of my Capital One cards and spoke to a representative two days ago. I asked about chip and pin and was told they were not available, only chip and sig. Perhaps pins are available on specific types of cards or to a card associated with Cap One's 360 bank. If anyone else has a pin card from them, I'd love to know and find out which type of card it is. Thanks!

@Zoe writes: You can call Capital One (or perhaps go online) and they will issue you a PIN. That's what I did after I got my replacement card.

my guess is the PIN they gave you is to get a cash advance against your credit card from ATM machines. That is not the same as the PIN for a chip-and-PIN credit card which can be used in credit card machines

Every credit card has a PIN. You sometimes have to ask for it to be provided to you. This PIN is designed for use in cash advance transactions and that is what your credit card issuer will tell you. But, this PIN works for most unattended machines like the train ticket kiosks in Italian train stations, so ask for it to be sent to you.

I had a Capital One Visa (among other cards) on my recent trip to Italy. There were many situations where a PIN was asked for. I entered my cash advance PIN and the transactions worked. These transactions were NOT billed to me as cash advances, just as regular credit card transactions.

You will find many shops in Europe in general that still don't like credit cards. They will either require a certain minimum purchase or flat out refuse to take them. It is easier to just pay cash at many restaurants as well. Because of this, make sure to bring a debit card and use bank run ATMs to get enough cash to cover your daily needs as needed. Larger purchases such as hotel rooms and rental cars are no problem to pay for with a credit card.

No problem. Always have cash or a way to get to it. Same for the USA

The PIN I was issued works in all machines requiring a PIN, I never use the card for cash advances.

just spent a week in the CT in October, be aware there are several spots up and down the CT area that dont take cards at all. Generally you can use a cc at most locations. Just saying this so you ask as you order your food, can be awkward!

Mark: "But, this PIN works for most unattended machines like the train ticket kiosks in Italian train stations, so ask for it to be sent to you."

If you use your Cap One Visa cash advance PIN is the purchase treated as a cash advance or as a credit card charge?

Yes, Italy is magnetic strip / swipe friendly, it won't be an issue.

Edgar: I haven't done it but have read that it will NOT be treated as a cash advance.

Edgar,

As I stated in the post: " These transactions were NOT billed to me as cash advances, just as regular credit card transactions. "

In other words, the PIN had no impact on how the transaction was treated when billed to me. If it was not a cash advance, it was not billed as a cash advance.

My understanding is that transactions are treated as cash advances if cash is withdrawn from a bancomat or a currency exchange office.

You might have a problem with the automated kiosks that sell various things, such as train tickets and gasoline. But no problem in restaurants, hotels and shops that accept CC.

Thank you all for the advice. I will use my Capital One Visa for credit card purchases, where accepted. I have just applied to open a Capital One 360 checking account which will give me a debit card presumably with a PIN to allow me to access ATMs for cash. I'll take another credit card just as back up but don't plan to use it as it will incur 3% transaction fees. It sounds as though I will be in good shape with this plan.

Yes, the CapitalOne 360 ATM card will work perfectly for what you want.