Chip And PIN Credit Cards

[artnbarb]

We've gotten our new (U.S. based) credit cards with the embedded chip, but of course we don't have to use a PIN here in the states. Will we need a PIN to use the cards in Europe? I called Citibank and they told me our card does not have a PIN. Period. I haven't yet spoken with Capital One, but I wondered if any of you have used your 'new' credit cards in Europe yet, and if you needed a PIN.

 

[SusanSeattle]

I used my 'chip' card in the UK and in France last summer. My experience was that it worked for transactions handled by a person. The card readers printed out a receipt for me to sign. This sometimes surprised people who hadn't seen our pinless cards. I couldn't use it for automated purchases like ticket booths.

 

[artnbarb]

That seems to be everyone else's experience. Guess we'll have to make sure we have plenty of cash, and a full gas tank on Sundays!

 

[JustTravel]

We have used our chip and signature credit cards in Europe for several years now. My first credit card with a chip came with a PIN. But as I understand it, the PIN is for a cash advance so I don't use it. In fact, I don't know (or have) that PIN anymore.

Our debit cards also have a chip, and of course, a PIN. We have only used it to withdraw cash from ATMs. Now I am curious if it will work in any of the unattended machines.