Chip and PIN

Keep your PINs and passwords safe

Chip and PIN is a very simple way to keep your money safe. The system makes it much more difficult for criminals to gain access to your account.

In the past, you would sign a paper receipt to verify your card payments. Now you simply enter a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN), just like you do at a cash machine.

Stay safe

Criminals are particularly keen on getting the PINs connected with your debit and credit cards. Whether banking online or entering your PIN details in a public place, you should always be vigilant.

Chip and PIN tips

• Always keep your card out of sight and in a safe place, and never let anyone else use it
• Never tell anyone your PIN - not even your family, the bank or the police - and never write it down anywhere
• When you receive a new PIN, memorise it straightaway and immediately destroy the slip
• Do not share your password details with any third parties. Passwords should be known only to you. It's also good practice to change your passwords regularly
• When considering a suitable password for an account or online application, avoid using family or pet names, birthdays or ages, which criminals could match from stolen data
• Never use the same password for different accounts

If you use an online banking service...

Remember that your bank or building society will never ask you to supply your complete password to enable you to access internet banking. They will only ever ask for parts of your password.