We are upgrading our Switch debit cards to Maestro later on this year. This will mean that you can use your card to make purchases and get cash out of ATMs when abroad.
The new cards will also be enhanced with Chip and Pin so will provide you with a more secure way to pay.
You don't need to do anything as your new card will be sent out automatically
to your address.
We have included some questions and answers below, but if none of these
answer your question, please contact 0845 161 0020.
Questions and Answers
What is Maestro?
Maestro is MasterCard Worldwide's lead debit brand and offers over 540 million cardholders highly secure and convenient access to their current accounts in over 100 countries across the world.
Why use Maestro?
Here are just some of the benefits it brings you.
- Over 960,000 places in the UK accept Maestro - on the high street, over the phone and online.
- Since it is accepted in a wide number of places, Maestro saves you the hassle and worry of carrying lots of cash.
- Using Maestro is quicker and simpler than writing cheques.
- There's no bill to pay at the end of the month - the money is debited from your bank account a day or so after the transaction.
- Having Maestro means you can use your card abroad, as well as at home, to pay for all sorts of things and get cash from ATMs.
- Being able to use Maestro abroad means you don't have to worry about taking large amounts of currency with you when you go abroad (there will be charges for using your card overseas).
What is Chip and PIN?
Chip and PIN is the new, more secure way to pay with your debit card in the UK. It is an industry wide initiative to tackle increased Card Fraud. Instead of using your signature to verify payments, you will be asked to enter a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) known only to you.
What will my new card look like?
Your new card will contain a small Chip on the front left-hand side of the card and will also have a magnetic stripe on the back.
Your Debit Card transactions will be verified by entering your four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) on a PIN Pad at the checkout.
You still need to be sign on the reverse, as the signature will continue to be used for verification in certain situations eg. travelling abroad, where retailer has not upgraded to chip and PIN or for use as a cheque guarantee card.
Why move towards Chip based cards?
- The Cards industry in Europe, both debit and credit, is moving towards chip-based cards primarily as a strategic antifraud platform.
- The Banking Industry as a whole has committed to making this change, and APACS at industry level is driving this.
- France has been using Chip and PIN for some time and Fraud has been reduced by around 80%
What are the benefits of Chip and PIN?
- The Chip makes it harder and more expensive to copy the card, so it will reduce counterfeit fraud.
- You should be the only person who knows the PIN making it almost impossible for anyone else to use your card.
Is the Chip secure?
- BOI will be storing only the necessary amount of information on the Chip.
- The chip is secure for the information that is being held. If, at a future stage, additional information is to be stored the chip will be upgraded as necessary.
Does the change from Switch to Maestro Chip and PIN impact me personally?
Right now, there is nothing you need to do.
Until you receive the new Maestro Chip and PIN card you can continue to use your existing card in the normal manner.
When you receive your card you must 'activate' it at any ATM before it can be used in shops, restaurants etc. You can then continue to purchase goods and services in the usual way.
However, instead of being asked to sign the receipt you will be requested to key in your four-digit PIN (Personal Identification Number).
You will use the same four-digit PIN to make a purchase, as you would use at an ATM. A signature will no longer be required unless the Merchant has yet to implement Chip technology.
If travelling abroad, you will still use your card in the normal manner but where a country has implemented Chip and PIN you will be required to enter your PIN so it is important to memorise it.
You will not be required to disclose your four-digit PIN when ordering goods by Mail Order.
HOW WILL the Chip and PIN WORK?
Chip and PIN means simply entering your PIN into a hand sized keypad when you use your card for face-to-face transactions. You will use the same PIN for making purchases in Department Stores, Restaurants, and Petrol Stations etc, as you would use for ATM transactions.
- You will hand your card to the Sales Assistant in the normal manner who will insert the Card into the PIN Pad device (you may be asked to enter the card yourself on occasions)
- The amount of your purchase will appear on the screen
- After checking the amount, you will enter your PIN discreetly
- The Retail assistant will give you sufficient time to enter your PIN and should afford you the privacy to do so
- You will be given a receipt for your purchase
- The Chip on your new card will contain the same information as the magnetic stripe holds today, so you will still be able to use your card in shops without PIN pads where that Merchant has not yet implemented the new technology
- A PIN is not required for purchases made over the phone or via the Internet
Will all PIN Pad devices be the same?
- It is expected there may be a variety of PIN terminals in different types of Retail outlets to accommodate customers.
- Some will have a separate PIN pad attached to the till.
- Others may have the PIN pad built into the shop counter.
- In restaurants the PIN Pad may be wireless so that you can pay whilst sitting at the table.
Will I always enter a PIN to approve the transaction?
- Not all retailers will have Chip and PIN devices to begin with so you may be requested to sign the receipt just as you do currently. The retailer could experience a technical fault with the pin pad and in this case you will also be requested to sign the receipt.
What happens if I get my PIN wrong or forget it?
- You will have 3 attempts to get your PIN correct in retailers. If you get it wrong 3 times you will "lock" your PIN.
- If you remember your PIN you can unlock it by visiting an ATM and choosing the PIN unlock option.
- If you cannot remember your PIN and therefore cannot unlock it, you need to call B365 who can re-issue you with the original PIN.
Will people be able to see me entering my PIN?
- PIN Pads should have a shield around them so that your PIN can be entered discreetly. If not, shield the PIN pad yourself with your hand. You should always take care when entering your PIN, even at an ATM.
- Your PIN should never be disclosed to anyone.
- If at any time you feel someone may have seen you input your PIN or knows your PIN, you will be able to change it at an ATM to another number that suits you.
Internet purchases/ phone purchases - will I need to use my PIN?
- A PIN is not required for internet or phone transactions or any transaction where the card is not present.
- At no stage should you divulge your PIN either over the phone or internet as this will compromise the security of the card.
I will be traveling abroad, how will Chip and PIN affect me?
- Where that country has PIN devices, you will be asked to enter your PIN if you have a Chip and PIN card. Otherwise, you will sign the receipt.
