Life is now ruled by having to remember a series of passwords, PIN numbers and phone numbers. So it is not surprising when people forget these numbers and find they are locked out of their debit or credit card.
As this has become so commonplace, the Chip and PIN programme is asking cardholders to ensure they know the PIN of all the cards they want to use, especially when holidaying abroad.
Anyone who enters the wrong PIN number in a cash machine three times will find that the card becomes unusable temporarily.
"In the UK, while we are still getting used to chip and PIN, card holders may accidentally lock their card. However, unlocking a card is very easy to do â€" if you have remembered the PIN simply put your ‘locked' card into a UK cash machine enter your PIN and choose the ‘PIN Unlock' option in the PIN services menu," explains Chip and PIN spokeswoman Sandra Quinn.
"If you can't remember your PIN just contact your bank or credit card issuer and they will reissue it for you."
If a debit or credit card becomes locked when the cardholder is on holiday abroad, unlocking it is not that easy. Therefore it is recommended that debit and credit cardholders know their PIN before going on holiday.
"Memorising your PIN needs to go at the top of your holiday checklist along with your passport and your toothbrush," Ms Quinn warns.
News Side
Travellers warned about getting locked out of their debit or credit cards
Fri, 05 Aug 2005
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