PIN Numbers

ElkyElky

Ok so I'm finding it difficult to remember my pin numbers for all of my different cards and it's embarassing entering the incorrect number in a shop. I've been thinking of ways I can change my numbers to something rememberable but secure at the same time.

1) On each card, use the first 2 numbers and the last 2 numbers from the card number as a pin?
2) Use the same 3digit number on every card, and use the last number from the card number as the 4th digit?

Any opinions on them two?

udydudy

as long as you do not tell anyone and also hide your fingers whilst typing the pin(so that hidden cameras do not pick your key log) which combination you are using it will be as secure as it can be.

some other combinations could be

1) first number of card; your month of birth(MM) and last digit of card
2) last number of card; your year of birth(YY) ; first number of card.

the list is endless....... whatever fancies you.

googler

Do you have a four-digit number already in your life that you can remember? A login ID for your work, an employee number?

Do you know your NI number? If you can recall that, use either the first four or last four digits of that.

Do you own a car? If so, can you recall the registration number? If it has the new-style two digit code, use that twice. If it has three digits, use those and repeat the first.

As prev poster said, some combination derived from your date of birth (DDMM, MMYY, DDYY, etc)

Your house number, repeated twice? (0202, 6464, etc) - or for more security, a close relative's house number.

Your age repeated twice?

I've assumed you want one number for all cards rather than a different number for each, but any of the above could be adapted to use two digits from the example, plus first or last two digits of card.

ElkyElky

Thank you Very helpful tips that will most definately come in useful! I don't want to use the same pin for each card, I think that'll cause problems itself. Incorporating my date of birth or NI number into the pin number would be great in helping me remember it.

SwissLe

I always use the same PIN for each card apart from my debit card. I never write it down and it's not the same one the card came with.

jumpycheese1

When I worked for a bank, I suggested the birthdays of your eldest 2 children or eldest 2 grandchildren. Or your 2 previous house numbers.

I now work for a supermarket and a customer gave me their card with a little sticker with 4 digits on it.

I cannot believe some people's lack of security.

googler

Why would the same PIN for each card cause a problem of itself?

It's only a problem if someone does actually gain access to your PIN - but having the same number for each wouldn't be the cause of that breach.

DrScotsman

Someone here incurred bank charges by having two similarly looking cards (A&L and Halifax) with the same PIN. Nothing to do with security, but just a thought

Most PIN terminals have letters on, so try memorising words.

bengal-stripe

Identify a particular card with a member of your family or a friend and make up the PIN from their birthdays or telephone number, or any other information you will not forget (but do not use your own birthday, telephone or address).

Use the same scheme for all cards, but only you will know:
Barclay card = mum, Virgin card = dad, debit card = sister…………….whatever.

ElkyElky

googler wrote: »

Why would the same PIN for each card cause a problem of itself?

It's only a problem if someone does actually gain access to your PIN - but having the same number for each wouldn't be the cause of that breach.

If someone where to somehow steal my wallet and find out my pin, the likely chance is that they'll try that pin number on all of the cards. The chances of someone doing that are slim but it is still a possibility.

I protect my wallet like I protect my life. :rotfl:

Hermia

I use the birthday (dd/mm) for the first celebrity I fancied as a teenager! My mum is the only person who knows who this is (I was too embarrassed to tell anyone else!) and if I forget the number I can look his birthday up on the internet. I use it for all my cards, but would never disclose the number to anyone and I always shield my hand when I am typing it in. I have to know lots of 4 digit keypad codes for work so there is no way I could remember lots of different PINs as well.