Chip and pin in USA

getmore4less

Gemma182 wrote: »

Thanks very much. I was asking as someone was giving me their credit card to take with me incase of emergency and I can use theirs, but it's not in my name obviously. So signature would be different.

Thanks very much for all your help with this

You could come unstuck doing this which is a problem if it is an emergency.

Better to be a second cardholder.

luci

I wouldn't attempt to use someone else's credit card. You're likely to be held by the store while they call the police.

Good suggestion to have you added as a second card holder on the account.

123oleary

i was only asked for chip and pin once , i had to sign an electronic pad or some shops dont require anything if its under about 15 dollars. i did have to show id about half the time though

ferf1223

Indout96 wrote: »

Mestro (SP??) and Visa debit (rather than credit cards) are not accepted everywhere in shops, some accept them some dont

I agree that Maestro can be an issue but have never ever heard of Visa debit being a problem anywhere in the US. If it's got a Visa logo on it it can be used anywhere that accepts Visa (which is pretty much everywhere that accepts cards).

zappahey

ferf1223 wrote: »

I agree that Maestro can be an issue but have never ever heard of Visa debit being a problem anywhere in the US. If it's got a Visa logo on it it can be used anywhere that accepts Visa (which is pretty much everywhere that accepts cards).

My debit card is Maestro and, over the last couple of weeks, I managed to use it in loads of shops in Oregon and Washington State. The electronic signature machines simply displayed an electronic number pad to enter the PIN.

stumpycat

We didn't come across any chip & pin in NY. Either a signature was asked for (& usually ignored) or the card was just swiped with no confirmation at all...

Gas station machines required the ZIP code, so you had to guess how much you needed, pre-pay in the office and they would refund any difference...

The_Pedant

Back in August last year, I used Chip & Pin in a couple of places in Texas.

On both occasions, the sales person looked a little puzzled as the reader told them to use the chip reader, rather than swiping like they do for most cards.

Most of the time though it's just a case of swiping. Less than about $20 or so and they may not even bother with a signature, or won't bother checking it (not required over there for small amounts).

NOTE: If using a credit card you will most likely be asked for photo ID, which must match the name on the card. (not sure if they require this for debit cards too). For the first time, I was thankful I had my photo driving license. Much more convenient than a passport.