New Debit Card from Barclays

Ratch32

I have just received my new debit card from Barclays. They are saying it is fitted with the new "contact" chip. This enables me to just swipe it over a machine if my transactions are under £15, no pin code needs entering or anything. It's hurting my head as how on earth does this stop the ever increasing theft and fraud!!!!

JuicyJesus

EVery few times you use the card it asks for a PIN. Presumably Barclays would look to refund any fraud committed on the card without a PIN number being entered. The maximum transaction value allowed is only £15, mainly to stop this sort of thing happening.

As it is, I can't really think of anywhere that takes contactless cards round here.

knightfox

I havent got into these new cards yet.

Where do you use them, which shops have the facility?

Olipro

Ratch32 wrote: »

I have just received my new debit card from Barclays. They are saying it is fitted with the new "contact" chip. This enables me to just swipe it over a machine if my transactions are under £15, no pin code needs entering or anything. It's hurting my head as how on earth does this stop the ever increasing theft and fraud!!!!

it's contactless, if you visit London and a few other major cities you'll be able to use it.

As for the fraud issue, it's really not likely; someone would have to steal your card and would probably get £30 at most out of it before triggering a PIN check. which is hardly worth it considering they're very likely to get themselves recorded on CCTV at some point

chexum

Olipro wrote: »

As for the fraud issue, it's really not likely; someone would have to steal your card and would probably get £30 at most out of it before triggering a PIN check. which is hardly worth it considering they're very likely to get themselves recorded on CCTV at some point

I agree - £15 has been set low enough so that nor the store neither the card owner needs to pay these, so there won't be any direct costs. To build the infrastructure and issuing the cards is much more expensive anyway, so fraud/theft itself won't be a significant factor.

What I just learned these days, that in the US, for normal (i.e. swipe only) transactions, grocery stores don't even need to ask for signature (no need to check it, or even look at your card) for bills under $25 - how's that sound for fraud?

The time that fraud just needs to be statistically measured, and built into the system, and not avoided at all costs is already here...

iblametheparents

I use mine in Boots, on Stagecoach buses, in Pret a Manger and in the Barclays staff canteen. I love it, so much quicker than using a normal debit card.

James

iblametheparents wrote: »

I use mine in Boots, on Stagecoach buses, in Pret a Manger and in the Barclays staff canteen. I love it, so much quicker than using a normal debit card.

Just wait to you spot the odd £10 or so that you can't account for.

It's you that has to do the chasing up, the phone calls, letters etc.

Think about it