Coronavirus - any way to activate new contactless card without using chip and pin first?

JulieM

My new card starts next month and I've just remembered that I have to use it with the PIN first to activate the contactless feature. Is there any way round this in view of the current situation, I'm sure most people want to avoid using key pads wherever possible.

JustAnotherSaver

JulieM said:

My new card starts next month and I've just remembered that I have to use it with the PIN first to activate the contactless feature. Is there any way round this in view of the current situation, I'm sure most people want to avoid using key pads wherever possible.

Take a pen with you and enter the PIN with that.

If you're bothered about your keystrokes being seen, take some kitchen roll to put over the display so nobody can see what you're pressing.

May get some funny looks but it's one workaround.

D_M_E

Have you tried looking on your card provider's website?

HSBC I think allow you to activate online.

[Deleted User]

There are many finger substitutes you could use if you're concerned about using your own digit.

Pen
Pencil
Carrot
Baby corn
Sharpie
A screw
Ruler
Pritt stick
Drill bit
A small courgette
A stick
 A small pointy stone

Or you could just wear a glove or other hand covering.

HogMan

Plus:
Top of a hand sanitiser bottle
Piece of pasta, Fusilli or Penne probably will work best
Piece of toilet paper

2e0arr

a barge pole ? at a push

D3xt3r5L4b

Or just don't panic too much and just wash your hands straight after?
!!!!!!...

JulieM

Thanks for all the suggestions. Sorry if I come across as neurotic, I'm thinking of others as well as myself. A lot of shops prefer contactless payments at the moment. I'm just trying to do the right thing.

JustAnotherSaver

JulieM said:

Thanks for all the suggestions. Sorry if I come across as neurotic, I'm thinking of others as well as myself. A lot of shops prefer contactless payments at the moment. I'm just trying to do the right thing.

I wouldn't worry about it. I'd say a lot of these comments are in jest

Unless you really want to try the barge pole? lol

2e0arr

be careful with a wooden bargepole you might get splinters in the windmills of your mind

Migster

I think you should be able to add it to Apple Pay / Google Pay on your phone and use it contactlessly that way, without the need for a Chip & PIN first.