Chip and PIN deadline looms

Licensees are preparing for the full rollout of the Chip and PIN programme with the deadline just over two weeks away.​ From February 14 anyone paying with a credit or debit card must use their PIN to be sure of making their payment.

By the end of last year 99 per cent of UK cardholders (41.5 million cardholders) had at least one Chip and PIN card.

In total 127 million Chip and PIN cards have been issued since the system - designed to cut fraud - was introduced in October 2003.

But licensees appear to be embracing the system. John Pascoe, licensee at the Swan in Little Totham, Essex, said: "I have no fears about the deadline for Chip and PIN. It's a fantastic system and we are fully up to speed with it and have been for a while."

David Drew, licensee at the Marlborough Arms in Chester, is also supportive. "It's a great idea and is helping cut down on people forging signatures," he said.

"Since Christmas we have been reminding people they must have their PIN, but my customers seem happy with it."

There are a number of exceptions where people will continue to sign after February 14.

These are: cardholders with any cards yet to be upgraded to Chip and PIN; cardholders with cards from countries that have yet to upgrade will always sign and disabled cardholders, or any cardholders, who have a chip and signature card.

For more information visit: www.chipandpin.co.uk