Liz Weston: Why don’t most credit cards require a PIN when you use them? (2024)

FAQs

Liz Weston: Why don’t most credit cards require a PIN when you use them? ›

The issuers are worried people would find the PINs to be a hassle and would opt to use a competitor's card that didn't require remembering and entering a number. The massive amount of fraud that results is considered a cost of doing business.

A credit card PIN is a four-digit code that you may need to use to make certain credit card transactions. Most of the time, you will not need a PIN to use your credit card unless you're making a cash advance or traveling abroad. You should never write your PIN down anywhere or share it with anyone.

If your card is chip and pin enabled then yes, you do need a 4 digit pin. If your card doesn't have a chip in (only the signature strip on the back) then you will be able to sign for purchases over here. The only PIN I know is for cash advance.

You can create or change your credit card PIN by calling 1-888-891-2435. Remember, a PIN is not necessary for credit card purchases; you can use the PIN for cash advances at ATMs (refer to our Visa Account Disclosure for the current cash advance fee). You must call from the phone number listed on your account.

You may have the option to get the PIN immediately by email or text. If not, it will come in 7-10 business days by mail. You don't need a Capital One credit card PIN to make purchases. But you will need one to do a cash advance at...

The issuers are worried people would find the PINs to be a hassle and would opt to use a competitor's card that didn't require remembering and entering a number. The massive amount of fraud that results is considered a cost of doing business.

Just like chip-based cards, these contactless cards also feature a chip that works using radio waves. So, once you wave or tap your contactless credit card near the card reader, an antenna detects your card's signal and transmits your card information to the POS terminal.

Can you use a credit card without a PIN? Using your credit card doesn't usually require you to enter a PIN. Everyday purchases in stores and online usually have several credit card payment options: entering the card information, swiping the magnetic stripe, making a contactless payment and inserting the card's chip.

Why use a PIN? It's more secure than signing – It's easy for someone to see your signature, but only you know your PIN. Using your PIN for purchases on your credit and debit cards is safer than signing and makes it harder for card fraudsters. There's only a 1 in 10,000 chance of somebody guessing your PIN.

Contactless payment is the modern-day magic of money handling. Imagine tapping your credit/debit card or smartphone over a reader and—voilà—the payment is made without the need for a PIN or signature.

Why doesn't my card ask for PIN? ›

Since credit cards in the US largely don't use PINs, the customer will not be prompted for a PIN for a transaction running on the credit card network, even though it's a debit card.

You might not have your PIN number, but you can still use your credit card without it. Most point-of-sale machines offer contactless pay options where you can wave your card next to the reader. Contactless pay options allow you to complete your transaction without inserting your card into the machine.

Tap your card (a.k.a. contactless payment): If your card has the tap-to-pay symbol (four curved lines, like a Wi-Fi symbol on its side), you can pay by simply tapping it against a contactless reader — no PIN or signature required. This is by far the easiest way to pay and is available in much of Europe.

Credit card PINs may be required if you want to take out cash advances at ATMs. Entering your PIN helps verify that you're the card owner. And if you don't have a credit card PIN when it's required or can't remember it, you can't complete the cash advance.

Choose Credit

Even if you're technically paying for your gas with your debit card, when prompted to choose if the card you're using is a debit or credit card, always select “credit.” The reason to do this is in order to bypass the pump asking you for your PIN.

Cash advances are commonly used in fraud cases, so credit card issuers require additional security measures to process your request. As a result, you must provide your PIN to get a cash advance from your credit card.

Search the card issuer's online banking website or app for information about your credit card PIN. Contact your issuer: You can also call your credit card company to ask about your PIN. While it probably won't tell you your PIN over the phone, you may be able to request a new one.

Evelyn Boros, Credit Cards Moderator

Keep in mind that it will take 7-10 business days to receive your PIN in the mail. You will only be required to use a PIN when requesting a cash advance at an ATM. But you should avoid this kind of transactions as they are costly.

You might not have your PIN number, but you can still use your credit card without it. Most point-of-sale machines offer contactless pay options where you can wave your card next to the reader. Contactless pay options allow you to complete your transaction without inserting your card into the machine.