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Personal Finance > Credit Cards > PIN at Point of Sale

Credit Cards - PIN at Point of Sale

 

This page has answers to many frequently asked questions about the introduction of PIN at Point of Sale as an alternative way to authorise Credit or Scheme Debit Card transactions instead of using a signature.


What is PIN at Point of Sale?
A new way to authorise Credit or Scheme Debit Card transactions at point of sale terminals. Currently when you use a Credit or Scheme Debit Card to make a purchase at point of sale you press 'Credit', and then sign to authorise the transaction.

From 4 June, participating merchants in Australia will be able to accept a PIN as an alternative method to authorise the transaction.

You can still continue to authorise Credit or Scheme Debit Card transactions by signing should you wish to.

When is PIN at Point of Sale being introduced?
From 4 June, participating merchants in Australia will be able to accept a PIN.

It is important to note that not all terminals will be Pin at Point of Sale enabled on 4th June as conversion to the new PIN software will be a progressively rolled out across Australia. This means it will take some time to get all merchant PIN pad software updated. You should follow the prompts on the terminal and in some instances will need to continue to use your signature to authorise Credit or Scheme Debit Card transactions.

Why are financial institutions making this change?
The introduction of PIN use as an alternative to signing on both Credit and Scheme Debit transactions is an industry-wide collaboration involving all major banks, financial institutions and card schemes operating in Australia. You may see promotion of this initiative under the slogan of "PEN or PIN."

The use of PIN is designed to make things quicker & easier at point of sale and will generally result in a faster transaction process. 

The change will bring Australia in line with many overseas countries where PIN is already accepted to authorise Credit and Scheme Debit Card transactions.

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How does PIN at Point of Sale work?
There are 4 easy steps to follow at point of sale:
        1. Check to make sure the transaction amount is correct
        2. Press the 'Credit' key
        3. Enter your PIN on the keypad
        4. Press the 'OK/Enter' key
The screen will show if the transaction has been approved and a receipt issued.
 
Note:
Your PIN will not appear on any printed material.
You must follow the prompts on the point of sale terminal PIN pad - the merchant employee can direct you should you need help (but you should never reveal your PIN.)

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Do I have to use a PIN to authorise all Credit or Scheme Debit card transactions from 4 June onwards?
No, you now have a choice. You can enter your PIN or you can continue to sign as you have before.

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Will NAB be sending anything to me to allow me to use PIN at Point of Sale?
No. All customers receive a PIN when they first receive their Credit or Scheme Debit Card which you can use to authorise transactions.

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If I don't have a PIN or can't remember my PIN how can I get one?
If you can't remember your Credit or Scheme Debit Card PIN you can request a replacement PIN by visiting any NAB branch or by calling us on 13 22 65.

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Will I receive a new Credit or Scheme Debit Card?
No. Simply use your existing NAB Credit or Scheme Debit Card with its PIN.

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Are there any additional charges for using PIN at Point of Sale instead of signing to authorise transactions?
No. There are no additional charges from any financial institution or any merchant. Existing Credit and Scheme Debit account fees and charges will still apply.

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What happens if the I key an incorrect PIN?
If the PIN is entered incorrectly the terminal will respond with a message that the request is declined, or will provide you with another chance to re-enter the PIN.

If the response at the point of sale machine is 'decline' you can start a new transaction and can then re-enter the correct PIN.

If you do not know your correct PIN you should press the 'credit' button and then the 'OK/Enter' button to sign for the transaction.

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What does it mean if my PIN is locked?
If the point of sale terminal has locked the PIN from any further use it means you have entered your PIN incorrectly a number of times. NAB has suspended the card for further PIN based transactions in the interests of security for the card and the PIN.

You will still be able to sign to authorise transactions - it is the PIN which is locked.

The PIN will be unlocked the following business day.

If you are still unable to remember your correct PIN your may need to request a replacement PIN either by visiting your local branch or by calling NAB on 13 22 65.

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Can I use my PIN to authorise transactions in all merchants?
It is important to note that not all terminals will be PIN at Point of Sale enabled on 4th June as conversion to the new PIN software will be a progressively rolled out across Australia. This means it will take some time to get all merchant PIN pad software updated.

You should follow the prompts on the terminal and in some instances will need to continue to use your signature to authorise Credit or Scheme Debit Card transactions.

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Does the daily cash limit apply to Credit or Scheme Debit Card purchase transactions if I use a PIN instead of signing?
A daily transaction limit of $1000 per card only applies to NAB Credit Cards when using PIN to obtain cash through ATMs, or for purchase transactions with a cash withdrawal debited to your linked account.

A daily transaction limit applies to the NAB Visa Debit Card ($1,000) and NAB Gold Visa Debit Card ($2000) when using the PIN to obtain cash through ATMs and for purchase transactions with a cash withdrawal through EFTPOS terminals using the SAVINGS or CHEQUE button.

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Does PIN change my liability for any fraud committed on my account?
No, as long as you adhere to the terms and conditions applicable to your Credit or Scheme Debit Card account.

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Are there any changes to the terms and conditions of card usage?
No.

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What safety tips can NAB recommend on PIN security?
-
Keep your PIN a secret.
- Don't allow anyone else to use your card, PIN or other security information.
- Always memorise your PIN and never write it down.
- Always take reasonable steps to keep your card safe and your PIN secret.
- You should never be asked to disclose your PIN.
- Use your body or hand to shield the PIN pad on the terminal, so others at the checkout cannot see which numbers are being keyed into the PIN pad.
- Should you feel unsure/unsafe about using your PIN (ie someone is standing very close to you at the checkout and you are worried that person may see you entering your PIN), then you should press 'OK/Enter' and use your signature to authorise the transaction.

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Can I identify a transaction where PIN was used on either my receipts or statement?
On receipts you are able to identify if the transaction is processed and approved with a PIN as it will not have a section for your signature.

You will not see any difference between a transaction processed with a PIN or a signature on your Credit or Scheme Debit Card statement.

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What happens if I travel overseas?
You should still be able to sign to authorise transactions when travelling overseas, however we strongly recommend that when travelling with your NAB Credit or Scheme Debit Card that you know your PIN. This is because CHIP card and PIN technology is now becoming a global standard in many overseas locations such as Europe, the UK and New Zealand and you may be required to use your PIN instead of signing to authorise a transaction.

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What does it mean if I have recently received a Chip Credit Card from NAB?
If you have recently received a Chip Credit card from us you can now use both your Chip and PIN in conjunction with one another - something which is becoming the global standard around the world.

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Where can I get more information on Pin at Point of Sale?
Visit www.penorpin.com for more details.

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