Chip & PIN

How to make card purchases in the UK

In the UK, it's normal to use a personal identification number (PIN) to authorise any debit or credit card payments in shops and restaurants. If you haven't used this way of making a purchase, here's what you need to know:

  • If you use a Lloyds TSB debit or credit card, or any Visa or Mastercard issued by UK banks, you need to use your PIN to make purchases in UK shops and restaurants.
  • PINs have 4 digits which you type into a handheld machine — just as you would at an ATM.
  • You need to know the PIN for your card in order to make purchases. However, you should never write down your PIN.

Don't know your PIN?

Before you travel to the UK, contact Offshore PhoneBank. We'll help you get your Chip and PIN card set up. In some cases, we may need to issue you with a new card.

For more information, visit the Chip and PIN website.