Chip and PIN

Published Date 23rd August 2010

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Whats' Happened Since February 2006?

Since Valentine's Day 2006 you must use your PIN to be sure you can pay with your Chip and PIN card. If you don't know the PIN, your card may be refused and you should not expect to be able to sign. You may need to provide an alternative method of payment instead.

What Do I Need to Do?

Many First Trust Bank cardholders are already using their PIN for the majority of transactions and will not need to do anything.

What does it mean if my PIN is locked?
When making a purchase you have three consecutive attempts to key in your PIN. To protect your card against card fraud, after three incorrect attempts, your PIN will be locked and you will not be able to use your card until the PIN is unlocked.

What do I do if my PIN is locked?

Credit Cards

Just call the Chip and PIN Credit Card Helpline on +44 (0)28 9024 1822 and we will send you a reminder of your PIN. When you receive your PIN reminder you will need to go to any First Trust Bank or AIB Bank cash machine and unlock it. Simply insert your card, enter your PIN, select the PIN Services option followed by the PIN Unlock option your card will now be ready to use again.

(Please note that even if you subsequently remember your Credit card PIN you will still need to call the Chip and PIN Helpline to unlock it.)

Debit Cards

If you lock your Debit card PIN and then subsequently remember it, you can go to any First Trust Bank or AIB Group cash machine to unlock it. Simply insert your card, enter your PIN, select the PIN Services option followed by the PIN Unlock option your card will now be ready to use again.

If you forget your PIN completely, call your branch or the Chip and PIN Debit Card Helpline 0800 389 6218 and we will send you a reminder you will then have to follow the PIN unlock procedure above.

Forgotten PIN?

If you have forgotten your PIN contact us at the relevant Helpline number and we will send it to you in the post.

Can I Use my Chip and PIN Card Abroad?

UK Chip and PIN cardholders travelling abroad should increasingly expect to use their PIN wherever they pay.

Important Tips for Keeping Your Card Secure

It is very important to remember your PIN. We recommend you change your PIN to one that suits you at any First Trust Bank or AIB cash machine. Avoid selecting numbers that may be possible for someone else to guess. For instance, never use your year of birth, four identical numbers or simple sequences like 1,2,3,4.
Never write down or record your PIN or other security information.
Keep your PIN and other security information secret. Do not disclose your PIN to anyone.
Never give your PIN out over the telephone or Internet.
Make sure no one else can see your PIN when you key it in at point of sale or at a cash machine.
If you encounter any problems using your PIN, never accept the advice of another person in the queue.
If you think that someone has discovered your PIN change it immediately!

Legal Notice

The information contained in this guide does not constitute tax, legal or any other advice.

All information is correct as at date of publication shown above.

First Trust Bank is a trademark of AIB Group (UK) p.l.c. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.), incorporated in Northern Ireland. Registered Office, 4 Queen's Square, Belfast, BT1 3DJ. Registered Number, NI 18800. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. First Trust Bank is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, established under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

First Trust Bank subscribes to the Lending Code and is covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service. Details of the Lending Code are available on request from any First Trust Bank branch or from the Lending Standards Board.

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