Chip and PIN is a more secure way for you to use your credit and debit cards. It combines two effective security features. The first is a microchip on cards that stores card data more securely than a magnetic stripe and is therefore much harder to counterfeit (clone) or skim. The second is the four-digit PIN (personal identification number) which is much harder to use fraudulently than a signature and which proves that you are the genuine cardholder. Instead of using your signature to verify payments, you will be asked to enter a four-digit PIN known only to you.

In early 2003 the first public chip and PIN trial was conducted in Northampton, followed by the start of the national roll-out in October of the same year.

Since the beginning of 2005 the majority of card transactions in the UK have been by chip and PIN. The roll-out continued through 2005 with the remaining chip and PIN credit and debit cards being issued, and businesses and retailers continuing to upgrade their equipment and implementing chip and PIN in their stores. By early 2006 the UK was close to being a fully mature chip and PIN market.

>> PIN Entry Device Protection Profile Common Criteria Evaluations
Here you will find a list of vendors and products that have been evaluated under the Common Criteria. Entry on this listing signifies approval for placement and use.

>> PIN Mailer Security Accreditation Scheme
APACS has published security standards for PIN mailers, and is introducing an accreditation scheme for PIN mailer stationery and PIN mailer printing services.