BofA customers: Assure me my PIN will work!
 

With all the talk here of how important it is to have a 4-digit PIN, I'm a bit worried, since Bank of America won't let me have a PIN of fewer than 6 digits! A couple of weeks ago I called them to change my PIN, and they told me I couldn't change it ... but I should be fine if I use the first four digits then hit enter.

So, I'd like to hear from BofA customers who used the PNP Paribas ATMs. Did you use your 6-digit PIN, or did you shorten it to 4 digits? I'm leaving in one week, so I'd like to have my mind at ease. :)

Thanks!

Dear Ms. Firecracker, I have a four digit from the BOFA and it works fine in Italy. Memorize the numbers though, it is rare to see letters on the keys.

I'm also a BofA customer and I have a 4 digit pin..I wonder why you can't get one. They did tell me if I needed a 6 digit on any atm to add 2 0's..but I've never had to do it.

I have a BofA 6-digit pin ATM card (formerly Fleet Bank). I am still waiting to hear from someone who has actually used it in France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, and it worked just using the first 4 digits. ((b))

I used to be a Fleet customer; I had a 6-digit PIN with them, but it was an option, not mandatory. Also, I wasn't traveling while I had the long PIN.

When I was switched over to BofA, I recall they told me my PIN *had* to be a least 6 digits. Maybe it's just a requirement for the former Fleet customers?

Whatever the case, I'm sure there has to be at least one other Fleet-turned-BofA customer here who's traveled to Europe!

Trixie_Firecracker
We are leaving this Friday as
I had a 6 digit PIN I was concerned
I went into my BofA branch today
and had my 6 digit PIN changed to
4 digits. The customer service
rep punched the info into the computer,
I went outside to the machine and
tested - worked fine. Maybe you
should go to the bank like I did.

Hi Trixie, I have a 4 number pin for my ATM but it is not B of A. My friends in Italy have always told me the pin has to be 4 numbers. I am not sure if eliminating the last 2 numbers when using an ATM would work or not.

But I too would go into B of A rather then trying to work this out over the telephone. I have always found a face to face conversation brings much better results. If you can't get assistance then insist on talking to the manager. Good luck to you, and have a wonderful time in Italy!

Fleet Bank! The name conjours up images....

Seaurchin...too funny ..seems they are SOL!

BTW..it's BNP Parabis

Once I turned to Fleet Bank when any substantial movement seemed impossible. But their fees cleaned me out fast, then their service went right down the toilet.

My husband had no problems in April using the first 4 digits of his B of A 6 digit pin.

His original 4 digit PIN (with Fleet)started with a 0, so to avoid any potential problems he changed it just before this trip. PINs can be changed at the ATMs.

We used the Paribas ATMs and one non-member ATM at CDG. His card worked fine at both.

Have a wonderful trip!

<PINs can be changed at the ATMs.>

You sure about that? I thought you had to go into the branch, put the card in one of their machines, and punch in your new pin. ((b))

no problem here either. but do call all CC/banks to let them know you're traveling otherwise security/theft prevention may flag you and stop you in your tracks. very worthy 5 minute call.

Can't agree more about calling the bank to let them know you're travelling. I got to the UK, got some cash with my card, and then tried to check into the hotel and the card was declined. Being that i was moving to the UK, i'd gotten rid of all but one card... We finally got it straightened out, but after a 20-something hour trip, i just wanted to sleep. A couple of days later, I got an e-mail for bank customers (BofA) saying be sure to let us know if you're travelling. DO IT!!!

I have BofA and used 4-digit pin for many years. The differences probably have to do with which state you are in and how you became a BofA customer, directly thru BofA or thru acquisition, etc.

I HAVE to tell BofA if I want to use my checkcard/debitcard overseas.

I have a BOA debit card that has a 4-digit PIN. It works great here in the US, and I've never had any problems with using it in Italy either. I've withdrawn money at ATM's, and I've made debit-card purchases and neither has been a problem.

I've always had a 4-digit PIN for my debit card, but that was probably because I've had a bank account with BOA or its predecessors for close to 20 years.

Many times I've used my B of A debit card overseas without notifying them in advance and I've never had a problem. But better safe than sorry. I'll give them a call Monday to tell them I'm going to the UK this month.

Trixie:

A bit off topic, but I'm a ScotiaBank customer here in Canada & they are part of the same 'special ATM global alliance' as Bank of America and BNP Paribas
(http://www.scotiabank.com/cda/conten..._LIDen,00.html) and as a result you don't have any 'extra' ATM charges over your normal BoA plan.

I had no problems with my ScotiaBank ATM card at the BNP Paribas machines in Paris last month (albeit with a 4-digit pin), I used 3 or 4 different branches for the ATMs (but they were 'everywhere')& all were fairly new, with clear digits to press and an English option for screens.

Hope this helps & enjoy Paris, its amazing.

Z

I am a long-time Bank of America customer with a 4 digit ATM pin who has never notified the bank of anything and never had trouble in 5 trips to Europe.

I realize this is neither here nor there to the original question. But I would be nervous traveling under the conditions the original poster described. "should be fine" wouldn't cut it for me.

Some people open separate accounts with ATM for traveling, to have a second source of cash and a backup method. Maybe you'd want to do this?