Debit Card - Pin Question
 

I know one must have a pin to get cash from an ATM/bank in most if not all the european countries. does it matter how long the pin? For example, my pin is 4 digits. My sister just informed me her pin is 7 digits. I know the 4 digits work .. but does it matter if her pin is 7 digits? Thanks!

Hi katzen, my old ATM card had 6 digits and I was never able to use it abroad. The bank I've used for the last eight years requires 4 digits, and I've had no problems getting cash with it.

Hi katzen, my ATM cards all have 4 digits have that has always worked. If an ATM doesn't give you money assume it is because the machine is out of cash or your actualy bank operation is down or whatever. Than just go to another ATM.

If I were your sister I would get a new pin number with four digits. Best regards.

Hi, I have HSBC ATM card with 6 digits issued from Bahrain. I have use it all over Europe, USA, Canada and Far East. It always work. Tomorrow will be going to Dusseldorf etc and then Switzerland with the family. I hope it will works !! I will also take with me ATM/Master card issued by National Bank of Bahrain with 4 digits - though I have not used it abroad. Frankly I am sure both cards will works. I hope will not be shoked since will be staying to end of August. May be i can confirm when returned.

Hi k,

There have been more than a few posts here mentioning trouble with ATM PINs of more than 4 digits.

This doesn't mean that they don't work nearly all the time.

((I))

Thank you for the responses. My sister has Bank of America. Deutsche BAnk and BNP Paribas are part of the Global ATM Alliance so I'm hoping she is able to use the 7 digit pin. Maybe I will suggest she change it to a 4 digit to just be on the safe side. Thanks again!

I used my B of A card successfully all the time while in Europe from 2004-5, but I had a 4 digit PIN. Maybe she should change it just to be safe.

I used my B of A debit card w/ 6-digit PIN successfully in Paris and Rome this year.

i just went to my chase bank in ny and changed my PIN to 4 digits...it was 6.. 800# customer service told me it's no problem to have more than 4 - the ATM machines in italy will just take the 1st four BUT to be safe, it only took a minute at a chase branch to change the PIN...i went to the customer service desk... AND they also told me to call fraud prevention to say i'll be out of the country so they don't close down the card for suspicious activity...
all this last minute activity...leaving tomorrow!!!!
good luck!!!

years ago PINs did need to be 4 digits and couldn't start w/ a 0. There have been lots of threads in the last couple of years saying longer PINs now work. But - I have never seen a post from anyone w/ a <u>seven</u> digit PIN.

I <i>think&lt;/&gt; 6 digits is fine, but 7, who knows. Changing a PIN is no big deal - If I was you sister I'd change my PIN and could always change it again when I got home.</i>

sorry I screwed up the <i>italics</i> above . . . . .

Anybody heard of a 7-digit pin? I have a card with a 6-digit pin, and I would be skeptical of taking &amp; using it as my sole source of ATM funds. ((b))

&quot;<i>Anybody heard of a 7-digit pin?</i>&quot; - yep - the OP's sister apparently has one . . . .