4-digit pin numbers?

[loa]

Hi all,

Is it true that the atm machines in europe only accept a 4-digit pins saving acct/credit/debit/chequing card?

Thanks in advance!!

[LHR02]

never saw one that didn't...but then, I have a 4 digit so never had any reason to try a longer one. To be totally safe I'd suggest insuring you have just 4 digits.

[Cynthia]

YES!

Change your PIN if it isn't 4 or higher. Most machines only have numbers so if you recall yours as a word, learn the number pattern.

[Marie]

Also most ATM's only allow you to retrieve money from your checking account or credit card.

I know that I'm used to having access to both my saving and checking account so you might want to place your money where it is actually accessable.

[Lynn]

Question - does your pin have to be 4 digits, no more..no less??

[LHR02]

Hard to say for sure I think.....it has always been my understanding that European ATM's only accept 4 digit pins. That could well be wrong....has anyone here used a longer one? To be totally on the safe side I would suggest you get a 4 digit.

[jennifer]

Well, I have a 5-digit number, never had a problem, although i made sure i didn't follow the letters, cause then you could get totally messed up. But with 5 numbers, I was ok everywhere i went!

[kena]

I have a five digit number, and I never had any problems (nor did my dad, who is a travel freak and goes to Europe at least three times a year)

[CuriousToronto]

I have a 6 digit pin number. I withdrew money in most countries I went to and had absolutely no problem doing so.

In my experience I was okay in Switzerland, France, Germany, and Italy.

Now I'm also a big believer in withdrawing pretty heavy amounts though. I don't go for the small withdrawal thing. I would always withdraw something like 500 Euros at a time (or the max.) That way I wouldn't be stuck. And I'd seldom go anywhere with low quantities of cash. I'd withdraw again when I was getting close to 100 Euros left in cash.

[Jax]

Guest-kena said:

I have a five digit number, and I never had any problems (nor did my dad, who is a travel freak and goes to Europe at least three times a year)

Can a 5 digit card work in London?

[MuvverRussia]

I wouldn't risk a 5 digit pin. All of our pins in the UK are 4 digits- you wouldnt want to find yourself without an atm card.

Also, we use pins to authorise many purchases as well. To ensure that works ok I'd change your pin- after all, it's not hard to memorise a 4 digit number.