Getting started
Chip and PIN terminals come in different shapes and sizes - some are handheld, others are fixed in place. In each case however the payment process is always the same. When you're ready to pay with your chip and PIN card, the retailer will either:

• Instruct you to insert your card into the payment terminal or a separate PIN pad, or
• Take the card from you as normal, inserting into the terminal themselves.
• You will then be prompted when to enter your PIN.

To see a demonstration click here.

Take care when entering your PIN
You should always be careful when keying in your PIN.

• Where you are able to move the PIN pad, move it to where you feel most comfortable.
• Most PIN pads have privacy shields to help prevent others seeing your PIN as it's being entered. You should always be vigilant when entering your PIN. And....
• Never give your PIN details to anyone - including retail or bank staff and the police. Keep it secret!

Security measures to protect your card
When paying in person for goods and services, you'll have three consecutive chances to enter your PIN correctly. If you are unsuccessful after the first attempt, simply try again. But to protect your card against unlawful use, three consecutive failed attempts will 'lock' your PIN (note: the payment terminal or PIN pad won't 'swallow' your card). To avoid any inconvenience we recommend that you enter your PIN twice, and if you are still unable to remember it, use another form of payment and request a PIN re-advice from your bank.

PIN Services
You can quickly and easily unlock your PIN (provided you remember your PIN), or change your PIN at any HSBC cash machine in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man by selecting the PIN Services option and following the on-screen instructions.

If you have locked the PIN and cannot remember it you will need to request a PIN re-advice by calling your card issuer. If you are an HSBC customer call us on 08457 404 404 (textphone 08457 125 563). If abroad telephone us on +44 1226 261 010 (textphone +44 1792 494 394). Opening hours 8am to 10pm everyday (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day). If calling from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man please dial 0845 600 6161. Once the advice has been received unlock the PIN as described above. 

To see a demonstration click here.

For more information about chip and PIN, visit the official chip and PIN website.

Chip and PIN going worldwide
The UK is one of the first countries to implement the global chip and PIN system. Some countries, like France, currently have their own system but they and other countries around the world are planning to adopt the global chip and PIN system over the next few years.

If you're planning to travel abroad, you’ll increasingly find that you need your chip and PIN card as other countries change over to the new system. Where countries are not using chip and PIN or haven’t adopted it yet, you’ll still be able to sign a receipt as you do now.

With HSBC you will still be able to use your new chip and PIN card to access 900,000 cash machines globally.