Chip & PIN

Your PIN code is increasingly replacing the signature, making it indispensable for using your credit card.

An increasing number of merchants use state-of-the-art terminals. When making a payment at these terminals, you will be asked to enter your PIN code instead of signing a slip. It is therefore important that you memorize your PIN code so that you can enter it to authorize a payment when asked.

Your Chip & PIN card is suitable for all payment types.

• Enter your PIN code when requested¹.
• Sign a receipt if you do not have to enter your PIN code.
• There are also terminals where you can pay without entering your pin code or signing a receipt, e.g. when entering and exiting car parks, or when filling up your car at a gas station using your Bonviva American Express credit card.

¹ However, it may be that you still have to sign a receipt even if you have entered your PIN code.

This is how to use your Chip & PIN card safely:

• Sign the back of your new Chip & PIN card immediately.
• Do not throw your card receipts away where they could be accessible to anyone else.
• You should IMMEDIATELY block your card if it is stolen or lost through our Customer Service department.

This is how to use your PIN code safely:

• You will receive the PIN code for your new card by separate post.
• Keep your PIN code and credit card separate at all times.
• Never write down your PIN code on your credit card.
• You can change your PIN code at any time at any suitable ATM in Switzerland.
• Do not choose an easily accessible combination of numbers for your PIN code, such as birthdays, telephone numbers, car registrations, etc.
• Memorize your PIN code, and never write it down anywhere.
• Never give your PIN code to anyone (not even when paying online or speaking to our Customer Services department).
• Remember to conceal your PIN code when entering it so that nobody can see.

Please refer to the General Terms and Conditions (GTC) for more information relating to the PIN code.

New credit card, new PIN code?

When your credit card is renewed (after the previous period of validity has elapsed or following theft or loss) your existing PIN code will remain unchanged.

Have you forgotten or lost your PIN code, or are you simply not aware of it?

No problem. You can order your new PIN code easily in the following ways:

• Via the internet: Fill out the Form and send it to Swisscard AECS.
• Via telephone: Simply call our Customer Service department.