I used my debit card yesterday at a bar and wasn't asked for a PIN or signature to confirm. Is this legal?

Question

I used to work on a till and was always told it was illegal not to obtain a signature/confirm a PIN when a transaction was processed. When I presented my card the other day I entered my PIN and was then told that it "wasn't working properly" so the merchant just swiped my card through and didn't bother asking for a signature, despite the receipt reading "signature verified". Is this legal at all? I'm just a little concerned at how easy it was to use my card without any sort of verification of my idenitity.

I should add that I live in the UK where we have a chip and PIN system unlike in the US. Thanks for all your answers but any responses from US users are not relevant.

Answer 1

they probably just forgot. check your bank statement and they probably won't charge you for it

Answer 2

I've had it happen also. Usually there is no need for a pin number if the amount is below a certain amount. The amount may vary from place to place but usually below $20.00 or so.
Some fast food restaurants have started this practice also. Its some what convenient but a bit scary for ID theft. Most stores policies and procedures require the cashier verify identity before allowing the processing of your card. I would call the establishment and explain your situation as well as your banking institution. From there you can find out whats legal and whats not. Good Luck !

Answer 3

if your outwith the UK then i have no idea however if your in the UK then normally a pin is required as this was the whole point of the chip and pin system. as far as im aware they should not be able to overwrite the requirement for pin unless absolutly necessary they should have moved you to another chip and pin machine to take the payment, if they have no signature then they are liable for the payment and u technically can claim it back as fraud as there is no evidence of your authorisation. Your banks switch authorisation dept can tell how the transaction was made ie pin verification or signature. also if this is the case the can use the card in store for goods and say u authorised it. personally i would cancel my card and get a new one.

Answer 4

Yes it is legal. I have been noticing this more and more. A lot of places will not ask for either a pin or signature for smaller purchases. Now, if you were to file a dispute they would have a hard time proving that it was you that used the card; however, if your using your card at other places as well, it would be hard to convince someone that you lost your card.

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Answer 5

I use my debit card all the time and never have to use a pin. Mine is Visa based and has the same protection given a credit card as well as a $100 limit per day (my request). Perhaps our cards are different, but you should check with your bank about what protections are afforded you.

I was very resistant to getting a debit card although I had one when they first came out. They lacked protections. Someone could empty your bank account. Even today, they can do that and the bank will fix it (if it was stolen), but how many people can make the rent payment if $500 is missing for 4 weeks? So, have a restricted daily limit and save your checks for the grocery store or other high ticket things. Review your bank information to find out what protections you have and absolutely review your statement!

Answer 6

The laws have changed. Many places that do not accept tips can forgo the signature/PIN if the purchase is under a certain amount. This is a new thing (within the last few years) that card processing companies offer to speed up purchases in fast pace environments.

The place you visited did nothing wrong, your purchase was just under the limit.

Answer 7

Yes its legal...they use the credit side of the card. You don't need a pin for everything. I would advise not using you pin other than at the atm. People can get it or worse that company can get hacked and steal you pin number. It has happened.
Signatures are no longer required on purchases under 25$.

Answer 8

in case you utilize your economic employer debit card with a PIN huge form, you could not be asked to sign the receipt, the main suitable PIN huge form is your digital signature. If the provider provider tactics the transaction as a mastercard, then you definately could be required to furnish a signature. possibly the cashier pressed credit quite of debit and took the easy way out, purely asked you to sign quite of re-working the transaction. Watch your economic employer fact, purely ensure which you do are not double charged for the transaction.

Answer 9

Yes it legal even in the U.K. MasterCard and Visa have just started a program, where you don't have to enter your pin even for small purchases. Occasionally you were be prompted to enter your pin. The U.S. has a similar program. If your card does not work as a pin. It will default to signature.

Answer 10

The law varies from state to state, I use my debit card at fast food restaurant drive-throughs all the time with no pin# or signature. Pretty soon, they won't even have to 'swipe' it, just touch it to a pad. Modern technology is pretty cool once you learn to embrace it.Two years ago I was terrified of paying bills or buying things on-line, but now I can't imagine life without it.

Answer 11

It not matter. Credit Cards get used all the time by other people. Always check you Transactions when they send it and if there a Charge you did not make, notify the Bank. They will handle it. Just regular business today.