| The new Chip & Pin credit card system has been | | | | that no one can look over your shoulder or read the |
| officially in use for several months now, but in some | | | | keypad. |
| cases you'll still be able to sign rather than use your | | | | Safety isn't the only thing you should take care with |
| Chip & Pin. Specifically, if you are disabled and cannot | | | | when it comes to credit cards. Start being careful from |
| enter a PIN, you'll still be able to sign for your | | | | the beginning when you choose a credit card. Before |
| purchases as you always have and the cashier will | | | | you apply for any credit card, compare credit cards |
| compare credit cards with your signature as always. | | | | online to be sure that you're getting the best credit |
| You'll also still be able to sign for your purchases if the | | | | card deal for your situation. When you compare credit |
| merchant doesn't yet have a Chip and PIN reader, or | | | | cards, be sure to read all the fine print in the card |
| at many overseas merchants. | | | | member agreement to avoid any surprises from |
| As of February 14, 2006, all credit card customers | | | | unexpected fees and charges when the account |
| should be have and be using the new Chip & PIN | | | | comes due. |
| cards that have been issued since late 2003. The Chip | | | | Some points to compare when you're deciding on the |
| & PIN card is meant to make credit card purchases | | | | best credit card are: - APR (Annual Percentage Rate) |
| more secure and cut down on credit card fraud, a | | | | - Annual fees if any - Late payment charges - Method |
| goal that is already happening, says APACS, who | | | | of calculating interest - Rewards for using your credit |
| report that credit card fraud was down by 13% | | | | card to shop |
| between January 2005 and February 2006. In order to | | | | Depending on your situation, you may not qualify for |
| fully benefit from using Chip & PIN cards, though, it's | | | | the best credit card rates and fees. If you've had |
| important that you follow some safe-use rules for your | | | | trouble with your bills, for instance, you may be offered |
| new card. | | | | a 'bad credit credit card' with a higher rate of interest |
| 1.Don't give your PIN to anyone - not even the police or | | | | than the typical rate (the APR that is offered to at |
| the credit card company. | | | | least 75% of those that qualify for credit with that |
| 2.Choose a safe PIN. - No more than two numbers in | | | | company). If that happens, don't think that you have no |
| sequence. - No more than two of the same digit. - | | | | other choice. As with any other kind of credit card, |
| Don't use easily found personal data like your full | | | | there are many companies that offer the so-called |
| birthday. - The safest PINs are randomly generated | | | | bad credit credit cards. Just as you would with any |
| numbers, but you can make a PIN that's easy for you | | | | other credit card offer, be sure to compare credit |
| to remember and hard to guess by combining two | | | | cards against each other to make sure that the one |
| numbers that have personal significance to you. Try | | | | you choose is the best credit card offer that you can |
| something like the street number of your first house | | | | manage. Taking care up front can save you money |
| and the day your youngest son was born, for instance. | | | | over the long run. |
| 3.Be careful when entering your PIN at the till. Stand so | | | | |