HSBC launches new generation cards

HSBC Bank Malta plc has launched chip and Pin credit cards for its Premier and Classic card customers.

This follows the successful issue of its first chip and Pin cards through its systems four months ago.

HSBC said that following months of rigorous testing and certification by MasterCard and Visa, over the past month it issued a number of chip and Pin credit and debit cards, which have been pilot-tested both in Malta and overseas by selected customers. It said it is the only bank in Malta to have its Epos terminals certified by all card schemes to accept chip and Pin cards.

HSBC Bank Malta chief operating officer Sally Robson said that, in due course, all existing cards will be replaced so that all customers can benefit from the enhanced security of the new generation cards.

Chip and Pin cards offer improved security features when compared to existing credit and debit cards.

This is because at point of sale, customers will now be required to enter their unique Pin (personal identification number) to authorise any transactions. This replaces the current practice of customers having to sign a receipt.