HSBC Bank Malta said today that following the successful introduction of Premier and Classic MasterCard Chip and PIN credit cards, it was now also in a position to issue VISA Classic and VISA Gold Chip and PIN cards.

''After months of hard work and rigorous testing, HSBC was the first bank to launch Chip and PIN cards to customers in Malta, issuing MasterCard Chip and PIN cards last June. Following final tests and certification we are now in a position to issue our customers with Chip and PIN enabled VISA Classic and VISA Gold cards. Furthermore, HSBC Bank Malta plc is the only local bank to have its EPOS terminals certified by all card schemes to accept Chip and PIN cards. All our new credit card customers will now receive Chip and PIN credit cards and a roll out plan is in place to replace all existing cards in a short period,'' said Sally Robson, HSBC Malta Chief Operating Officer.

Chip and PIN cards offer improved security features when compared to existing 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 procedure will replace the current practice of customers having to sign a receipt.