HSBC Malta to launch higher security Visa cards
After the successful introduction of its Premier and Classic Master Card Chip and PIN credit cards, HSBC Bank Malta is 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 Master Card Chip and PIN cards last June," chief operating officer Sally Robson said.
"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. HSBC Bank Malta 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.
A 'Chip' credit card bears an embedded security microchip, which makes it more secure than one with only a magnetic stripe. The chip makes it more difficult to fraudulently copy card details.
At point of sale, customers will now be required to enter their unique personal identification number to authorise transactions. This procedure will replace the current practice of customers having to sign a receipt.
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DVella
Aug 24th 2008, 21:11
About b***dy time too ! ! ! Several countries in Europe (notably the UK) have been using the Chip & PIN system for credit cards for years . . . . I am tired of not being allowed to use my credit card to pay for commodities in several countries because our local banks are still stuck in the dark ages!!!
Whilst on the issue, does Bank of Valletta plan to follow suit sometime soon ?? I am sure their customers will be delighted at not having to change their bank in order to have access to services which are in line with those of our European counterparts and remiscent of the 21st century!!