Pen or PIN for business or corporate cardholders

Most shops in Australia will now accept a Personal Identification Number (PIN) as an alternative to your signature when you use your Commonwealth Bank business or corporate card credit card to pay for transactions. If you don’t want to use your PIN, you don’t have to. Simply continue to sign for your purchases. The choice is yours.

How does it work?

Using a PIN on your business or corporate credit card is no different to the way you use a PIN on your key card or debit card. When you’re ready to pay for your goods, the merchant will ask if you’d like to either enter your PIN or sign for your purchase.

What do I need to do if I want a PIN?

You don’t need to do anything if you already know your PIN or if you want to continue signing for your purchases. If you want a PIN, please visit a Commonwealth Bank branch with your credit card and an additional form of identification or call us on 13 1576.

Remember to keep your PIN a secret

It’s important to keep your PIN a secret, just like with your key card or debit card.

• Don’t disclose your PIN to anyone or let anyone else use your card
• Always memorise your PIN. Don’t write your PIN on your card or keep it in your wallet
• Don’t choose a PIN that is easily identifiable (i.e. date of birth)
• Always take reasonable steps to keep your PIN a secret and your card safe
• We will never ask you to disclose your PIN

Frequently asked questions

• What is a PIN?
• Can I choose my own PIN?
• Why do I need a PIN?
• Can I still sign for my payments?
• How do I get a PIN?
• What do I need for identification?
• How do I use my PIN?
• I have a PIN on my credit card. Do I need to get a new PIN?
• What happens if I forget my PIN?
• Where can I use my PIN?
• What happens if I enter my PIN incorrectly?

What is a PIN?

A Personal Identification Number (PIN) is a number that is allocated to your card by us or one that you have chosen yourself. Your PIN is only known to you and is specific to the card. A PIN is used as verification for transactions such as purchases and ATM cash withdrawals, if you are authorised by your company to access cash.

Can I choose my own PIN?

Yes. If you know your PIN, you can do this at any Commonwealth Bank ATM. If you don’t know your PIN, please visit your nearest Commonwealth Bank branch with your credit card and an additional form of identification.

Why do I need a PIN?

A PIN is just an alternative form of verification. If you want to use a PIN rather than a signature when you make a purchase, you will need to have a PIN. All existing corporate card controls remain unchanged.

Can I still sign for my payments?

Yes. It’s entirely up to you whether you sign or use a PIN.

How do I get a PIN?

You can either:

• Visit your nearest Commonwealth Bank branch with your credit card and an additional form of identification.You can choose your own PIN immediately
• Call us on 13 1576 and request a PIN to be mailed to you or your company’s card administrator.Once you receive your PIN you can change it at any Commonwealth Bank ATM or your nearest Commonwealth Bank branch

What do I need for identification?

If you are visiting a branch to change your PIN, you will need to bring your credit card and an additional form of identification, such as:

• Passport or birth certificate or citizenship certificate
• Driver licence or permit containing photo or signature
• Acceptable ID card containing photo and/or signature¹
• Utility bill (e.g. telephone, water, electricity, gas)
• Another credit card with signature
• Medicare card

¹Includes Social Security, Health Care or Pension Card; tertiary education institution ID card; or a government authority or public service employee ID card. 

How do I use my PIN?

A PIN is very easy to use. It works the same way as a PIN on your key card or debit card.

When using a PIN:

1. Check that the amount of the purchase is correct (as you would if you were signing).
2. Press the ‘CREDIT’ key.
3. Enter your PIN on the keypad. For your protection your PIN is not displayed on the screen and will appear as asterisks (****) instead.
4. Press the ‘OK/ENTER’ key.
5. The screen will show if your transaction has been approved and you will be given a receipt.
   
   

I have a PIN on my credit card. Do I need to get a new PIN?

No. Just use your existing PIN.

What happens if I forget my PIN?

A PIN can be reset by calling 13 1576. Another PIN will be mailed to you or your company’s card administrator. You can easily change your PIN at any Commonwealth Bank ATM or your nearest Commonwealth Bank branch.Alternatively, you can visit your local Commonwealth Bank branch to create a new PIN.

Where can I use my PIN?

Most shops will accept your PIN when you pay for purchases. The merchant will ask you if you would like to sign or use a PIN. Where a PIN can’t be used you will be able to sign for your purchases.

What happens if I enter my PIN incorrectly?

Your transaction will be declined and you can retry entering your PIN. If you enter an incorrect PIN multiple times, your card may be locked. Once this happens you won’t be able to use your card for any purchases, even if you then enter the correct PIN.

To unlock your card, please call 13 1576or visit your nearest Commonwealth Bank branch.

If you’re having trouble remembering your PIN and your transaction is declined, you can use a signature as an alternative. Keep in mind that you can always select a new PIN by visiting your nearest Commonwealth Bank branch.

Information for card administrators

If your corporate card holders don’t want to use a PIN, they don’t have to. Simply let them know that they can continue to sign for their purchases. Your Commonwealth Bank corporate cards will continue to operate as usual with any existing cash and merchant blocking strategies you have set on individual cards.