Pen or PIN

Currently when you use your Commonwealth Bank MasterCard or Visa credit card to pay for something at a shop, you press ‘credit’ and then sign to accept the transaction. From 4 June 2008 most shops in Australia will also accept a Personal Identification Number (PIN) as an alternative to your signature. If you don’t want to use your PIN, you don’t have to. Just simply continue to sign as you are used to. The choice is yours.

How does it work?

Using a PIN on your credit card is no different to the way you use a PIN on your keycard or debit card for transactions. When you’re ready to pay for your goods, staff will ask you if you’d like to either enter your PIN or sign for your purchase. If you want to use a PIN:

1. Check 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 the numbers you enter for your PIN are not displayed on the screen and will appear as asterisks (****) instead.

4. Press the ‘OK/ENTER’ key.

5. The screen will show you if your transaction has been approved and you’ll be given a receipt.

 

What do I need to do?

You don’t need to do anything if you already know your PIN or you want to continue to sign for your purchases.

If you don’t know what your PIN is, it’s easy to get one. You can either:

• Visit your nearest Commonwealth Bank branch with your credit card and an additional form of identification such as a driver’s licence, passport or birth certificate. You can choose your own PIN immediately. 
• Call us on 132 221 and request a PIN to be mailed to you. Once you receive your PIN you can change it to a more convenient one at any Commonwealth Bank ATM or your nearest Commonwealth Bank branch.

 

Like to know more?

View our frequently asked questions

Remember to keep your PIN a secret

It’s important to keep your PIN a secret, just like with your keycard 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’ll never ask you to disclose your PIN.