Guys - if you are using a US credit card in the UK are you still okay if you do not have a chip and pin number?

First, Happy Anniversary!

Second, when I last used my regular credit card in the UK (April 07) it was no problem. I would think they'd have to accomodate those not on the UK system, otherwise they would lose out on a lot of tourist money.

Yep, it's fine. If there's no chip, they have to take a signature. So make sure the card is signed and have picture ID as back up. The rule is that if there's a chip, they're supposed to process it by pin rather than signature.

Thanks Julez.

Margot - you are currently in the UK, right? I had no problem with this last year, but I just wanted to check that it was still the case!

I've just moved to the US, but it was definitely okay still when I left the UK at the end of this past January.

U taking a trip you didn't tell me about???

thanks guys


working on one for a visit - also, a possible business trip. I just need to make sure so I can make plans!

No problem using my US cards earlier this month. Wasn't even asked for photo ID anywhere when I used them. The only time anyone ever said anything was when I used my Switch card at New Look, and the girl at the till asked me if I wanted to open a New Look account. I said no thanks, I don't live in the UK. She was really interested in how I had a UK Switch card when I was based in the US... in a friendly way, though! Cue looooooong conversation with two members of New Look staff about US immigration... I think in the end they ended up knowing all about K1 visas. (One asked me if I knew any nice American boys.)

But anyway, yes, no probs.

Last week the boy used his US Credit card, just have to sign, he's never been asked for ID with it, but I suppose couldn't hurt to have it with you anyway.

I was in the UK last week, yes your CC is fine. However I typically give my card to the associate and they manually put in the number.

Some places in London (like M&S) have a swipe thing on the register...I imagine they get enough American tourists that they have one to have the lines go faster.

Your card is definitely ok. I work in a retail shop and I just had someone in two weeks back without the chip/pin. You may find some small places that don't accept them (our neighborhood co-op won't take them), but I think most places will.