why they are stopping solo cards?

[Elaine62]

i have a solo card with the halifax b,s, but im told thet after 1st feb they are stopping them and changing to pin and chip cards. The only thing i have this account so my D.L.A, and child benefit, i prefer to use a card bcoz i am terrible with cash i allways seem to loose it. can you please tell me my options once they stop this and how will i get to my money each month

with thanks E,Curtis [Email address removed in accordance with site policy - AB Editor]

[keithlbw]

 i have a solo card that is chip and pin.check with your branch you shouldnt have a problem getting yours changed to chip and pin.

[ian.miller]

I don't think they are stopping solo cards altogether, merely replacing all old solo cards with chip and pin solo cards.

[brachiopod]

mr miller is correct. They are not stopping the Solo scheme itself. Halifax are just ensuring that all the old-style cards are withdrawn and replaced with chip-and-pin cards.

On the 1st of January this year, the card issuers/banks shifted the burden of liability for fraudulent transactions from them and on to the retailer. This means that many retailers will shortly refuse to accept non-chip-and-pin cards (ie the ones where you sign a slip) - if they haven't stopped accepting them already. (Expect signs to this effect in your local Tesbury's and Strangeways soon!)

Most UK cards are now the more secure 'chip-and-pin' type. Every card issued within the last couple of years, whether as a new card or replacement for an expired card, has been 'chip-and-pin'.

In your case, Elaine, it sounds like Halifax have set themselves a deadline to replace any remaining old style cards that are in use. It may be worth giving them a ring to get this confirmed, and to check that a new card is on its way to you very soon.

[brachiopod]

And now to actually answer your question (!!!!)....

You will use your new Solo card in exactly the same way, except that instead of having a little slip to sign, you will insert your card and tap your four digit number (PIN) into a little box with a keypad - (you may have noticed these little boxes at checkouts etc. already). The PIN is the same one you probably already use at a cashpoint (ATM).

It's pretty straightforward, and the staff will always show you how to do it. Best of Luck!