ATM number and keypad questions

[CaminoJoy123]

Are the European ATM machines along the Camino Frances and throughout Europe able to process any sort of PIN number?

For example, are these statements true:

ATMs cannot accept a PIN with more than 4 digits.

ATMs cannot accept a PIN that starts with a zero.

Are there any unusual features with the European or Spanish ATMs?

 

[Bradypus]

The problem of Americans with 6-figure PINs using European ATMs has been discussed many times. Some people still report problems from time to time but many more recent machines are capable of using both 4 and 6 digit PINs. Here is some comment on the subject: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/lets-talk-money.46307/#post-520868

 

[CaminoJoy123]

The problem of Americans with 6-figure PINs using European ATMs has been discussed many times. Some people still report problems from time to time but many more recent machines are capable of using both 4 and 6 digit PINs. Here is some comment on the subject: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/lets-talk-money.46307/#post-520868

Thank you for digging that up! I did see that, but still wasn't sure, so your comment is appreciated.

So ATMs located at banks will take longer PINS.

Possibly in some small store, or cafe, or pharmacy an older ATM might be unable to accept a longer PIN? But this would be unusual or rare.

And what about the zeroes, can you have zeroes in your PIN? Even at the beginning of the PIN?

 

[grayland]

Why not just change your pin to a 4 digit.
That way you can use all ATM's that are compatible with your card.

One other factor for some people.
The ATMs do not have letters on them just numbers.
Be sure you know your code in number form.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

So ATMs located at banks will take longer PINS.

Not necessarily.

But this would be unusual or rare.

It will be quite common. The four digit PIN is standard for most of Europe.

can you have zeroes in your PIN? Even at the beginning of the PIN?

I don't think you can have a leading zero.

 

[CaminoJoy123]

Not necessarily.

It will be quite common. The four digit PIN is standard for most of Europe.

I don't think you can have a leading zero.

ok, this is helpful, although this info conflicts with previous info...

 

[kmrice]

ok, this is helpful, although this info conflicts with previous info...

There been no reports of a 4 digit PIN with no leading zero not working, so I changed mine some years ago. No reason not to.

 

[grayland]

ok, this is helpful, although this info conflicts with previous info...

As long as I can remember...on this forum the information and advice has always been to use a 4 digit code. There has always been warnings about the 6 digit code.
If conflicting information has been posted, I must have missed it.

Is there a reason why you must stick with a 6 digit code?
It certainly seems much easier to change to a 4 number code and forget it. There will be many things to occupy your attention without worrying about finding a rare machine that you can use in a small town/village.

 

[Tia Valeria]

Watch out for the 'upside down' keypad. We have found the occasional one with the numbers starting at the bottom not the top. Very confusing.

 

[Antonius Vaessen]

My code starts with a zero, never had any problems.

 

[Tincatinker]

Antonius, what are the other three digits?

 

[trecile]

Stand alone ATMs in bars and small are very rare. You can sometimes walk a couple of days without access to an ATM.

 

[Antonius Vaessen]

That's for you to guess and for me to know

 

[notion900]

Many of the keypads are upside down or differently laid out from the ones in the UK. Just have to give it your full attention. They also ask you strange questions like 'checking or credit account?'.

 

[SYates]

Antonius, what are the other three digits?

Triple like ;-) BC SY

 

[SYates]

Many of the keypads are upside down or differently laid out from the ones in the UK. Just have to give it your full attention. They also ask you strange questions like 'checking or credit account?'.

Not strange at all, especially if you have two account types (current/saving) tied to the same card like I do. For all those that wonder, the correct answer is current/checking acount in most cases ;-) Buen Camino, SY

 

[grayland]

Not strange at all, especially if you have two account types (current/saving) tied to the same card like I do. For all those that wonder, the correct answer is current/checking acount in most cases ;-) Buen Camino, SY

Very important bit of information:
Most of us use our checking account for ATM transactions.

As Sy points out above....the correct choice for CHECKING account is CURRENT account.


While we are slowly adding bits of advice:

You may be asked if you want to be charged in US Funds or in Euros (you will get Euros from the ATM in either case)

The smart choice is to be charged in Euros and let your bank make the conversion. It is almost a certainty that your bank will treat you more fairly. This is a rather new development in Europe and it is simply another way for the banks to increase profits.

 

[notion900]

They ask 'charge in your home currency?' like they are doing you a favour. The answer is NO!

 

[trecile]

Many of the keypads are upside down or differently laid out from the ones in the UK. Just have to give it your full attention. They also ask you strange questions like 'checking or credit account?'.

I had one ask me all the questions: amount, which account, etc., before it even asked for my PIN. It really threw me off

 

[lindam]

I have a PIN starting with zero and have had no problems. I have used it at different banks.

 

[Kanga]

My code starts with a zero, never had any problems.

Antonius, what are the other three digits?

That's for you to guess and for me to know

Oh. I thought you had to use the day and month of your birthday, like me.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Oh. I thought you had to use the day and month of your birthday, like me.

Don't even go there. When my father was in the early stages of dementia, but still legally apt, his code was ... you guessed it ... 1234! If that is not an sign you should be legally declared inapt I don't know what is.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Possibly in some small store, or cafe, or pharmacy an older ATM might be unable to accept a longer PIN? But this would be unusual or rare.

Don't,count on finding ATMs anywhere else but a bank. In larger shops, grocery stores and "fancier" restaurants (not the bar where you stop for a cafe con leche or bocadillo) you should be able to pay with debit or credit card, but that's about it. Otherwise cash in king.

 

[WGroleau]

Why not just change your pin to a 4 digit.
That way you can use all ATM's that are compatible with your card.

On the other hand, …

My PINs are each four digits. In a China airport (had to change planes at KMG), the ATM said the "code must be six digits." So I had to use the card to buy coffee.

 

[Tia Valeria]

On the other hand, …

My PINs are each four digits. In a China airport (had to change planes at KMG), the ATM said the "code must be six digits." So I had to use the card to buy coffee.

We were told that if the ATM demands a 6-digit code then just add 00 to the end of the 4-digit code.
Never had to do so but I wonder if a 6-digit code is altered to end in 00 whether it would then be accepted with the first 4 digits only? Still easiest IMO to change to a 4-digit code for the Camino and then revert when home again for those who need to do so.

 

[WGroleau]

I don't think you can have a leading zero.

Yes, you can

 

[WGroleau]

I had one ask me all the questions: amount, which account, etc., before it even asked for my PIN. It really threw me off

Especially when you mistype it because the keypad is upside down, and so you have to do the whole series all over again.

 

[WGroleau]

They ask 'charge in your home currency?' like they are doing you a favour. The answer is NO!

I had to file a fraud claim when McDonald's claimed that a hand-written note on a wall was proof that they are required to use "your own currency." I refused the transaction and the food, and they filed the charge anyway.

 

[WGroleau]

Not strange at all, especially if you have two account types (current/saving) tied to the same card like I do. For all those that wonder, the correct answer is current/checking acount in most cases ;-) Buen Camino, SY

Also, they can't tell from the card, but they have to specify in the message to the card processor.

 

[wisepilgrim]

Adding to the choice of what currency to be charged in, the same option will be presented in most POS terminals so if you are in a shop expect to see the prompt.

This is a "service" offered by the establishment, and every service has a cost. Most retailers don't have an idea of the difference to the customer but the manager or owner who signed up for the feature certainly does.

 

[Unique-Shorter-Than-25]

Confirming that I used a leading zero at ATMs of many different manufacturers in many countries.
And now I have to change my PIN.

 

[WGroleau]

Not necessarily.
It will be quite common. The four digit PIN is standard for most of Europe.
I don't think you can have a leading zero.

Since six people have already stated their experience with leading zero, .....

 

[Tia Valeria]

The 00 should be the final digits we were told not the first, unless they are already part of your PIN.