When I first heard about the move to “Chip and Pin” debit and credit cards I was dubious about the benefits it would bring to the consumer. Gervase Markham has an interesting article in The Times Online as well as a few follow-up comments in his blog which pretty much confirm my concerns.

I’d particularly like to know why the banks don’t offer the simple option to have a different PIN for purchases and for cash withdrawals. Allowing variable length PINs would also be better – if I really want to have a 6, 8 or 10 number PIN then why can’t I?