:: I couldn't get over how antiquated the UK banking system is when I
:: moved
::
:: here in '97.

I worked for a largish retailer, when debit cards were first making an 
appearence in the early 80's.

Originally the pin on a debit card was going to be used, and the 
company I worked for trailed it for 8 months. However, technology at 
the time was not what it is today, and a special secure server that 
actually 'held' onto pin numbers had to be installed and that was 
actually going to be a server per outlet (then 80 supermarkets and 30 
dept stores).

There were problems with the server, not least that under certain 
conditions, the accounting staff had access to pin#'s plus the Civil 
Liberties people had an apolectic fit with this new fangled stuff.

So the banks agreed to treat debit cards similar to cheques in that 
most banks would not apply the debit for approx 3 days and the 
security feature was that a personal signature was required.

And just for added info, a cheque guarantee card does not guarantee 
the retailer, the bank will pay. 

Colin

-- 
cdb, colin@btech-online.co.uk on Thursday,24 February,2005

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