Apply now to keep signing for goods

People who are not comfortable with the new chip and pin technology need to apply now for a chip and signature card, or risk being unable to pay for goods.

In less than three weeks anyone who has been issued with a new chip and pin card will no longer be able to sign for goods where the new technology is in place.

But people who are unable or unwilling to punch their security number into the console can apply for a chip and signature card - however they are running out of time to do so.

"Some of the 800,000 infirm or registered blind Brits who might be unable or uncomfortable using chip and pin technology are legally entitled to apply for a chip and signature card direct from their card provider — but they have just 19 days to do so otherwise they could be left without the means of plastic payment altogether," said Richard Mason director of credit cards at price comparison website moneysupermarket.com.

"New credit or debit cards can take up to a month to process, meaning elderly or visually impaired card customers could be left for at least a week with no card as they wait for their new one to arrive."

From Valentine's Day this year anyone with a chip and pin card will have to use their security number to pay for goods where the technology is available.

"The countdown has begun but the only people who need to be aware of it are the minority of those with chip and pin cards who are not using their pins and they really need to get ready if they want to be sure of using their card after February 14th," said Sandra Quinn, from the Chip and Pin Programme.

"If a cardholder is unsure of their pin they should contact their card company now who will issue a reminder. If a cardholder is finding it difficult to remember their pin they can change it to a more memorable number at any cash machine. And if they find that their card has become locked they should contact their card company who will advise them on how to unlock it."

Paul Smith from the British Retail Consortium added: "Both on the run up to, and even after February 14th, cards that have yet to be upgraded, cards from overseas and chip and signature cards for disabled cardholders should always be accepted.

"If any customer with a signature-only card has an issue they should urge the member of staff to insert the card into the terminal and follow the prompts. The machine will automatically request a signature."