Whether a customer has to enter a PIN depends mostly on their card and their bank, not on your terminal. This article explains when a PIN is required, when it can be skipped, and what you can change.
When Is a PIN Required?
Credit cards usually don't need a PIN. Some cards, often ones issued outside the U.S., are set up as "chip and PIN" and will always ask for one.
Debit cards may ask for a PIN, depending on how the payment is processed and what the customer's bank requires.
Contactless (tap) payments often don't need a PIN for smaller amounts. For larger amounts, or after several taps in a row, the bank may ask the customer to insert the card and enter their PIN instead.
The customer's bank always has the final say. If the bank requires a PIN, the payment can't be completed without one, whatever your terminal settings are.
Can PIN Entry Be Skipped?
In the U.S., many debit cards can also be processed without a PIN, often called PIN bypass or "signature debit." Whether that option appears depends on your terminal configuration and the card itself.
If your customers are regularly being asked for a PIN and you'd like PIN bypass reviewed for your terminals, contact your support team. They can check what's available for your setup. Don't try to change PIN settings on the terminal yourself.
⚠️ Outside the U.S.: In Canada, the UK, the EU, Australia and New Zealand, PIN rules are stricter. For example, Interac debit in Canada requires a PIN for chip payments. PIN bypass generally isn't available in these regions.
Tips at the Counter
If a tap payment asks for a PIN, have the customer insert the card and enter their PIN. That's the bank asking for extra verification, not an error.
If a customer doesn't know their PIN, ask for another card or payment method.
Never ask a customer to tell you their PIN, and never enter it for them.
Questions about PIN settings on your terminals? Contact your support team. That's the team that set up your account or the one you normally contact for help.