Is the Chip Worth it?

It was touted as an extra measure of security, that little chip in our debit and credit cards. Except that after a few times of use in the card reader machines at the grocery store the chip becomes damaged enough that it will no longer work.

At that point, in most stores I have to insert the card three times, then I can swipe the stupid thing. There is no other option and I try to do it quickly so that I don’t hold up the line. I’ve been meaning to contact the bank for a new card, but after I arrive home, I forget to do it. Until today.

After checking out at my local grocery store, I began the three insert procedure before swiping when the card reader said I entered the wrong pin (I didn’t) and the machine shut down. Logged off the system. Completely.

An assortment of young men was in attendance and knew nothing. The last dude was so snarky and unprofessional that I actually said something to him about it. I told him that he needed to behave more professionally. Not that he will, but at least I didn’t let him get away with his ridiculous comments.

A manager finally arrived (another young guy) and he informed me that given the current state of the system, my only option was to rescan my groceries at another station. So, I did that and we finally left the store.

I contacted my bank and immediately was placed in a loop where the computer voice couldn’t understand what I wanted. After this went on for a bit, and I was screaming into the phone, I hung up and called back, this time lying to that same computer voice about what I wanted. I told the voice that I needed to discuss some transactions in my checking account. Technically, that was true. I had to know if that transaction went through once or twice.

When I finally spoke to a bank employee, she was professional and very helpful and she took care of everything I needed. She arranged for a new debit card and allayed my fears that the transaction went through twice. I thanked her and said goodbye.

Here’s the thing. I understand that we need security where credit and debit cards are concerned. I really do. I’ve experienced fraud before, so I appreciate any security measures we can take. But if the chip is a problem down the line, then update the software in the card reader to allow for another method of input, and not one that takes ultimately four attempts.

Not every business has this procedure. In fact, at the local grow store, you swipe for debit and insert the chip for credit. Same at the liquor store. It appears that the smaller card readers are more flexible than the square ones at the larger grocery stores.

The reason for the trip to the grocery store was to buy cream cheese for some cupcake frosting that my husband wanted for the gluten-free chocolate cupcakes he’s making. Yes, I have a husband that not only cooks dinner but he also bakes. However, I’ve had to draw the line at the coffee he makes me. It’s loaded with more calories than I typically consume in two or three days, so no more coffee for this witch. He also makes fudge, which I don’t eat either. Even the smell gives me a headache. That said, it’s yummy.

Sometimes technology works for us and sometimes it’s challenging. Clearly the chip is a problem and with any luck, someone will figure out a workaround. Until then, update the software to allow for alternate entry.