Depending on the type of card you have, you can access your money at any cash machine displaying the LINK, VISA or PLUS symbol in the UK or abroad, and if you have a debit card you can make purchases at retailers worldwide.
It's a convenient service, almost like having the cash in your pocket, but just as you wouldn't leave your money lying around, it is vital that you manage your card and PIN securely.
Similarly, you should also keep your account passbook secure, as this gives immediate access to the money in your account(s).
Please follow this advice:
- Keep your card safe at all times
- Never write your PIN down and don't quote it in any correspondence or over the telephone
- Never let anyone know your PIN, not even building society staff, and do not let anyone watch you type it in
- Never let anyone use your card on your behalf
- Memorise your PIN and destroy the PIN advice
- Change your PIN regularly and make sure you avoid obvious combinations such as 1234 or 9999
Lost or stolen cards
If your card is lost or stolen, or you suspect that someone else knows your PIN you must let us know immediately.
You can do this by contacting your local branch or by calling our Customer Service Centre on 0845 766 5522. If you are contacting us from abroad call us on +44 24 7655 5255.
You can find out more about protecting yourself from card fraud by visiting Card watch which is operated by the industry organisation APACS (Association for Payment and Clearing Services).
Protect your cards online with Verified by Visa (VbV)
VbV is an additional layer of security designed to protect you against online fraud whenever you buy goods or services over the internet with your debit card. It's a free service that we'll be providing from March 2011 in conjunction with Visa.
Find out more about Verified by Visa.
Telephone PINS
Your Telephone PIN is specific to you. Joint account holders each have their own Telephone PIN.
Please follow this advice:
- Never write down or tell anyone your Telephone PIN or your Coventry password
- If someone else knows your Telephone PIN or Coventry password, let us know immediately
- Never provide your Telephone PIN or whole Coventry password to anyone. Our advisors will never ask for your Telephone PIN or whole password
- Be aware of your surroundings, if someone can hear you then always use your keypad to key in your details
Find out more about our 24 hour telephone service.
