My recently issued charge/debit card with a chip (Maestro) has no
issue number. I is issued by Bank of Ireland (Northern Ireland),
hence sterling and, AFAIK, normal UK rules apply.

So, it cannot be used for online purchases.

I rang the bank to complain. They agreed that it had no issue
number; they suggested that some online retailers would accept an
order with issue number unspecified; others would accept '1'.

The bank person then went on to gibe me a short lecture on the folly
of using a charge card online or for telephone order ... others
could get access to your bank account, etc. ... Always use a credit
card ... On reflection, though I was initially unimpressed with the
cautionary lecture, maybe they are correct; I am aware of the
protections one has when using credit card.

The specific case that prompted the complaint was we making a small
purchase, over the phone, from a small local retailer; I figured
that they could benefit from the x% that a credit card would charge
them. Sillyness on my part? Probably.

Are other UK bank charge cards like this?

Royal Bank of Scotland Maestro cards do not bear an issue number
either. Online retailers should accept all domestic Maestro cards
whether they bear an issue number or not - when an issue number is
not present then the start date on the card is normally required
instead. HTH

As far as I know none of the credit/debit cards issued by banks and
building societies have issue numbers. In fact if you look at the form
to purchase on line they always point out that issue numbers are for
switch cards only.

I have to disagree. My HSBC debit card that bears the Maestro and Cirrus
logos has an issue number and expiry date but no start date. My Nationwide
debit card with Link and VISA symbols has an expiry date but no issue
number. I wonder where your information came from?


Peter Crosland