Incorrect PIN

[tlevine]

I tried using a foreign Visa debit card at a Bank of Beijing ATM.

It would not let me enter a four-digit PIN, so I entered my PIN like this 008888, where 8888 is my four-digit pin. I tried twice and then stopped for fear of getting my card frozen.

I just read that the zeros should go at the "end" of the PIN, which means 888800 to me. Is this true?

It told me that my PIN was incorrect. I'm pretty sure it was right, but I'm trying figure out whether it was. Is it possible, however, that that wasn't the real problem and that the ATM software lies to you?

[roddy]

If it's of any use, I use BoC, ICBC and Construction Bank ATMs, and they all allow a four digit pin - some of them might have six spaces, I'm not sure, but hit the 'confirm' button and it goes through. Guess it might depend on the ATM model though.

[abcdefg]

I've used a 4-digit pin at several Chinese ATM's, several different banks, several different cities. No problem for me. No extra zeros needed.

[gougou]

I had trouble with a 4-digit PIN on an ATM expecting 6 digits before, but that was about four years ago and I haven't encountered it since. Try another ATM; if that also doesn't work you probably got your PIN wrong.

However, I believe the ATM sometimes will also tell you that your PIN is wrong if the transaction failed for another reason.

[johnmck]

Make sure that you are typing your PIN correctly, the keys may not be in the positions you are used to.

[tlevine]

I was able to use my four-digit PIN at a different bank's ATM.