Your Maestro card provides quick, convenient and highly secure access to cash worldwide. The following Smart Tips will help ensure that you use your Maestro card wisely.

Protecting your card

• Keep your card in a safe place -- away from prying eyes, and where it won't bend or scratch.
• Memorize your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Never write your PIN down on anything in your wallet, or on the card itself.
• Keep your PIN number private. When selecting a PIN, avoid numbers and letters that can be easily identified with you. For example, don't use your initials, birthday, telephone or Social Security number. If you have such a number, contact your bank and get a new PIN issued.
• Report a lost or stolen card to your financial institution immediately.
• Keep your ATM receipts, until you check them against your monthly statement. It's a good way to guard against fraud and makes record-keeping easier.

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Common sense usage tips

• Observe your surroundings before using a cash machine. If the machine is obstructed from view or poorly lit, go to another cash machine.
• Take along a friend, if possible, especially at night.
• Have your card ready. Don't fumble through your wallet trying to find it.
• Shield the screen and keyboard so anyone waiting to use the cash machine cannot see you enter your PIN or transaction amount.
• Put your cash, card, and receipt away immediately. Count your money later. And always take your receipt with you.
• If you see anyone or anything suspicious, cancel your transaction and leave immediately. If anyone follows you after making a transaction, go to a crowded, well-lit area and call the police.
• If you are using an enclosed cash machine that requires your card to open the door, avoid letting anyone come in with you that you do not know.
• Do not leave your car unlocked or the engine running when you get out to use a cash machine.
• While many cash machines are available 24 hours a day, some may be open only during local business hours. To be on the safe side, plan your withdrawals ahead of time.
• Check with your financial institution to determine the daily limit of funds that can be withdrawn.

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Tips when traveling abroad

• All cash machines that accept MasterCard, Maestro and Cirrus-branded cards feature easy-to-read instructions in both the local language and English. And the steps for making a transaction are the same or similar to those used at your local cash machines.
• Some international cash machines are available only during normal business hours, and hours vary from country to country.
• Most international ATMs do not permit transactions involving multiple accounts, so your transaction will be routed to your primary account.

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