Why ATM Pins Have Only 4-Digit Code?



Ever perplexed why most ATM pin have only four digits? Wouldn’t it be more intellectual if the PIN was longer for security purpose and tough to guess for others? Just like our long and hard email passwords as they are 6 letters or more. 

Well, Scottish inventor John Adrian Shepherd-Barron, the man who pioneered the development of the ATM machine, had also proposed a 6-digit PIN.

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Barron, born in Shillong, son to a Wimbledon ladies doubles champion Dorothy Barron, was very creative and innovative since childhood. Let’s talk about the history of Automated Teller Machine  which is operational since 1967. ATM have been around for 5 decades now one of the most commodious inventions till date. ATMs are now installed across the globes, making it super convenient for those who have debit or credit cards. A simple and silly to withdraw money anytime, anywhere.

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But if a burglar or thief steal your card, the only wall securing your money is your 4-digit ATM PIN. But, for a hacker, this is quite easy, isn’t it? Then why ATM pins have only 4-digit code.

His idea to keep a 6-digit PIN for ATM cards was rejected because Scot’s wife Caroline was not able to remember a 6-digit code. The longest string of number that Scot’s wife was capable of remembering is four. 


Reportedly, 6 numbers stringed together were too much information for her to recall. This made Scot to keep 4-digit Pin of ATM cards.


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