Over zealous credit card security

[ipitythefool]

So I received a new card through the post recently after having applied online last week, and on phoning to activate it I am asked a series of questions.

They then ask me what the first and last digits or letters on my password are. Like I am supposed to fking remember that. It could be one of about 5 or 6 passwords or passcodes I use for banking and so on. When I ask for a bit more info like how many letters or numbers are in the password I am told that is a security risk for them to tell me.
I ask them how on earth am I supposed to remeber which of my passwords I used to open this application with- the naswer - oh you'll love this: "Perhaps you could have written it down sir." You couldn't make it up.

[ipitythefool]

V8mate said:

So it's their fault you can't remember a security word you associated with an account just a week ago?

I have a password for Amex, a different one for my M/C, a different one for Barclays Premier, a different one for HSBC Premier, a different one for HSBC investdirect, a different one for my Priority Club account, a different one for my HiltonHHonors account, a different one for my Starwood account, a different one for my BA Exec account, a different one for my IF account, a different one for hotmail, a different one for PH, a different one for Yahoo and so on.
Occasionally I will forget a password and I accept it's my fault for that.

However to have a 'security' jobsworth tell me I should have written it down is beyond belief!

[ipitythefool]

carreauchompeur said:

I pity the fool

[ipitythefool]

pokethepope said:

As has been said, either have one or two passwords that you use for everything, or write them down. Why do you find 'write them down' so shocking? Just do it in a way only you will understand and i cant see a problem.

Hmmm, this sounds a good plan.

Funnily enough I never forget my PH password.