The best and worst PIN numbers

Do you have one of the most predictable PIN numbers in the world? If so, your cash could be at risk.

I’m going to try to guess your PIN number… is it 1234? According to new research, there is a pretty good chance I’m right. If I were a criminal who had stolen your card, I could be emptying your account right now.

Shockingly, research by technology consultancy Data Genetics has found that almost 11% of the population chooses this number – with 1111 and 0000 being the second and third most popular options.

Not surprisingly, fraudsters have a pretty easy time cracking such predictable codes and the data reveals that it is possible to guess 10% of PINs in just one attempt.

In contrast, the random (and far less memorable) collection of numbers 8068 is the least common PIN – though there’s a pretty good chance that will change now this research has been published.

In order to conduct the research, Data Genetics looked at the details of 3.4 million four-digit passwords that have been leaked via security breaches.

Although these codes are computer passwords, the study assumes that most people will use a similar set of numbers for their PINs.

Here are the 10 most common choices according to the data:

1. 1234

2. 1111

3. 0000

4. 1212

5. 7777

6. 1004

7. 2000

8. 4444

9. 2222

10. 6969

Source: Data Genetics

The least common PINs

Of course, not every PIN is so easy to guess. If there is no obvious pattern, it stands to reason that it will be more difficult to guess.

Here are the 10 least common:

1. 8068

2. 8093

3. 9629

4. 6835

5. 7637

6. 0738

7. 8398

8. 6793

9. 9480

10. 8957

Source: Data Genetics

How we choose our PIN

Many people appear to opt for significant dates such as birthdays and anniversaries as codes beginning with the numbers 19 feature highly in the list.

Fans of George Orwell don’t appear overly concerned that Big Brother will guess their PIN – 1984 is the 26^th most common choice. Likewise, fans of James Bond could possibly be using their PIN as a way to pay homage to their hero as 0007 is the 23^rd most popular choice.

Keeping your PIN safe

Fortunately there are a number of things you can do to keep your PIN safe.

Avoid the obvious:

As well as the codes mentioned on the list above, stay clear of having your date of birth, your children’s birthdays or a wedding anniversary.

In fact, try to keep it random – even the most scatterbrained individual can probably remember four numbers.

Keep it secret

Although you might be tempted to share your PIN with friends or family, this could leave you thousands of pounds out of pocket. If you were the victim of fraud and your bank discovered you had shared your PIN details, it might refuse to refund your money.

Take care at the cash machine

In order to steal PIN details, fraudsters place hidden devices and cameras in ATMs. Although these can be almost impossible to detect, it’s wise to avoid any cash point that appears to have been damaged or vandalised.

Remember, a bank will never ask for details of your PIN number over the phone. If someone calls claiming to be from your bank and asks for this information, you’re probably speaking to a fraudster.

For more articles like this, check out How you’re putting your cash at risk and Is your bank password a hacker’s dream?

**This material is for information purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We strongly encourage our readers not to rely solely on this content, but to seek independent advice when making financial decisions.**

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