Numera product offers help to consumers in recalling PIN numbers.

A new gadget to help consumers keep track of their myriad personal identification numbers will soon be available.

In a credit-heavy world -- where PINs help people gain access to their cash, charge their on-the-road phone calls, and make store purchases -- memory doesn't always serve. That's where Pincard comes in.

A piece of clear plastic the size of a credit card, with columns of numbers and letters, it works in tandem with a grid sticker put on the back of any credit, debit, or calling card to let consumers quickly and secretly decipher their PINs.

Patented by Numera Corp., the Pincard has become popular in Holland and Britain, where 2 million are in circulation.

"We just introduced the Pincard to the United States in the last couple of months and have been getting a warm reception from major issuers on an evaluation basis," said Marc Boroditsky, president of Numera.

He said the card would most likely be an item issuers would offer their customers free in order to spur usage.

Credit card issuers are aware that consumers have difficulties remembering PINs for the cash advance and calling card features of their cards. Mr. Boroditsky said he hopes to capitalize on that problem by giving banks and telecommunications companies a solution to offer their customers.

To use Pincard, consumers must shade in small boxes on paper grids that they then stick on the backs of their cards. The pattern corresponds to seemingly random numbers on the clear plastic card.

When the plastic is lined up correctly, however, which only the consumer will know how to do, the PIN becomes decipherable. Pincard can be used for an unlimited number of PINs.

"All processes require the consumer to come up with some digital identity -- the PIN -- and unless you remember it, you can't access the system," said Mr. Boroditsky.

While designed for credit, debit, ATM, and phone cards, the Pincard is appropriate for any type of consumer code or number combination, including computer access codes and security systems.

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