PIN verification is performed against the chip first, not online. Although Chip+Signature is possible, it really doesn't make sense. Edit: Chip cards provide a

PIN verification is performed against the chip first, not online. Although Chip+Signature is possible, it really doesn't make sense. Edit: Chip cards provide a Cardholder Verification Method List (CVML) to the terminal. The terminal then decides what method it'd like to use. Options are PIN online, PIN offline plain text, PIN offline enciphered, Signature, or No Authentication.