I've never seen a "Application" choice, so I can't really comment on that. Is that US specific?
Overall, I've found the UX on new cards to be a big improvement on magstripes.
2. Machines in Europe has been doing this for a long time and it's never been an issue. I guess in the rare case power goes out (aren't these machines on UPS?) it you just call the provider hotline, cancel that card and get a new one in the mail the day after.
3. I have never seen this but i agree this is an issue. That is a unnecessary UX roadblock.
2) In the UK, most machines make you take the card out before dispensing the banknotes. Bank-owned (non-corner-shop) ATMs "spit out" the card and beep until you take the card. Only then do they dispense the cash.
3) I don't think many UK card issuers use multiple applications for the same context. That is to say, if you put your card into an ATM, only one application is likely to be compatible with that profile. There may be other applications for travel (ITSO, for example, is a travel card standard built on Global Platform). I think every EMV terminal has support for application selection menus (usually in the form of little buttons along the side of the screen) but they're virtually never used in the UK.
In my experience while travelling, US payment terminals are the most unusual.
You've then got to request a replacement card from your issuer but it does limit the chance of a stranger coming along and retrieving the forgotten card and attempting to use it (for a signature fall-back transaction after damaging the chip, or for a cardholder not present - CNP - transaction).
Bank-operated ATMs will also often retain the card if it's been reported lost or stolen, but this does rob the lucky/brave checkout operator of their £50 bonus if they happen to retain a stolen card that's been used in store.
> Also, what happens if the power goes out or the machine crashes?
Seriously? Where do you live where the grid is this unstable?
Living in Canada, I can tell you that using my cards in the US where there are no EMV/chip readers feels tremendously insecure to me now. It's just a matter of getting used to things.
* I dipped my card and then was told to reinsert the card and leave it in for the duration of the transaction. I wonder how long it will take for me to insert/leave by default instead of dipping.
* The machine mechanically locked my card into the slot until I had taken my cash, I wonder how more frequently people are going to leave their cards in the ATM now. Also, what happens if the power goes out or the machine crashes?
* It seems that some EMV cards have multiple "Applications" on them and it's impossible to tell which one should be used in which context. When I inserted my card, the ATM presented me with a menu asking be to select between "US DEBT" and "VISA DEBT" I had no idea which one to choose, and had to pick one, try to make a withdrawal, fail, and then choose the other one to take out cash. I don't remember which one worked, and if that's the one I should use in other locations.