Frequently Asked Questions
When will the change happen?
Even though chip cards have started being issued in the U.S. and some merchants have already installed chip-enabled terminals for payment, the entire conversion process is expected to take a few years to complete.
That’s why chips cards will continue to have a magnetic strip on the back. That way, if a merchant’s terminal or an ATM is not yet chip-enabled, your transaction can still be processed using the magnetic strip as it is today.
When will I get my chip card?
Your card will be replaced with a new chip card as your current card expires. Once your new card arrives, be sure to activate it for use and then destroy your old card.
There is no need to request a new card. You’ll automatically receive your new chip card in the mail before your card’s expiration date. There is no extra charge for the new chip card.
How am I protected?
With Zero Liability – All debit cards that we issue come with ‘zero liability protection,’ so you are not held liable for unauthorized transactions if a card is stolen, lost or fraudulently used at a merchant or online. It is important that you promptly report a lost or stolen card or any suspicious transactions. See the applicable agreement for your account on liability and reporting requirements for unauthorized transactions.
What are chip cards?
A chip card – also called a smart card or an EMV card – is a debit or credit card that contains a microprocessor that enhances the security of cards during point-of-sale transactions.
These cards, already in use in much of the world, use a security standard originally developed by Europay, MasterCard, and Visa (EMV) as a way to fight card fraud resulting from the theft, skimming, and counterfeiting. The EMV technology has been adopted by the other major card brands and issuers.
Is a chip card more secure than my current card?
Yes. Chip cards add an additional layer of security to the safeguards that already protect your card. Each time you use your chip card, it generates a code that is unique to that transaction. This makes it harder to counterfeit your card or to use it fraudulently for in-store purchases.
How do I use them?
When used at merchants with chip-enabled terminals it’s as easy as:
- Insert the card, face up and chip end first, into the terminal.
- Leave the card in the terminal during the entire transaction.
- Follow the instructions on the screen and either sign or enter your PIN as needed. Be sure to remove your card and take your receipt when the transaction is complete.
For merchants without chip-enabled terminals, you will ‘swipe’ your card through the terminal, just as you do today.
Can I use my chip card anywhere?
Yes. Your chip card can be used virtually anywhere this brand of card is accepted in the U.S. and around the world. If a merchant has a chip-enabled card terminal, you will insert your card during the transaction. In the U.S., you will still be able to ‘swipe’ your card to make your payment if a merchant has a regular terminal. You will need a PIN to be able to make a transaction at an ATM.
When will I get my chip card?
We will be rolling out chip cards to all of our cardholders, so there is no need to request one. You will receive your new card in the mail before your current card expires. For more information, call the number on the back of your card or visit one of our branches.
Can I still use my current card?
You can use your current card until you get your chip card. At that time, activate your new chip card and start using it. Be sure to destroy your old card by cutting it up or shredding it.
Do I need to sign the back of the card?
Yes. You still need to sign the back of your card.
Can I use it to make purchase online or by phone?
Yes. You can use your chip card to make these purchases as you do today.
Can I use my card at an ATM?
Yes. For ATM transactions, insert your card into the terminal and follow the instructions on the screen. Depending on the type of ATM, you might be prompted to re-insert your card. Leave the card in the ATM until the transaction is complete and the card is released, and then remove your card and any money you might have withdrawn.
What is the difference between chip and signature and chip and PIN?
You may be asked to provide your signature or enter your PIN to complete a transaction when you use your card. You will need to use your PIN at ATMs and it may be required at some unattended terminals such as fuel pumps and payment kiosks.
What if my card is lost or stolen?
Its important to report a lost of stolen card immediately. Keep a record of the telephone number on the back of your card and call it if necessary.
Will chip cards prevent data breaches?
While chip cards won’t prevent the types of large-scale data breaches that have hit some merchants, they do make it extremely difficult to produce counterfeit cards from that stolen data.
