Your new credit card includes the latest chip technology which provides an added layer of security, providing greater protection against fraud.
A chip card is a standard-size plastic credit card that contains an embedded EMV microchip. This chip holds information that is encrypted, making it extremely difficult for the card to be copied or counterfeited. Rather than swiping your card, you will insert your chip card into an EMV-compatible terminal to complete a transaction. In addition to the embedded microchip, your card still has a magnetic stripe on the back. This ensures you will still be able to make purchases by swiping your card at merchants who have not yet switched to chip-enabled terminals.
EMV chip-enabled cards have been the standard in Europe and many other countries around the world and are becoming a new standard in the United States. The chip technology provides enhanced fraud protection, as the card is now nearly impossible to duplicate. It also offers global acceptance, making it easier on those who frequently travel internationally to continue using their regular cards for payments.
Yes. Merchants, such as a grocery store, may ask you to insert your card into the terminal or they may ask you to swipe the magnetic strip. If you are asked to insert the card, when making a transaction at a new EMV-compatible terminal, look for a slot on the bottom-front of the terminal and insert the card face up and leave it there until the transaction is complete. If you remove the card too soon, the transaction will end and your purchase will not be processed.
Here’s how it works:
You can use your chip-enabled card anywhere you would use your existing card. However, now there are two ways to use it—swiping as usual, or by inserting into one of the new EMV readers.
Your chip card will make traveling easier and more convenient with its wide acceptance. Your card continues to have the traditional magnetic strip on the back, enabling you to use it at merchants without chip-enabled terminals.
Yes. If a merchant is not yet chip-enabled, simply continue to swipe your card. Then sign for your purchase (if necessary).
Yes. You will need to set a new PIN with your new chip-enabled card. You can do this at the time you call to activate your credit card.
Yes. Your new chip-enabled card will have a new card number, expiration date and CVV code (Card Verification Value). It will be important to update any automatic or recurring payments that utilize your credit card with your new card information.
Yes. You can still use your card to get cash, check your balance and more. Simply insert the chip end of your card with the chip facing up. Your card will remain in the ATM until your transaction is complete.
When purchases are made using the chip feature at chip-enabled terminals, the transaction is more secure because of a unique process that is used to determine if the card is authentic. Every time you use your card at a chip-enabled terminal, the embedded chip generates a unique transaction code. This prevents stolen data from being fraudulently used.
Chip card technology provides an additional layer of security when used at a chip-enabled terminal. The technology may help reduce certain types of fraud resulting from data breaches; however, it will not prevent a data breach.
Once you have activated your card, please destroy your existing card.
There is no additional cost to have or to use your new card with smart chip technology.