Frequently Asked Questions
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 is 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 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?
Begin the payment process by ‘swiping’ your card, just as you do today. If the payment terminal is chip-enabled, you will be asked to insert your card.
- 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, your payment will process as it normally does from your initial swipe.
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 purchases 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 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?
It's important to report a lost or stolen card immediately. Keep a record of the telephone number on the back of your card and call it if necessary. For debit or ATM cards that do not have the chip, call 877-212-2423 during normal business hours or call 800-472-3272 after normal business hours and weekends. For debit cards that have been reissued with a chip, call 877-889-6847.
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.
Does a chip card contain more information about me that could be stolen?
No, a chip card does not contain any information about you that isn’t in your magnetic stripe cards – just your name, account number, and expiration date.
Can someone steal the information in my chip card remotely using radio waves or a “contact-less reader?”
No, your chip card must be inserted into a POS terminal or ATM in order to read the chip. If issuing dual-interface cards… Your chip card has to be within two inches of a contact-less reader in order to activate. The information that can be read is limited and not sufficient to make a fraudulent card.
Contact us for more information
Call us at 877-212-2423 or stop in if you have additional questions about chip cards, or if you are interested in opening an account.
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