EMV Debit Card FAQ

What is a chip card? An EMV or chip card is a credit or debit card embedded with a microchip. This “chip’’ turns your account information into a one-time unique code when used at a chip-enabled register. This code adds an additional layer of fraud protection to your card. What does the chip do? The chip codes certain parts of a transaction when used at participating merchants. It does not track or store your purchase history, nor does the chip provide location assistance if lost or stolen. This adds an additional layer of fraud protection. What are the benefits of the EMV? The biggest benefit of a chip card lies in the powerful fraud protection technology inherent in the chip. The chip provides dynamic data that cannot be known to someone who steals a card or card number. EMV cards are very difficult to replicate and counterfeit because every EMV card is essentially a small, secure computer. What information is stored on a chip card? The microchip embedded in the card stores information required to authenticate, authorize and process transactions. This is the same type of information already stored in the magnetic stripe. No personal information is stored on the chip card. Will an EMV card work on a non-EMV terminal? If the terminal is not chip card – enabled the transaction will be processed the same as it is today with the magnetic stip. How is a chip card used? If the merchant has EMC capabilities, simply insert the card into the terminal and follow the prompts on the screen. The terminal will authenticate the card and keep it safely inside the terminal until the transaction is completed. Some terminals will prompt with a message or a beep to remind the user to remove the card. To use your card over the phone or for online transactions there are no changes.