Chip technology is an added security layer that embeds a microchip in your debit and credit cards. You can determine if you have a chip enabled card with the small gold or silver square located above the first four digits of your card number.

How does it work?

When you use your chip card at chip enabled registers, the embedded chip creates a transaction code that is unique to that transaction and cannot be used again.

Why does it matter?

The unique transactions codes make in-store purchases with counterfeit cards nearly impossible with chip enabled registers.

Using your Chip Card

• Chip enabled registers will have a slot to insert your card.
• Most terminals will have the slot under the keypad, but some may be on the side.
• If you swipe your chip enabled card at a chip enabled terminal, the terminal will instruct you to insert your card to proceed with the transaction.

Completing a transcation is as easy as 1-2-3.

1. Insert your card "chip first" into the card slot.
2. Follow the prompts on the terminal screen.
3. Remove your card from the terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still swipe my chip card?

Yes. The chip card will still have a magnetic stripe on the back so you can still swipe your card at terminals that do not support chip technology.

Do chip cards work online?

Yes. Chip cards will still work online. However, online transactions do not receive the benefit of the chip technology because the card is not being read by a terminal.

What is the difference between "Chip" cards, "Smart Chip" cards, and "EMV" cards?

Nothing. Those are all terms used by different companies for the same technology.

What is EMV?

EMV stands for Europay, MasterCard®, and Visa®. It is a card that is embedded with a microchip.