EMV Credit Card Questions and Answers
What does EMV stand for?
EMV stands for Europay, MasterCard®, and Visa®. It's a debit or credit card that's embedded with a
microchip. It is commonly called a “chip card.”
What is a chip card?
A chip or EMV card is a credit or debit card embedded with a microchip. This “chip” turns your account
info 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. This technology has been in use for over a decade in more than
80 countries worldwide.
What’s the difference between a “Chip” card, “Smart Chip” card, Integrated Circuit card (ICC), and
“EMV” card?
These are all common names that different companies/merchants use for the same security technology.
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. The purpose
of the chip is to add an additional layer of fraud protection.
What are the benefits of EMV?
The biggest benefit of an EMV card lies in its powerful fraud prevention technology inherent in the chip.
The chip provides dynamic data that cannot be known to someone who steals a card or card number.
Because every EMV card is essentially a small, secure computer, EMV cards are very difficult to replicate
and counterfeit.
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?
The EMV card will work in both EMV terminals and non-EMV terminals. If the terminal is not chip cardenabled, the transaction will be processed the same as it is today with the magnetic strip.
How is a chip card used?
If the merchant has EMV 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. For phone or online transactions, there are no changes.
Can I receive an EMV card before my current credit card expires?
You may request an EMV credit card prior to renewal; however, you will be assigned a new card
number. Your current card will be deactivated 10 calendar days after the new card is requested. You
will have to update any automatic payments with the new card information.
Will I receive a PIN in a separate mailer?
No, a PIN will not be automatically provided. The terminal will likely authenticate the cardholder using
the traditional signature method. You may be required to use a PIN for authentication at some terminals
(mainly in countries outside the U.S.).
How do I obtain a PIN?
To obtain a PIN or to change your PIN, you must call PIN NOW at 888-886-0083. The new PIN NOW
phone number will be included in the insert when the member receives their new card. The PIN NOW
for credit cards is also posted on our website. (See the Contact Us page.)
Will each cardholder have his own PIN number?
Yes. Each cardholder does have his own PIN. While there may be multiple cards on an account (with the
same card number on each card), each of the cards will be encoded separately with a unique PIN. If
there are multiple cardholders, each cardholder will be asked to put in their name before the
authentication questions are asked. This is a security feature that allows the system to know which
cardholder is requesting a PIN or PIN change. Please note: The authentication questions are based on
the primary cardholder’s information.
Can Reliant PIN the card for the cardholder?
No, you must contact PIN NOW at 888-886-0083.
Can members request Reliant EMV debit cards?
No, we do not offer EMV technology for Reliant debit cards at this time. While we currently do not offer
this technology for a Reliant debit card, you can be confident that your debit card offers many security
features 24/7.