EMV CHIP CARD FAQ
Q: What is an EMV Chip Card?
A: EMV stands for Europay, Mastercard, and Visa. These three companies helped create the chip card
system. Each card contains a microchip that helps strengthen transaction security features and make it
harder to commit debit and credit card fraud.
Q: How are EMV chip cards different than magnetic strip cards? How do they work?
A: A standard magnetic strip card contains basic account information that allows you to make a
purchase. Magnetic strip cards use the same information for every transaction. EMV chip cards are able
to create unique one-time transaction codes for each transaction. This increases the security of every inperson transaction by making it harder to copy your card’s information. Because many merchants and
financial institutions are still not EMV ready, your card will still feature a magnetic strip along with the
EMV chip. Additionally, all SAFCU EMV chip cards will no longer feature raised card numbers or member
names but instead be printed onto the card itself.
Q: How do I use my EMV chip card?
A: Instead of swiping the magnetic strip, you’ll need to insert your card into a slot on the terminal and
wait for it to process. You may be asked to enter your PIN, sign, or neither depending on the transaction.
Once the transaction is complete, you’ll be prompted to remove your card. Below is a visual guide that is
included with all new EMV chip card mailings.
Q: Will I be able to use my EMV chip card in an ATM?
A: Yes. SAFCU ATMs and many of those ATMs operated by other institutions will still read the magnetic
strip on the back of your card when processing an ATM transaction. We will be upgrading our ATMs to
read EMV chip cards in the future.
Q: Will my card still work at merchants that don’t have a chip reader?
A: If the merchant does not have an EMV chip reader, or if it isn’t working, you can still process the
transaction by swiping your card. Depending on the transaction, you may be asked to enter your PIN or
provide your signature.
Q: Can I choose my own PIN for my EMV chip card?
A: Yes. As long as your card is ordered after 10:00am, you can call our automated PIN selection service
at 1-877-746-6746 before 10:00pm to personalize your PIN. This option is only available on the day your
card is ordered. If your card is ordered before 10:00am or you do not complete your PIN selection by the
10:00pm cut-off time, you will be issued a randomly generated PIN.
Q: I forgot my PIN. Can I change the PIN on my EMV chip card?
A: We are unable to change the PIN on an EMV chip card. If you forget your PIN, you will need to
request a PIN reminder to be mailed to you.
Q: How do I use my EMV chip card to make purchases online or over the phone?
A: You can make purchases online or over the phone using your EMV chip card just as you always have.
The chip technology does not change online or phone transactions.
Q: What if there is fraud on my account?
A: While the EMV chip cards add an extra layer of security, there is no way to prevent all fraud. If your
card is compromised and fraudulent transactions post to your account, please contact us as soon as
possible to dispute the transactions and order a new card.