Enhanced Security for Your Debit Card
A microchip embedded in the debit card adds an extra layer of protection against fraud for purchases made at the point of sale. Information programmed into the chip is personalized for your account and each transaction generates a unique code, adding an extra safeguard against unauthorized use and counterfeiting. These debit cards are already in wide use around the world and are now becoming the standard in the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
How am I protected?
With Zero Liability – all debit cards that we issue come with “zero liability protection,” so you are not held liable for unauthorized transactions if a debit card is stolen, lost or fraudulently used at a merchant or online. It is important that you promptly report a lost or stolen debit card or any suspicious transactions. See the applicable agreement for your account on liability and reporting requirements for unauthorized transactions.
Do I need to sign the back of the debit card?
Yes. You still need to sign the back of the debit card.
How do I use my debit card?
Follow these steps to use your debit card at a point-of-sale terminal:
- Insert your debit card, face up and chip end into the point-of-sale terminal.
- Leave the debit card in the terminal during the entire transaction.
- Follow the instructions on the screen and either sign your name or enter your PIN as needed. Be sure to remove your card and take your receipt when the transaction is complete.
If a merchant isn’t using a new chip-enabled terminal yet:
You will “swipe” your debit card to make your purchase, just as you have in the past. Debit cards will continue to have the magnetic stripe on the back.
Online or phone purchases:
Provide your debit card information as you have done in the past. Debit cards will not change the way payments are made online or by telephone.
At an ATM:
The process is essentially the same as at a merchant’s point of sale terminal. Insert your debit card, leave it in the ATM and follow the prompts on the screen. Depending on the type of ATM, you might be prompted to re-insert your debit card. Leave the debit card in the ATM until the transaction is complete and the debit card is released, and then remove your debit card. A PIN is needed for ATM transactions.
Can I use it to make purchases online or by phone?
Yes. You can use your debit card to make purchases online or by phone the same way you do today.
What is the difference between “Chip and Signature” and “Chip and PIN”?
“Chip and Signature” refers to a transaction in which you need to sign your name after inserting your debit card. “Chip and PIN” refers to a transaction that requires you to enter your personal PIN number after inserting your debit card—ATMs and certain terminals like fuel pumps and payment kiosks utilize this system.
Will chip-embedded debit cards prevent data breaches?
While chip-embedded debit 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.
Contact any bank branch or our Customer Service Center with any further questions regarding debit cards and we will be happy to assist you.