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What is an EMV card?

Chip-enabled EuroPay MasterCard® Visa® (EMV) cards are the global standard in fraud protection. These cards used an embedded computer chip as part of the transaction process. Their use is now expanding to all U.S. cardholders, including Travis Credit Union (TCU).


What are the benefits of EMV cards?

Chip-enabled cards provide greater fraud protection. Every time you make purchases at a chip-activated terminal, a unique transaction code is generated. This prevents stolen data from being fraudulently used.

EMV cards also enjoy global acceptance. Whether you check out using chip technology or swipe your credit or debit cards, you can pay with confidence all around the world.


Why am I receiving a new card?

In an effort to enhance security, your new TCU card now includes chip technology. The embedded chip on your card improves fraud protection when you make purchases at chip-activated terminals. It also provides global acceptance.


Can I still use my old TCU card?

Your new chip-enabled TCU card replaces your existing card. It still provides all the same features and benefits you currently receive, in addition to enhanced security and global acceptance.


Will I have to pay any fees to use my chip-enabled card?

There are no additional fees to use your new card.


How does my chip-enabled card protect my information?

Every time you use your card at a chip-activated terminal, the embedded chip generates a unique transaction code. This prevents stolen data from being fraudulently used.


Where can I use my chip-enabled card?

More places than ever now accept Visa cards. Whether you check out using chip technology or swipe your card, you can pay with confidence at millions of places worldwide.


How do I use a chip-activated terminal?

The checkout process is only slightly different than usual. First, insert the chip end of your card into the terminal with the chip facing up and follow the prompts on the screen. Then, remove your card from the terminal when prompted and take your receipt. You may need to sign for your purchase. At a restaurant, a portable terminal may be brought to your table.


Why do I need to leave my card in the terminal?

While your card is in the chip-activated terminal, the embedded chip creates a unique transaction code. This prevents stolen data from being fraudulently used. If you remove your card too soon, your transaction will be canceled.


Can I still swipe my card to pay?

Yes. In addition to the embedded chip, your new card also features a magnetic stripe on the back. So if a merchant is not yet chip-activated, you can still swipe your card to pay.


Do I need to enter a PIN to pay with a chip-enabled card?

The terminal you use will prompt you to either enter a PIN or sign for the purchase.


Can I still access my account at the ATM?

Yes. You can use your chip-enabled card at the ATM just like always. Be sure to insert the chip end of your card into the ATM with the chip facing up.


Has my card information changed?

Your card number, PIN and CVV (3 digit verification code) will change. You will have the ability to customize your PIN via a voice response unit by following the instructions that come with your PIN. Be sure to update your information with billers that charge your card regularly.


Does my new card have all the same benefits?

Yes. You can count on the same level of benefits you always have.


I have not received a chip-enabled card yet. Do I need to apply for one?

As a TCU cardholder, you will automatically receive a new chip-enabled card sometime in the next 12 months. If you would like to have one immediately please visit a branch to have an EMV card created.


What should I do with my old TCU card?

Once you activate your new card, please destroy your existing card for security reasons.


Rev. 1/22/18

Forbes Top 10 Credit Unions in California Award
Desjardins Financial Education Award, 1st place nationwide, adult and youth
US Air Force Distinguished Credit Union of the Year
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