Chip Card FAQ

A chip card, sometimes referred to as a "smart card", is a credit or debit card containing an embedded computer chip that gives the card the ability to store and process data. Chip cards and chip terminals work together to ensure a highly secure transaction by validating the card and the cardholder. The computer chip makes cards more difficult to copy, thereby reducing counterfeit fraud.

The primary benefit is added security. Chip cards provide additional protection to avoid disclosure of personal information and are very difficult to copy.

The U.S. has a different structure in its financial system and does not have a single proprietary network like Interac. Also, debit card point-of-sale purchasing is not a significant factor in the U.S.

If you currently have a debit card, you can continue using the same PIN you currently have. New cards can be pinned at your branch.

If you would like to change your PIN once you receive your chip card, you can do so at any Ukrainian Credit Union Limited ATM as well as any ATM in THE EXCHANGE Network. You can also change the PIN in person at your Ukrainian Credit Union Limited branch.

The chip card is inserted into a chip terminal and left there for the duration of the transaction. The cardholder simply follows the prompts to complete the transaction. 

Yes. Chip technology has already been or is being implemented in Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and Canadian chip cards will be fully compatible with their systems. In countries like the U.S. that have yet to switch or do not plan to, you will still be able to use your card, as the mag-stripe will still be on your cards.

Chip cards will work wherever credit cards are accepted. It will not have "wave and pay" functionality though.

EMV is Europay-MasterCard-Visa, which relates to the technical specifications for how chip cards communicate with merchant terminals and ATMs. EMV is the common global operating standard and has been adopted by the electronic payment industry in Canada. Having a single standard ensures that chip cards, terminals and other systems can communicate and will be interoperable all over the world.

Yes! Protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN). As with a mag-stripe card, if someone obtains/steals your chip card and has your PIN - or if you lose your wallet/purse and your PIN is written down in it somewhere - they will be able to make purchases and withdraw funds from your account. In other words, keep doing the things you do now to keep your card and your PIN safe

No, the chip used in debit and credit cards does not emit a signal. The only way to get information from the card is by inserting it into a chip-enabled POS terminal or ATM. "Wave and pay" types of devices, where a customer swipes their value-loaded pass in front of a sensor for quick payment at gas pumps, for example, do have radio transmitters that, theoretically, could be compromised

You cannot use your debit card for phone purchases.

Never give your PIN to anyone. Point-of-sale devices should be accessible to customers.

Yes, chip is state-of-the-art payment card technology.

It is possible that Ukrainian Credit Union Limited could pursue additional security in the future - like biometrics, which verify that only the legitimate cardholder uses the card - but there are currently very few locations that accept biometrics

While no technology is 100% invulnerable, chip cards employ a range of security features and measures that work in concert with each other to create a multi-layered defence against fraud. Chip represents the highest level of security available to protect payment information and prevent fraud.

No. The magnetic stripe will co-exist with chip card technology to allow consumers to use their cards at non-chip-enabled terminals in Canada and abroad. As long as you continue to protect your PIN and card, you can have full confidence in the security of the magnetic stripe functionality of your card.

The chip stores the same information currently stored on the magnetic stripe today: payment related information that allows the transaction to be authorized and processed (e.g., the debit card number and financial institution code).

Only the card issuer can access or change the information. Changes to name or account information would require that a new card be issued, as is currently the case.

The only thing a cardholder can change on their chip card is the PIN, which is done through secure in-branch devices or a UCU ATM that has this capability.

Like magnetic stripe cards, cardholder information on the chip is encrypted and not accessible by the merchant. Your card transactions are not stored on the chip card.