Q: What is an EMV chip card, and how can this technology help my business?
A: The EMV chip card is a card embedded with a computer chip. They are simple to use and accept, and give cardholders increased convenience and security. These cards can even keep track of purchases, offering retailers and service providers marketing opportunities.
Q: Are chip cards new?
A: Although chip cards are relatively new in the United States, they have been used elsewhere for many years. In some countries, particularly in Europe, merchants may be more familiar with accepting chip cards.
Q: How is a chip card different from a magnetic stripe card?
A: A chip card looks just like a traditional card but it has an embedded chip. Rather than swiping your card, you insert your chip card into the terminal to complete the transaction. Your card may also have contactless capabilities so you can tap your card at checkout when given the option.
Q: What are chip cards?
A: A chip card is like the card you have today, but includes an embedded microchip. The chip contains information that is encrypted making it extremely difficult for the card to be copied or counterfeited. Your chip card will also have a magnetic stripe on the back, so that you can continue using your card while merchants are transitioning to new chip-enabled terminals.
Q: What are the benefits of chip?
A: The embedded microchip provides robust security features and other capabilities that are not possible with traditional magnetic stripe cards. A chip card is virtually impossible to counterfeit.
Q: Where can I use my chip card?
A: Use your chip card at the same merchants you do now -- either by inserting the card into terminals that are chip-enabled or swiping your card. You can also continue to use your card as you did before for online payments, telephone payments and at ATMs.
Q: Who do I contact if I want more information?
A: For more information about your chip card, please contact your financial institution.
Q: Why is my card being upgraded to a chip card?
A: Chip cards are being introduced in the United States after much success in other parts of the world. Your new chip card provides added security.
Q: What's my PIN?
A: The PIN on your chip card is the same PIN as on your previous card. If you forgot your PIN or want to change it, please contact your financial institution.
Q: How does chip work?
A: Whether your card is inserted in the terminal or tapped, the chip communicates with the terminal to determine whether the card is authentic. Typically, the terminal will prompt you to enter a PIN to validate your identity. Once approved, your transaction will be complete.
Q: How do I know if my chip card has MasterCard contactless?
A: Cards that have contactless capabilities will have the word "contactless" and may also have a contactless symbol on the card. You can tap to pay at merchants that have the following symbol or contactless on the terminal: 
If a merchant does not have this functionality, you will need to insert your chip card into the terminal and enter your PIN.
Q: Why does my credit card have a PIN?
A: Your credit card has a PIN in order to provide you with the latest security features. By entering your PIN, you validate that you are the authorized user of the card. You will not be charged a fee to use your PIN unless you are using your credit card to get a cash advance at the ATM.
