Debit Card FAQs
General Questions
EMV, an abbreviation which stands for Europay, Master Card, and Visa, is a global technology standard for payment cards. An EMV terminal or card reader will communicate with the chip on the EMV card (commonly referred to as a chip card) at the time of acceptance to validate the authenticity of the card.
A chip card contains an embedded EMV microchip that provides security features and other application capabilities not possible with traditional magnetic stripe cards. When used at chip-enabled terminals or card readers, chip cards add another layer of security against fraud.
There is no need to request a chip card. Your Debit Card will automatically be replaced with a new Brenix Credit Union Bank chip card on or before your next renewal date.
No. We are committed to your card security, and chip technology is a proven tool that helps prevent counterfeit fraud. All your debit and credit cards will eventually transition to chip.
You can use your chip card anywhere Visa is accepted! Your card will have an embedded chip AND a magnetic stripe to accommodate any situation. You will notice that a growing number of merchants, such as restaurants, grocery and drug stores are switching to chip-enabled terminals.
Yes! Chip cards are already widely accepted in the international market including Asia, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and South America. Having a chip-enabled card allows you to use your card when traveling internationally with added security and confidence.
Instead of swiping the card at the merchant card reader, insert it or dip it into the slot of the chip card reader. Leave the card in the chip card reader until your purchase is complete. Follow the prompts on the card reader and either enter your PIN or sign as instructed. Always remember to take your card when you’re done.
Your card will still have a magnetic stripe on the back, so you can swipe your card at traditional card readers just as you would today.
Your internet and telephone transactions are handled just as they are today.
Just like any time you get a new card, notify the merchants that charge your card; give them your card number, expiration date, and 3-digit security code (if applicable).
No additional fees are related to chip card usage. However, regular fees relating to debit card use (e.g. foreign transaction fees for purchases made outside the U.S. or third party ATM operators‘ fees) may still apply. Check your card terms and conditions for more information.
Security Questions
The chip alone does not make your card more secure. A chip transaction adds another layer of security to cards by requiring the chip to produce a single-use code to validate the transaction — further protecting your card from unauthorized use. This process makes your chip card information more difficult to steal and therefore makes your chip card more difficult to counterfeit.
A chip transaction just adds another layer of security to cards by requiring the chip to produce a single-use code to validate the transaction — further protecting your card from unauthorized use. You should always safeguard your card information. If you notice any suspicious activity on your account, notify us immediately by calling +1 (0) 559 500 1009
The chip stores information needed to complete your purchase, such as card number and expiration date. The chip on your card is limited to supporting authentication of card data when you make a purchase.
No, NFC technology is different from chip technology. NFC technology uses a radio antenna that transmits account information and works by waving or tapping your card in front of a device. Chip cards must be inserted into a chip-enabled merchant terminal that allows the chip to make contact with the reader to authorize and complete a transaction.
Call +1 (0) 559 500 1009 immediately to report any suspicious activity on your account.
Call +1 (0) 559 500 1009 immediately to report your card lost or stolen.