EMV Chip Technology FAQs

Q1. What is a chip debit card?
A1. A chip card is a debit card that contains an embedded microchip as well as the traditional magnetic stripe. The chip encrypts information to increase data security when making transactions at a chip-enabled terminal.
 
Q2. What does a chip card look like?
A2. If a card has chip technology, you will see a small metal square on the front of the card above the card number.
 
Q3. Why does my debit card include a chip?
A3. The chip protects you from fraud by creating a one-time use code for each transaction at a chip-enabled terminal, which makes it difficult to copy or counterfeit. Chip technology is already used in over 130 countries around the world, so you'll enjoy greater acceptance when traveling internationally.
 
Q4. What information is stored on the chip?
A4.  The chip stores information needed to complete your purchase, such as card number and expiration date. It does not contain any of your personal information.
 
Q5. Why are chip cards safer?
A5.  The embedded chip in each card generates a unique, one-time code required to approve each transaction. This dynamic code makes it virtually impossible for fraudsters to copy or counterfeit the cards.
 
Q6.  Are chip, EMV, and smart cards different?
A6.  Chip cards, EMV cards, or smart cards are just different names for the same technology.
 
Q7. Where can my chip card be used?
A7.  Anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The card will still work at terminals that only accept magnetic stripe transactions.
 
Q8. Why does a chip card still have magnetic stripe?
A8.  Your chip card has a magnetic stripe so you can continue to swipe the card at merchants that do not have chip-enabled terminals to make payments the same way you do today.
 
Q9. How does a chip debit card work?
A9.  It's easy to use a chip card. If the retailer has a chip-enabled terminal, simply insert your chip card face up in the terminal and follow the prompts on the terminal screen. Keep your card in the terminal while the transaction is processed. If prompted, sign to complete your purchase. Once the transaction is complete, remove your card from the terminal.  If the retailer is not yet chip-enabled, just swipe as you do today. You can always follow the prompts on the merchant terminal if you aren’t sure whether you should swipe or insert your card. For transactions made over the phone or online, nothing changes.
 
Q10. Will I be able to use my chip card at ATMs?
A10.  Yes.  Fees will not be assessed when using any First State Bank or Publix Presto! ATM or when getting cash back.