EMV Chip Technology

Secure EMV® technology at KeyPoint!

KeyPoint has EMV debit and credit cards, which carry a small computer microchip to better safeguard your card data. EMV cards, also known as “chip cards” or “smart cards,” are used in over 130 countries and have become a global standard for reducing common card-related fraud.

EMV chip technology has been around for over two decades, first introduced in France in 1992. EMV’s initials stand for its original developers: Europay, MasterCard® and Visa®. Chip cards have been highly effective in reducing fraud related to retail purchases. In the United Kingdom, which popularized EMV cards a decade ago, domestic fraud losses fell by 34% between 2004 and 2010. And according to a 2013 study, credit card fraud in the European Union fell by 80% after moving to EMV cards.

The U.S. has been late to adopt this technology, but is now making a full transition from magnetic stripe cards to more sophisticated EMV cards. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do EMV cards protect me?

The card’s small microprocessor chip provides an extra layer of data security that magnetic stripes alone do not. This chip protects consumers by:

  • Safeguarding card data through encryption
  • Authenticating cards during each chip-reader transaction
  • Creating a unique, one-time code for each transaction which can never be re-used (this makes counterfeiting EMV cards extremely difficult)


The new EMV payment stations are more secure, as well, requiring either a Personal Identification Number (PIN) or signature for verification. And by inserting your card instead of swiping, you are more likely to have possession of it throughout a transaction – limiting fraud by cashiers.

These upgrades complement steps that KeyPoint already takes to protect your data, including extensive fraud monitoring and blocking of compromised cards.

EMV chips do not curb all forms of theft, however. While the chips reduce counterfeiting from in-person purchases, fraud when the card is not present is on the rise – mainly through internet and telephone scams. Read more about avoiding this form of identity theft.

How do I use an EMV card?

Using your card with the new EMV chip readers is easy. Simply insert the card (chip first, face up) into the slot and wait briefly while it is processed. Then, provide a signature or PIN, as needed, and remove your card once the transaction is complete.  At retailers without updated EMV readers, swipe the card as you do today. KeyPoint's cards will have chips and magnetic stripes while smaller merchants slowly purchase the new EMV readers.

At the ATM, insert your card normally and follow the screen instructions. EMV-enabled ATMs will hold your card during transactions, so remember to remove it when finished.

Using your card for online and phone purchases will not change.

Can I use the EMV card abroad?

For the most part, yes. The chip card makes traveling abroad more convenient, since EMV chip terminals are supported all over the world – including Canada, Mexico, Asia and Europe.

Before traveling abroad, remember to submit a travel notice within Mobile* or Online banking under Card Services.

When do I get my EMV card?

All members should have EMV debit and credit cards. They can also be instant-issued at any KeyPoint branch.

Is my personal information vulnerable if my EMV card is lost or stolen?

If your card is lost or stolen, promptly contact us so we can issue you a new one. No personal information is stored on the chip; it contains information used to process your transactions at a merchant terminal or ATM.

Questions?

For more information, call KeyPoint at (888) 255-3637.



*Mobile carrier rates may apply.