Frequently Asked Questions: Chip Cards

Chip technology is the global standard for debit card and credit card payments. A chip card contains an embedded microchip as well as the magnetic stripe. The chip encrypts information to help increase data security when making transactions at chip-enabled terminals.

Chip technology is an evolution in our payment system that will help increase card security and reduce fraud when a chip card is used at merchants that are able to process chip transactions as opposed to using the magnetic strip on the back of the card. The microprocessor chip changes one of the values every time in the information sent for processing a transaction. That way if the transaction were intercepted by someone trying to steal the information, it would be useless going forward.

Every time you use your chip card at a chip-enabled terminal, the embedded chip generates a unique transaction code. This prevents your card information from being copied and used fraudulently.

Information stored on the chip makes it much more difficult to duplicate or copy. The card also provides enhanced fraud protection on your account when used at a chip-enabled merchant terminal. If your card is lost or stolen, you should call Citizens immediately at 1-800-922-9999 so we can issue a new card to you.

Citizens chip cards provide greater protection against fraud. Chip cards are becoming the security standard in the U.S. Chip technology is already used in over 130 countries around the world, including Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, and Asia, so you’ll enjoy greater protection when making purchases at home or when travelling internationally.

If you are an existing Citizens cardholder, there is no need to request a card. You’ll automatically receive a chip-enabled card when your current card expires or needs to be reissued. If you wish to receive a chip card sooner, please call 1-800-922-9999.

You can continue to use your existing card until your new chip card is sent to you. When you receive and activate your new chip card, your old card will no longer be available for use. You should destroy your old card once you activate your new chip card.

There are no additional fees to use your new card.

There is no need to be concerned that your current card is not a chip-enabled card. Retailers will continue to accept cards with a magnetic stripe and all Citizens cards are protected by the Citizens Zero Liability Policy, so you’re not responsible for charges you do not authorize. If you desire to have your card reissued in advance of the expiration date on your card, please call 1-800-922-9999.

You can use your card at all the same locations that you do today.

It’s easy:

• At merchants who have chip-enabled terminals, insert your chip card in the chip-enabled terminal, and follow the prompts to either enter your PIN or sign to authorize the transaction.
• At merchants who are not yet equipped with chip-enabled terminals, continue to swipe your card and enter your PIN or sign for your purchase as you do today.
• For phone or online transactions, nothing changes — simply provide your card number and complete your online transaction as you do today.

Yes. In addition to the embedded chip, your new card also features a magnetic stripe on the back. So if a merchant is not yet chip-activated, you can still swipe your card at the merchant’s card reader to pay. If you swipe your card and it is a chip-enabled terminal, either the terminal or the cashier should prompt you to insert your card.

Yes. You can use your chip-enabled card at the ATM just like always. Some ATMs have changed to chip technology while others have not. Be sure to insert the chip end of your card into the ATM with the chip facing up. Chip-enabled ATMs will hold your card for the duration of the transaction — so always remember to take your card when finished.

If you have received your new chip card, for your convenience, your card number and PIN have not changed. Your card has a new expiration date, so be sure to update your information anywhere where you have your card stored for recurring purchases or bill payments.

Yes. You can count on the same level of benefits you always have.

Chip-enabled cards provide greater fraud protection. Every time you make purchases at a chip-activated terminal, a unique transaction code is generated. This prevents stolen data from being fraudulently used. In addition to the embedded chips, Citizens cards also have a magnetic stripe on the back. That way you can continue to make purchases by swiping your card and signing a receipt. While magnetic stripe cards are considered secure, chip technology is the next step to providing enhanced security to our customers.