EMV DEBIT CARDS
CHIP CARD / EMV CARD / SMART CARD
North Valley Bank offers an extra layer of security to your Debit Card to protect you against fraud with a chip card, also known as an EMV Card or Smart Card. The computer chip assigns a one-time code making every transaction unique and the card more difficult to counterfeit or copy. The chip is a small metallic square on the front of the debit card.
WILL THIS CHANGE YOUR TRANSACTIONS?
As the chip card user, you won’t see many changes in how you make everyday purchases. Your new chip card is accepted anywhere MasterCard® is accepted. Chip-enabled terminals are common in most foreign countries but their adoption in the United States will be phased in. The magnetic strip is still present on the back of your card to allow you to transact at those merchants that have not yet adopted the new terminals. With magnetic strip technology, a quick swipe is used to read the data but with smart cards, the chip is “read” when the card is inserted into the terminal.
Have you noticed a change when you go to one of our ATMs?
If not, then you will! North Valley Bank has now made it even safer for you to take money out of our ATMs! When you insert your card, you will now be prompted to leave your card in the machine until your transaction is complete. The machine will not take the entire card, just the portion with the chip in it. The ATM will also prompt you when it is time to remove your card. Still using a magnetic strip card? Our ATMs will continue to accept those as well! If you have any questions, please call your nearest North Valley Bank branch for assistance.
NO ADDITIONAL COST
You get all the added protection the chip card provides for no additional cost.
ONLINE TRANSATIONS
You can use your smart card online, however it is important to remember that chip card safety measures work only for in-person or card-present transactions at properly equipped retail point of sale terminals and ATM machines. Online retail transactions using your chip card do not offer the same safety and security because the technology only works if a machine can physically read the chip on your debit card.
To activate your new EMV card, call 1-800-448-8268 or visit one of our ATM’s and process a ‘balance inquiry’. Your PIN number will remain the same as your previous card.
HOW TO USE YOUR CHIP CARD
The checkout process on a chip-enabled terminal is slightly different than usual. Follow these three steps at checkout.
1) Insert chip card
Insert your card face-up into the terminal and follow the prompts on the screen.
2) Leave Inserted
Leave the card inserted into the terminal during the entire transaction. Removing the card will interrupt the transaction.
3) Remove Chip Card
Remove the card when prompted and take your receipt. You may need to sign for your purchase.