- What is a chip card?
A chip card is a credit or debit card with a built-in microchip. Because of its features and the way it works, chip cards are the most secure solution on the market to prevent card skimming.
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- What kind of chip cards does Desjardins issue?
VISA Desjardins chip cards are used just like magnetic stripe cards but allow you to make transactions that are even more secure since they reduce card skimming.
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- What are the main differences between magnetic stripe cards and chip cards?
Chip card technology offers increased security because it reduces the risk of card skimming. The way chip cards are used differs slightly from magnetic stripe cards.
- Chip credit card transactions are authenticated by a personal identification number (PIN) instead of a signature, which adds an additional level of security and speed up transaction time at merchant terminals.
- Chip cards must be inserted and remain in the point of sale terminal until the transaction is completed.
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- Does that mean magnetic stripe cards are no longer secure?
Magnetic stripe cards are secure and chip card technology will only step up this security.
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- Just how do chip cards protect me against card skimming?
Chip card technology increases protection against card skimming. But it only does so if transactions are made entirely using chip card technology, meaning on chip-enabled point of sale terminals.
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- Are chip cards accepted everywhere magnetic stripe cards are?
Chip card technology requires new equipment, which is being implemented on a gradual basis with merchants everywhere. For transitional purposes, VISA Desjardins credit cards will have both a microchip and a magnetic stripe so they can be accepted
everywhere whether chip card technology is available or not, including abroad.
- Do I still have to sign the back of my card?
Yes, you need to sign the back of your new debit or chip card, in the indicated area. At terminals that have not yet been upgraded to accept chip and PIN, you will still be asked tto sign the receipt to authorize the transaction.
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- Do I get to choose whether I use my PIN or sign the receipt for a credit transaction?
When you use a chip card at a chip-enabled terminal, you will be asked to follow the prompts, which in most instances will require PIN entry. You cannot choose to sign rather than enter a PIN. If the terminal is not chip-enabled, you will be asked
to sign the receipt to authorize the transaction.
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- Do I have to put a PIN on my magnetic stripe credit card immediately?
You don't have to put a PIN on your credit card right away. However, PINs are useful if you want cash advances at Desjardins, Interac, Plus and VISA ATMs.
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- Do they work the same way as in Europe?
Our chip card technology is the same as the one currently used in Europe. VISA Desjardins chip credit cards are compatible with chip-enabled equipment on that continent.
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- When did Desjardins begin issuing chip cards?
Desjardins began issuing Desjardins Access Cards and VISA Desjardins cards with chips in spring 2008 in the Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, and Saint-Jérôme, Quebec, areas.
Since the fall of 2008, expiring VISA Desjardins credit cards are being replaced with chip cards. Remaining VISA Desjardins cards will be replaced gradually over the next few years.
As for debit card transactions, Desjardins Access Cards will be issued gradually beginning January 2009.
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- Will my magnetic stripe card still be accepted in ATMs throughout the world?
Magnetic stripe credit cards (as well as all chip credit cards) will still be accepted at ATMS in the PLUS network worldwide and the Interac network in Canada.
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- I’ve forgotten my PIN. How can I get a new one?
To get a new PIN, you must call the Customer Service Department of Desjardins Card Services at 1-800-363-3380 (personal cards), or 1-800-266-5662 (business cards).
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- I’d like to change my PIN. How do I do this?
To change your PIN, you must call the Customer Service Department of Desjardins Card Services at 1-800-363-3380 (personal cards), or 1-800-266-5662 (business cards).
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- I’ve heard that magnetic stripe cards are no longer accepted in Europe. Is this true?
No. VISA Desjardins cardholders should be able to use their magnetic stripe card in Europe without problem. However, some transactions made when no attendant is present, such as pay-at-the-pump transactions at self-service gas stations, may require a
chip card. If you need assistance and there is no one there to help you, call the Customer Service Department of Desjardins Card Services at 1-800-363-3380 (personal cards), or 1-800-566-5662 (business cards).
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- How do I use my chip and PIN card to pay for items purchased over the phone?
A PIN is never required when you use your credit card for telephone order purchases. Only you should know your PIN - it should never be shared or disclosed with the merchant, or anyone else.
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- What should I do if a merchant asks me for my PIN to enter it into the terminal?
The PIN is a number that only you should know. If a merchant asks you for your PIN, ask the merchant to pass the terminal to you so you can enter the PIN into the terminal and authorize your purchase.
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- Do chip cards completely eliminate chargebacks?
Chip card technology reduces skimming fraud, which will considerably reduce chargebacks.
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- Who is in charge of training the merchants for the transition period?
Desjardins Card Services trains both merchants and personnel.
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- Are chip credit cards that include other payment methods such as contactless payment accepted by Desjardins point of sale terminals?
Yes. Desjardins POS terminals can securely process contactless payment transactions whether they accept chip cards or not.
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- When will Desjardins replace my existing POS terminal with a chip-enabled terminal?
Desjardins will begin implementing chip-enabled POS terminals in January 2009. From that point on, merchants may contact Desjardins Card Services to request their terminal be replaced.
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- How much will it cost to replace my terminal?
All charges associated with replacing POS terminals is the responsibility of Desjardins.
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- Will it be difficult for me to adapt to the new terminals?
No, the terminal prompts you so you will know what to do. Also, when tes new terminal is installed, the technician will provide training and give you the terminal user mannual. You will then be able to make transactions on your new terminal.
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- Do I have to change my POS terminal?
Yes, the Canadian Payments Association is making the transition to chip card technology. All Canadian payment service company terminals will be replaced to comply with the new standards.
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