Your debit card will soon be getting a makeover! Not only will your new Cambrian debit card have a fresh new look, it will also contain a computer chip, offering you enhanced security and fraud protection.

The new computer chips in your debit card (and Credit Union Mastercard, if you have one) are referred to as chip technology. Chip cards are virtually impossible to copy, offering additional privacy protection.

How will chip cards work?

Your chip card will have a unique PIN, just like your existing debit card. Instead of swiping your card at retail locations, you will insert your card and leave it in the chip-reading terminal for the entire transaction. If you shop at a retailer that does not yet have a chip-reading terminal, you will swipe your card, as usual.

Mastercards with chip technology will see the biggest change in how they are used. They, too, will be assigned a PIN which will be used at retail locations, rather than swiping and signing a receipt. Retail locations which do not yet have chip-reading terminals will continue to print and have you sign a receipt.

The complete implementation of chip technology in all retail locations across Canada will happen over time. So for some time, you’ll see cards with both a chip and a magnetic stripe. As well, cards currently in the market with the magnetic stripe will remain a reliable and secure method of payment.

When will I get my chip card?

Cambrian will be rolling out the technology to members beginning in April, 2010. All members will be transitioned to a chip debit card on a gradual basis by the end of 2010.

How do I use my chip card to pay for a purchase?

Chip cards are as easy to use as your current debit card:

• 1 - Insert your chip card “chip first” into the chip reader on the terminal.
• 2 - Your chip card remains in the terminal while you select your account, enter your PIN and the transaction is completed.
• 3 - Remove your chip card after “Approved-Thanks” appears on the display.

For more information, ask at your branch, or visit http://www.choicerewards.ca/chip.