General Chip and PIN FAQs
Experience leading-edge technology in line with the international best practice in the credit card industry.
The unmatched Chip and PIN technology translates into greater peace of mind and increased security:
- Guaranteed international acceptance at merchants including those in Europe.
- Reduction in the possibility of fraud due to the technology.
- The use of a PIN to process purchases at chip enabled merchants.
- Tap and Go! – Easy, quick, secure check-out at EMV contactless-enambled merchants
First Citizens Credit Cards with Chip and PIN technology
What is a Chip and PIN credit card?
A credit card with Chip and PIN technology contains an encrypted embedded microchip, which stores data more securely and strongly reduces the possibility of fraud. The security of this technology automatically creates an enhanced customer experience.
What are the benefits of Chip and PIN credit cards?
Guaranteed international acceptance at merchants including those in the UK and Europe.
Increased protection against lost, stolen or counterfeit card fraud through the ability of the chip to securely store and process data.
Additional layer of security when Chip and PIN credit card is used at a Chip and PIN point of sale terminal/merchant. In this scenario, the customer is required to input his/her PIN, which he/she alone should know.
Can a First Citizens Credit Card with Chip and PIN technology be compromised?
The Chip and PIN technology remains a safe technology in the payments world. To date, in line with the benefits of the technology, we are not aware of situations where credit cards with the Chip and PIN technology have been compromised. If that unlikely scenario occurs, then the situation will be handled in line with the rules as prescribed by VISA and MasterCard International.
How will my First Citizens Chip and PIN Credit Card work?
Your First Citizens Chip and PIN Credit Card allows you to do everything you currently do with your credit card; i.e. local, international and online purchases and cash withdrawals.
The process for online transactions is unchanged. However attention is to be paid to the expiry date which you may agree to store on the sites where you regularly shop.
How will my First Citizens Chip and PIN Credit Card work at a chip enabled point of sale or ATM machine?
When doing a purchase at a merchant with a chip-enabled Point of Sale machines, the cardholder is required to enter his/her PIN to verify the transaction, similar to how a LINX transaction is done. The system validates the data on the Chip and the PIN, resulting in a more secure transaction.
There is no requirement for the customer’s signature in this scenario. When the transaction is complete, you will be prompted to remove the card and the merchant will provide you with a copy of the sales receipt.
What is the importance of my PIN with my First Citizens Chip and PIN Credit Card?
Your PIN is required to process purchase transactions at chip enabled point of sale machines as well as for cash withdrawals at chip enabled ATMs.
Therefore your PIN is a central security element for your purchase transactions, similar to how you process LINX transactions.
Your First Citizens Chip and PIN Credit Card will be blocked after three (3) inaccurate PIN attempts.
What are the additional fees on the First Citizens Chip and PIN Credit Card?
There are no additional fees. All fees remain unchanged.
Is the Chip and PIN technology available for my Debit/LINX card as well?
Yes the technology is available for both credit cards and debit cards.
