EMV CHIP TECHNOLOGY

A chip card is a standard-size plastic card that contains an embedded microchip as well as the traditional magnetic stripe. The chip encrypts information to increase data security when making transactions at a chip-enabled terminal. PenFed cards now feature chip technology. You’ll enjoy global acceptance plus an enhanced level of security.

Whenever you use your card at a chip-enabled terminal, the embedded chip generates a one-time use code. This code is virtually impossible to counterfeit and helps reduce in-store fraud.

You can use your card at millions of places that accept Visa® and American Express® cards, at home and around the world.

Yes. If a merchant or ATM is not yet chip-enabled, you can continue to swipe your card.

At the merchant terminal, following the dipping of your card, if a PIN is required the terminal will guide you with the steps for PIN entry.

PenFed cards have the capability of requiring a signature and accepting a PIN. However, if the merchant terminal has the capability of accepting a signature, the transaction will default to signature. If the merchant accepts only a PIN, the PIN will be required.

If you would like to have your PIN reissued, please call us at 800-247-5626 (Visa Cardholders) or 800-732-8268 (American Express Cardmembers). If you have a Visa Debit Card you should have selected your PIN as the time of card ordering. If you do not remember the PIN for your Debit Card, call us at 800-247-5626 to have a new card and PIN ordered for you. 

You will find that with EMV chip card use outside of the U.S., requirement of PIN entry is more prevalent than inside the U.S.