Your Visa credit card protected with EMV chip and ongoing monitoring

Your Visa credit card account is protected with EMV chip technology, plus a variety of other ongoing and optional methods that are important in keeping your account safe.

EMV chip card frequently asked questions

Your Oregon State Credit Union Visa card has better security because of an EMV chip. This chip makes a unique code each time you use it, which can only be used once. This makes it hard for thieves to steal your information.

What does EMV stand for?

EMV stands for Europay, MasterCard, and Visa. These companies worked together to create cards with better technology.

Why is it called a chip card?

These cards have microprocessor chips that hold your account information. The chip is read when you insert the card into a reader. Each time you use the card, the chip makes a unique code that can't be used again.

Why is that safer?

Every time you use your chip card, it creates a unique code that can't be reused. If a hacker gets this information, they can't use it to steal your account details. EMV chips are much harder to tamper with compared to magnetic stripe cards. The technology used in EMV chips makes it extremely difficult for fraudsters to create counterfeit cards

Where can I use my chip card?

Chip cards are used in about 80 countries worldwide, including Canada, the United States, and much of Latin America, Europe and Asia. If you make a purchase at a store that does not have a chip-card reader, you can swipe your card the old-fashioned way. But be aware, when you swipe instead of dip, you do not get the protection of the EMV chip.

Can I still swipe my card?

You can, but it's not recommended. Swiping loses the chip's added security. Always use the chip if the reader allows it.

How do I know if I have a chip card?

Chip cards have a small, metallic square embedded into the card that you can see and feel.

How do I use my chip card?

Insert the chip part of the card into the reader with the chip facing up. Follow the screen prompts. Your card stays in the reader until the transaction is done. Remember to take your card when finished.

Do I still have to sign for the purchase?

Yes, you will still be required to sign for your purchases.

Is the chip card more secure online?

Online purchases don't use the chip's security. For better online security, enroll in Verified by Visa, which adds a password to your card.

How does Oregon State Credit Union keep my account safe?

What we do: Ongoing monitoring

In addition to providing Visa credit cards with the EMV chip technology, we monitor all card member accounts for potentially fraudulent activity. If a transaction is denied because of suspected fraud, we will attempt to contact you. For us to successfully contact you and protect your account, it’s important that:

• We have your current phone number.
• You notify us of your travel plans at least three business days in advance.

What you can do: Set up your email or text alerts*

Supplement the ongoing monitoring we do by setting up your own monitoring system using email or text alerts.

• Log in to Online Account Access from a computer to activate text banking and personalize your settings.
• Set a high balance alert on your credit card to send you notification if your balance goes over $1. You’ll get an alert each time your card is used to make a purchase larger than $1.

* Standard text messaging rates may apply. Please consult your wireless provider for more information.

If you have questions

If you suspect there has been fraudulent activity on your card, please call us immediately at 800-732-0173 or go to any Oregon State Credit Union branch.

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