EMV Cards


EMV Chip Cards

PHCU began issuing the first wave of chip cards to checking account holders last month, and our final card order was placed June 13th. All debit card holders should have their new chip card by the end of June, assuming we have your correct address.

Please make sure to open ALL of your mail because our cards are delivered in plain white envelopes without our name on them. Please don't assume that it's junk mail and accidentally throw your new card away!


Shows the steps involved in using a chip card: 1st- a debit card being inserted into a card reader, 2nd- PIN being entered, and 3rd- card being removed.

EMV Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is an EMV card and why am I getting one?

A. EMV Chip cards are debit or credit cards that have an embedded chip, which offers you advanced security in-store and at the ATM by making every transaction unique. And, your chip card is more difficult to counterfeit or copy. If the card data and the one-time code are stolen, the information cannot be used to create counterfeit cards and commit fraud.

Q. Can I continue to use my old debit card?

A. No. Your old debit card will be closed approximately 30 days after your new card arrives. Make sure to activate and start using your new card right away so you don't experience any problems accessing the funds in your account.

Q. Will my card number be the same?

A. No, your new card will have a new number. In an effort to minimize the problems often associated with changing card numbers, PHCU will begin utilizing Mastercard's Automatic Biller Updater (ABU) service, which may update your new card information with many of your recurring bill payment providers. If you experience an interruption in service with any of your providers due to your card number changing, please contact the merchant and give them your new card number.

If you would like to discontinue recurring payments with any of your providers, please contact the merchant directly to cancel the automatic payments.

Q. Will I still have to notify PHCU when I travel to another state or another country?

A. Once all EMV cards have been issued, we hope to remove the current block on out of state transactions. You will still need to notify us if you are traveling overseas.

Q. How do I use my chip card to make purchases?

A. If the terminal is chip-enabled, simply insert your card with the chip toward the terminal, facing up. Provide your signature or PIN as prompted by the terminal. Do not remove your card until prompted to do so. If the merchant's card reader is not chip enabled, simply swipe your card as you have done in the past.

Q. Will ATM transactions change?

A. If you are using your chip card at a PHCU ATM, you'll insert and remove your card. Then you'll be asked to re-insert your card in the ATM until your transaction is complete.

For many ATMs you likely won't notice any differences using your chip card. Simply insert your card as normal and follow the prompts on the ATM.

Q. Will anything change with online purchases?

A. No. You will use your chip card for online purchases by following the same process you do today. 

Q. Can I use my EMV card outside of the U.S.?

A. Yes. Chip cards are widely used in international markets and are accepted in more than 80 countries. Having a chip card will make it easier for you to make purchases when you travel internationally.