MasterCard® Chip Credit Card Brochure FAQs

When will I receive my CHOICE REWARDS™ or Platinum Class MasterCard® chip credit card?
The rollout of CHOICE REWARDS and Platinum Class MasterCard® chip credit cards will begin in the coming months.  Depending on the timing of credit union conversion, you will receive your new chip card following expiry of your existing CHOICE REWARDS or Platinum Class MasterCard card.  The majority of cardholders will benefit from chip card technology by 2010.

Can I request a CHOICE REWARDS or Platinum Class MasterCard chip credit card now?
Unfortunately, MasterCard chip credit cards cannot be requested at this time.  Chip cards will be rolled out across Canada in a scaled approach beginning in late 2008.  You will be notified by automatically receiving your chip card in the mail once your card has been identified for conversion.

How do I get a PIN?
You will receive a PIN a few days prior to receiving your CHOICE REWARDS or Platinum Class MasterCard chip credit card. You can change your PIN once you receive your chip card at any credit union in-branch PIN change location.  For a list of locations, visit www.choicerewards.ca/chip or call 1-800-561-7849.  Check the site regularly for new PIN change device locations across Canada.

Do I have to use a PIN with my CHOICE REWARDS or Platinum Class MasterCard chip credit card?
Similar to a debit card, you will enter a four-digit PIN instead of signing when shopping at a retail location with a chip-reading terminal.  To ensure continued acceptance worldwide, your card will continue to have a magnetic stripe that will be used when shopping at a retailer that does not have a chip-reading terminal and you will be asked to sign as usual.

Is my personal information stored in the chip?
All of the information that is currently stored on your magnetic stripe card is stored in the chip; however, this information is encrypted and not accessible.  Your card transactions are not stored in the chip.

Where will my chip card be accepted?
You can use your chip card at any retail location or Automated Teller Machine (ATM) that accepts MasterCard cards. If you shop at a retailer that does not yet have a chip-reading terminal, you’ll sign a receipt as usual. Chip technology is also being implemented in other areas including Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

What are the benefits of a MasterCard chip credit card?
There are many benefits of chip card technology, including extra security and protection from counterfeit, identity theft and fraudulent activity:
Here’s how:

• Chip cards are virtually impossible to copy
• They offer enhanced privacy and additional protection to avoid disclosure of personal information

Where can I get more information?
For more information about chip technology, please visit www.choicerewards.ca/chip.

When will GLOBAL PAYMENT™ MasterCard chip cards be issued?
GLOBAL PAYMENT chip cards are currently in development and will be tested in the fall of 2008, with rollout beginning in 2009.  

TM CHOICE REWARDS is a trademark of CUETS Financial Ltd.
® MASTERCARD is a registered trademark owned by MasterCard International Incorporated and is used under licence.
TM GLOBAL PAYMENT is a trademark of CUETS Financial Ltd.

For more information, click here to view the chip card brochure.