Chip Card FAQ
What is chip card technology?
A chip card enhances card security for electronic payments when inserted in the chip card reader (not swiped) of a chip-enabled terminal. The chip generates a unique transaction code which is shared with the merchant. This makes the card difficult to copy.
Are chip cards secure?
Yes. Chip technology has been around for over two decades and is already the security standard in many countries around the world. When purchases are made using the chip feature at chip-enabled terminals, the transaction is more secure because of a unique process that is used to determine if the card is authentic. This makes the card more difficult to counterfeit or copy.
While magnetic stripe cards are still considered secure, chip technology is the next step to providing enhanced security to our Customers. Whether you use the magnetic stripe or the chip to make your purchase, you can have confidence in the protection and security features we provide for all debit card accounts.
Remember, if you notice any suspicious activity on your account, please notify us immediately by calling 1-888-WSFSBANK (1-888-973-7226).
Now that I have a chip debit card, do I need to notify the bank before I travel internationally?
We recommend that you set a travel notice on any card(s) you plan to use while traveling, to help prevent interruption. To set a travel notice call us at 1-888-WSFSBANK (1-888-973-7226) and speak with a WSFS Bank Associate. If you encounter any issues while traveling, we're here to help.
Will chip cards prevent all fraud from happening?
No. As the industry continues to develop new ways to protect consumers, perpetrators continue to look for new ways to commit fraud. Chip cards provide an additional layer of security at chip-enabled terminals, on top of the fraud prevention monitoring we currently provide. As always, your purchases are also covered by our WSFS Bank Visa® Debit Card Zero Liability Fraud Protection Policy.
Is a chip card the same as contactless payment (for example, PayPass, PayWave)?
No. Contactless cards employ near-field communication technology (NFC), which has a radio antenna that transmits account information, and work by waving or tapping your card in front of a device. Chip cards must be inserted face-up into a chip-enabled merchant terminal that allows the chip to make contact with the reader to authorize and complete a transaction. (Remember to keep your card inserted into the terminal while the transaction is processed.)
Are there any situations where I could experience issues using my chip debit card?
When traveling outside the U.S., some card readers at unattended terminals (such as public transportation kiosks, gas pumps) will require a PIN. In these situations, enter your debit card PIN. Some international self-service terminals do not accept U.S. issued debit cards and may display a message such as "Transaction Canceled". This is known to happen on French Toll Roads or Automated Fuel Dispensers depending on location. In these cases, please locate an attended terminal to complete your transaction, or plan for an alternative payment method, such as local currency.
How do I use my chip card to make purchases at a chip-enabled terminal?
With the chip facing up, insert the chip end of your card into the terminal. Follow the prompts on the terminal screen, and if necessary, either sign or enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Keep the card in the terminal throughout the transaction, or the transaction will be canceled. When your transaction is complete, remove your card.
Can I use this card at locations without a chip-enabled terminal?
Yes, you can continue to use the magnetic stripe on the card as you do today at merchants and ATMs that do not yet have chip-enabled terminals.
Can I still use this card to make online purchases?
Yes, you can use the new chip card as you do today. Simply provide your card number and complete your transaction.
Will my chip debit card still work at an ATM?
Yes. You can continue to use your card as you do today by following the instructions at an ATM.
When will I receive a new chip enabled card?
Starting in January 2016, WSFS will begin reissuing chip enabled personal and business debit cards. Some Customers will receive a chip card when the current card expires and others will receive a new card before expiration date, so it is likely that you will receive a new card for each of your WSFS accounts at different times. Please continue to use your current cards with confidence, knowing that they come with 24-hour fraud monitoring and, as always, your WSFS Visa® Debit Cards come with Zero Liability Fraud Protection Policy.
Will my debit card number change?
No. Your new card will have the same 16-digit card number as your current card. However, your new card will have a new expiration date and 3-digit security code. In some cases, there may be special circumstances in which a new card number will be issued for some debit card Customers.
Do I still need to activate my new card?
Yes. Once you receive your new card, activate it immediately by following the instructions included with it. As soon as you activate your new card, your old card will be deactivated.
What should I do with my old card after I receive my new chip card?
As soon as you activate your new card, your old card will be deactivated. Please destroy your old card once the new one is activated.
Will chip cards allow others to track my location?
No. Chip card technology is not a locator system. The chip on your card is limited to supporting authentication of card data when you make a purchase.
I would like to have a new chip card right away, how can I request a chip card?
To request a new personal or business debit chip card now, or to request a chip card to replace your existing personal or business debit card, contact us by calling 1-888-WSFSBANK (1-888-973-7226).
Will chip cards prevent third-party data breaches?
Chip card technology provides an additional layer of security when used at a chip-enabled terminal. The technology may help reduce certain types of fraud resulting from data breaches; however, it will not prevent a data breach.
A chip card enhances card security for electronic payments when inserted in the chip card reader (not swiped) of a chip-enabled terminal. The chip generates a unique transaction code which is shared with the merchant. This makes the card difficult to copy.
Are chip cards secure?
Yes. Chip technology has been around for over two decades and is already the security standard in many countries around the world. When purchases are made using the chip feature at chip-enabled terminals, the transaction is more secure because of a unique process that is used to determine if the card is authentic. This makes the card more difficult to counterfeit or copy.
While magnetic stripe cards are still considered secure, chip technology is the next step to providing enhanced security to our Customers. Whether you use the magnetic stripe or the chip to make your purchase, you can have confidence in the protection and security features we provide for all debit card accounts.
Remember, if you notice any suspicious activity on your account, please notify us immediately by calling 1-888-WSFSBANK (1-888-973-7226).
Now that I have a chip debit card, do I need to notify the bank before I travel internationally?
We recommend that you set a travel notice on any card(s) you plan to use while traveling, to help prevent interruption. To set a travel notice call us at 1-888-WSFSBANK (1-888-973-7226) and speak with a WSFS Bank Associate. If you encounter any issues while traveling, we're here to help.
Will chip cards prevent all fraud from happening?
No. As the industry continues to develop new ways to protect consumers, perpetrators continue to look for new ways to commit fraud. Chip cards provide an additional layer of security at chip-enabled terminals, on top of the fraud prevention monitoring we currently provide. As always, your purchases are also covered by our WSFS Bank Visa® Debit Card Zero Liability Fraud Protection Policy.
Is a chip card the same as contactless payment (for example, PayPass, PayWave)?
No. Contactless cards employ near-field communication technology (NFC), which has a radio antenna that transmits account information, and work by waving or tapping your card in front of a device. Chip cards must be inserted face-up into a chip-enabled merchant terminal that allows the chip to make contact with the reader to authorize and complete a transaction. (Remember to keep your card inserted into the terminal while the transaction is processed.)
Are there any situations where I could experience issues using my chip debit card?
When traveling outside the U.S., some card readers at unattended terminals (such as public transportation kiosks, gas pumps) will require a PIN. In these situations, enter your debit card PIN. Some international self-service terminals do not accept U.S. issued debit cards and may display a message such as "Transaction Canceled". This is known to happen on French Toll Roads or Automated Fuel Dispensers depending on location. In these cases, please locate an attended terminal to complete your transaction, or plan for an alternative payment method, such as local currency.
How do I use my chip card to make purchases at a chip-enabled terminal?
With the chip facing up, insert the chip end of your card into the terminal. Follow the prompts on the terminal screen, and if necessary, either sign or enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Keep the card in the terminal throughout the transaction, or the transaction will be canceled. When your transaction is complete, remove your card.
Can I use this card at locations without a chip-enabled terminal?
Yes, you can continue to use the magnetic stripe on the card as you do today at merchants and ATMs that do not yet have chip-enabled terminals.
Can I still use this card to make online purchases?
Yes, you can use the new chip card as you do today. Simply provide your card number and complete your transaction.
Will my chip debit card still work at an ATM?
Yes. You can continue to use your card as you do today by following the instructions at an ATM.
When will I receive a new chip enabled card?
Starting in January 2016, WSFS will begin reissuing chip enabled personal and business debit cards. Some Customers will receive a chip card when the current card expires and others will receive a new card before expiration date, so it is likely that you will receive a new card for each of your WSFS accounts at different times. Please continue to use your current cards with confidence, knowing that they come with 24-hour fraud monitoring and, as always, your WSFS Visa® Debit Cards come with Zero Liability Fraud Protection Policy.
Will my debit card number change?
No. Your new card will have the same 16-digit card number as your current card. However, your new card will have a new expiration date and 3-digit security code. In some cases, there may be special circumstances in which a new card number will be issued for some debit card Customers.
Do I still need to activate my new card?
Yes. Once you receive your new card, activate it immediately by following the instructions included with it. As soon as you activate your new card, your old card will be deactivated.
What should I do with my old card after I receive my new chip card?
As soon as you activate your new card, your old card will be deactivated. Please destroy your old card once the new one is activated.
Will chip cards allow others to track my location?
No. Chip card technology is not a locator system. The chip on your card is limited to supporting authentication of card data when you make a purchase.
I would like to have a new chip card right away, how can I request a chip card?
To request a new personal or business debit chip card now, or to request a chip card to replace your existing personal or business debit card, contact us by calling 1-888-WSFSBANK (1-888-973-7226).
Will chip cards prevent third-party data breaches?
Chip card technology provides an additional layer of security when used at a chip-enabled terminal. The technology may help reduce certain types of fraud resulting from data breaches; however, it will not prevent a data breach.
