Saturday, November 3, 2018

Tip - Caring for Smart Chip Cards




New credit and debit cards have a small metallic microchip embedded on the front, which can be read by special card readers when inserted properly.  This allows for more secure transactions than the older cards.  But the smart chip can be damaged and will then malfunction in the reader.

Be sure to protect the microchip on your credit or debit card from physical damage by scrapes from items with sharp edges, such as coins and keys.  Don’t spill liquids on it.  Protect the card in your wallet or a card holder.  If your card is rejected by one card reader but does not seem to appear damaged, the fault could be in the machine, not the card.  Try it out in another machine before contacting the card-issuing company for a replacement.  The customer service phone number to get a replacement card sent is on the back of your card.  If you manage your card account online, look on the company website for a link to “replace lost or damaged card.”

When you get your new card in the mail, be sure to compare its information (e.g., expiration date) with the old one.  You may need to update stored payment information or automated bill payment settings.  While you are waiting for a replacement for a damaged smart chip credit or debit card, you can still use the card for online purchases.

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