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Chip Card: What is an EMV Card?

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Today, most debit and credit cards have multiple ways to transmit data and authenticate a payment. One such way is the small, square computer chips you see on the card. This is called an EMV chip and is used to help protect the user from fraud. Read this article to learn more about how EMV chips work and how they help keep your information safe.

EMV cards, often referred to as chip cards, represent a significant advancement in credit card security technology. The term “EMV” stands for Europay, MasterCard, and Visa, the three organizations that created the standard. These cards are equipped with a small, metallic square chip on the front, which is easily recognizable and distinct from the traditional magnetic stripe on the back of older cards. This chip is a critical component of EMV technology, designed to enhance transaction security and reduce fraud. 

emv cards Article Image
Yellow notepad with pen svg icon Lesson Notes:
  • EMV chip cards feature a metallic square chip for enhanced security.
  • EMV chips generate unique transaction codes, reducing fraud risk.

How does EMV chip technology work?

Unlike the magnetic stripe that stores static data, which can be copied and cloned, the EMV chip card generates a unique transaction code for every purchase that cannot be used again. Also, inserting your card into a merchant’s EMV reader never transmits your card number. This dynamic encryption makes it nearly impossible for fraudsters to replicate the card’s information to conduct counterfeit transactions. The transaction process with an EMV chip card involves several steps that significantly reduce the risk of fraud.

Card authentication: When inserted into a chip-enabled terminal, the chip communicates with the terminal, proving the card is genuine.

Transaction authorization: Unlike the static information stored on a magnetic stripe, the EMV chip generates a dynamic transaction code unique to each purchase. The code becomes useless once the transaction is complete.

Cardholder verification: EMV technology supports two methods of verifying that the person using the card is the legitimate cardholder. Depending on whether the EMV card is a chip-and-signature or chip-and-PIN, the cardholder provides a signature or PIN to complete the transaction.

The benefits of using EMV chip cards

The transition to EMV chip cards from traditional magnetic stripes has been a game changer. The new technology offers the following advantages.

Enhanced security through encryption

One of the primary benefits of EMV chip cards is their use of advanced encryption technology. Unlike magnetic stripe cards, which transmit card numbers that can be easily cloned or copied by fraudsters, EMV cards generate a unique encrypted transaction code. The card number is never transmitted. So, even if a hacker were to intercept transaction information, the data would be virtually useless for future transactions. This dynamic encryption makes it significantly more challenging for criminals to create counterfeit cards.

Fraud prevention

EMV technology has been instrumental in reducing fraud, especially in card-present transactions. The chip on the credit union credit cards interacts with the merchant’s terminal to ensure the card is genuine and not a counterfeit. This verification process involves complex cryptographic validation, which is nearly impossible for fraudsters to replicate. As a result, countries that have widely adopted EMV technology have seen a dramatic decrease in face-to-face credit card fraud.

Protecting user data

The security chip on credit cards is not just about preventing counterfeits. EMV chip technology also protects your personal and financial information. By encrypting data directly on the chip, EMV cards ensure that sensitive information is not easily accessible during the transaction process.

Global acceptance and compliance

EMV cards are accepted worldwide, making them a convenient option for international travelers. This global standard means you can use your EMV chip card abroad with the same level of security and acceptance as you would at home. Furthermore, many merchants and financial institutions now require transactions with EMV cards. Meanwhile, due to their shortcomings, magnetic stripe cards are becoming outdated and seeing declines in usage.

FAQs

What makes EMV cards different from traditional debit or credit cards?

EMV cards differ from traditional credit cards primarily because they include a microchip. This chip technology is a significant advancement over the magnetic stripe used on older cards. The chip facilitates a more secure transaction process by generating a unique, encrypted one-time code for each transaction, a feature not available with magnetic stripe cards. Therefore, EMV cards are much harder to counterfeit. From September 2015 to March 2019, the United States experienced a significant reduction in card fraud, with rates dropping by 87%. This substantial decline showcases the powerful impact of EMV technology in deterring payment fraud (Wallster 2022).

Can EMV cards be used at all merchants?

While the adoption of EMV technology is widespread, not all merchants have upgraded their systems to accept EMV cards. In regions or establishments where EMV card readers are unavailable, EMV cards still include a magnetic stripe to ensure compatibility. However, transactions made using the magnetic stripe do not benefit from the enhanced security features provided by the chip technology.

Resources

What is chip card: and how EMV technology works. (2022, September 2). The Latest News, Announcements, and Tech Releases | Wallester. https://wallester.com/blog/business-insights/what-is-chip-card

PLEASE NOTE: This article is intended to be used for informational purposes and should not be considered financial advice. Consult a financial advisor, accountant or other financial professional to learn more about what strategies are appropriate for your situation.

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