Learn About Our New Bethpage Chip Cards

Introduction to Chip Cards

The U.S is moving to new chip cards based on a global standard called EMV. While this technology is new in the U.S, 2.37 billion payment cards are already in use worldwide to enhance in-person payment security for cardholders, merchants and issuers, such as Bethpage. This standard has many names worldwide and may also be referred to as: “chip and PIN”.

What Is Chip Technology?

Chip technology is an evolution in our payment system that will help increase security, and reduce counterfeit, lost and stolen card fraud.

Chip cards contain secure computer chips that validate the authenticity of the card and include a unique, one-time security code in every transaction, making chip payment data virtually impossible to use for counterfeit card fraud.

How Does Chip Technology Work?

Chip cards are issued with an embedded microprocessor chip and magstripe. If a chip card is swiped in a chip-enabled terminal or ATM, the terminal will prompt the cardholder to insert the card into the reader and follow the prompts to complete the transaction.

If only a Magstripe terminal, swipe the card and follow the prompts.

Where Can Chip Cards Be Used?

Chip cards can be used at the exact same merchants our members use now by inserting the card into terminals that are chip enabled or swiping their card at merchant locations that have not yet switched to chip-enabled card terminals. They can also continue to use their cards as they did before for online payments, telephone payments, and at ATMs.

Additional Chip & PIN Debit Card information

When using your Chip & PIN Debit Card at merchant terminals:

Remember, all transactions are based on the terminal you are using. Following the prompts on the screen should enable you to complete your transactions successfully.
There may be times when you use a Chip enabled terminal (EMV) and your Chip & PIN Debit Card is declined. The terminal may not be programmed to accept Chip & PIN Debit Cards. In this case, we recommend swiping your card to complete the transaction.
When using a terminal, if you are prompted to choose Mastercard^® Debit or Debit Card, always select Debit Card.

Bethpage is here to assist you. While merchants are transitioning to Chip enabled (EMV) terminals, please continue to visit this site for the most up-to-date information.

Chip Card Frequently Asked Questions

► Basic Chip & PIN Card Information

1. What Is A Chip & PIN Card?

Chip & PIN cards are cards that are embedded with a micro-computer chip. Due to security in the chip, every transaction you make is unique and encrypted. This additional layer of security makes it extremely difficult for the card to be copied or counterfeited compared to magnetic stripe-only cards.

2. What Does The Chip On A Chip & Pin Card Look Like?

A Chip & PIN card has an embedded micro-computer chip that looks like a small metal square on the front of the card. The chip looks like this:

3. Why Is Bethpage Sending Me A Chip & PIN Card Now?

Bethpage is automatically sending you a new Chip & PIN card in the mail because security is our top priority. Together, Chip & PIN cards give you additional protection using unique data with a security code that can only be used once in every transaction, when used at chip-enabled terminals.

4. Will There Be Any Fees Associated With My New Chip & PIN Card?

No. This new card with security enhancements is provided by Bethpage at no cost to you. However, a fee may be charged for a replacement Chip & PIN card.

► Receiving Your New Chip & PIN Card

5. How Will I Get My New Chip & PIN Card?

Bethpage will automatically be mailing cardholders new Chip & PIN cards.

6. Is My Card Number Changing?

Your card number and PIN number will not be changing. However, it is important to note that your new card has a new security code and expiration date.

7. Due To My New Chip & PIN Card’s Security Code and Expiration Date Changing, is There Anything I Need to Update?

If you have any recurring card payments, such as online bills, or any online merchants where you store your card information, you may need to update your card information to ensure that you do not miss a payment.

8. Do I Have To Use This New Card? Will I Be Able To Use My Old Card As Well As My New Chip & PIN Card? What Happens With My Old Magnetic Stripe-Only Card?

For security purposes, you must activate your new Chip & PIN card immediately upon receiving it. Once your new card is activated, your old magnetic stripe-only card will be closed by Bethpage. Please destroy your old card as soon as you activate your new Chip & PIN card.

PLEASE NOTE: AS A SECURITY MEASURE, YOUR OLD CARD WILL BE DEACTIVATED SOON. IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO ACTIVATE YOUR CHIP CARD IMMEDIATELY TO AVOID ANY INTERRUPTION TO YOUR PURCHASES.

► Using Your New Chip & PIN Card

9. How Is My New Chip & Pin Card Used?

At merchants that have chip-enabled POS terminals, insert your card into the slot in the terminal and follow the prompts on the screen. You may be required to enter your pin or sign to authorize the transaction before you receive your receipt.

At merchant locations that have not yet switched to chip-enabled POS terminals, your new card still has a magnetic stripe and you can swipe the card in exactly the same way as you do today.

10. When Will I Insert My Chip & PIN Card And When Will I Swipe It?

If you are unsure of whether or not to insert the card or swipe, simply follow the prompts on the merchant’s terminal. How your card is read will depend on what type of terminal the merchant is using; if the merchant’s POS terminal accepts chip cards, you will see a slot where your card is inserted and remains during the transaction.

11. What Does “Inserting” My Card Mean?

For merchants that have not switched to chip-enabled POS terminals, you will continue to swipe your card. For merchants that do have chip-enabled POS terminals, you will insert your card which will include these steps:

Step 1

Insert your card face up

Step 2

Follow the prompts. The chip card will remain inserted while the transaction is processed.

Step 3

Remove your Card from the chip terminal once your transaction is complete.

12. Since The Card Is Considered A Chip & PIN, Will I Need A PIN To Use My Card?

Your card has a PIN number, which has not changed, and you may be prompted at the POS terminal to enter your PIN and / or signature to complete your transaction.

13. What If I Forgot Or Need To Change My PIN?

For debit cards, visit your local branch or call 1-800-503-9249 using the Reference Number provided in the Pin Mailer.

For Credit Cards please call 1-866-820-3847

► Traveling With Your New Chip & PIN Card

14. Can I Use My New Chip & PIN Card Across The U.S.?

Many merchants across the U.S. are beginning to switch to chip-enabled POS terminals and the number will continue to grow in the coming years. You can use your Chip & PIN card at all U.S. merchants who accept the Mastercard^® Card with chip-enabled POS terminals. In addition, because your card still has a magnetic stripe, you are still able to swipe your card at non-chip-enabled POS terminals.

15. Will I Be Able To Use My New Chip & PIN Card Outside Of The U.S?

Chip technology is already used in over 130 countries around the world, including Mexico, Canada, and the United Kingdom, so you will enjoy greater acceptance when traveling internationally. More and more stores, restaurants and other merchants around the world are using chip technology so Chip & PIN cards will help make traveling more convenient and secure.

16. Where Can I Get More Information About Chip & PIN Cards?

If you have further questions, please call the number on the back of your Card to speak with a representative.