Chip & PIN (Personal Identification Number) technology is becoming an established standard for safety and security for card transactions in the Canadian market. In markets where Chip & PIN technology has been implemented, it has provided enhanced protection against fraud from lost, stolen, and counterfeit cards.
In an effort to provide our Cardmembers with greater protection against card fraud, American Express will soon be issuing cards with Chip & PIN technology in Canada.
Is there anything I need to do?
The transition to Chip & PIN technology will take place gradually over the next few years. Since everything will be done automatically, you do not need to request a new chip card, we will notify you when your new chip card is coming.
In the meantime, the magnetic stripe card you currently have remains secure and you continue to be protected by our Fraud Protection Guarantee. Continue to use your current card until you receive your chip card. Chip & PIN technology is simply more advanced and will make an already safe payment system even more secure.
Be sure to check back to this site over the coming months for updates and additional information on Chip & PIN technology.
In the coming years, point-of-sale terminals and bank machines will be able to accept debit and credit cards with Chip & PIN technology.
Chip & PIN technology uses an embedded microchip to encrypt information, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to copy or access data. Data can only be accessed when your card is inserted into a chip-enabled terminal and you enter your unique PIN that is provided only to you. The microchip allows for more accurate verification of a card's authenticity and a Cardmember's identity. You will have a unique PIN that identifies you as the rightful holder of your card and replaces your signature as the means of authorizing a card transaction.
When you make a purchase with a chip card, instead of swiping your card, you'll follow these simple steps:
1. Insert your chip card into the terminal; it will stay there for the duration of the transaction.
2. Follow the prompts and key in your unique four-digit PIN to authorize the transaction. Your PIN replaces
your signature.
3. Receive a confirmation receipt upon successful completion of your transaction.
Until Chip & PIN technology is fully introduced in Canada by American Express, your magnetic stripe card will continue to work at all point-of-sale terminals and bank machines.
Q : What is a chip card and how is it different from a magnetic stripe card?
A : A chip card contains a small embedded microchip, which encrypts your account information, making it difficult to duplicate, copy or access. It is simply a more advanced technology than magnetic stripe technology and will make an already safe payment system even more secure.
Q : Are the existing magnetic stripe cards no longer secure?
A : The magnetic stripe card you currently have is still secure. You can continue to use it until the transition to Chip & PIN technology is complete, you will continue to be protected against fraud through our Fraud Protection Guarantee. Chip & PIN technology is simply a newer, more advanced technology that will make an already safe payment system even more secure.
Q : How will I benefit from using a chip card with Chip & PIN technology?
A : Chip & PIN technology provides you with greater security. Chip & PIN technology uses an embedded microchip to encrypt account information, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to copy or access data. This can reduce fraud on lost, stolen, and counterfeit cards. When you use a chip card, the transaction is validated when you enter a unique PIN that is provided only to you.
Q : How do I use a chip card?
A : It is easy to use a chip card. Follow these simple steps to make a purchase with a chip card:
(1) Insert your chip card into the terminal; it will stay there for the duration of the transaction.
(2) Follow the prompts and key in your unique four-digit PIN to authorize the transaction. Your PIN
replaces your signature.
(3) Receive a confirmation receipt upon successful completion of your transaction.
Q : Where can I use my American Express chip card?
A : You can use your American Express chip card at any merchant, anywhere in the world where American Express is accepted. Many countries in Europe and Asia are already using Chip & PIN technology and your new chip card will be compatible with these systems. Chip cards will still have the magnetic stripe on the back which will enable you to use your card in countries that have not switched over to Chip & PIN technology yet, including the United States. It will take several years to upgrade bank machines, and point-of-sale terminals with Chip & PIN technology, eventually merchants will have chip-enabled terminals and chip cards will be as common as magnetic stripe cards are today in Canada.
Q : How will I know if a retailer has a chip-enabled terminal?
A : Some terminals that can accept chip cards may have a sign or logo identifying them as chip-enabled. You can always ask the retailer if they accept American Express chip cards.
Q : Can I use a chip card at a location that doesn't have a chip-enabled terminal yet?
A : You can still use a chip card even if a merchant doesn't have a chip-enabled terminal. Chip cards will still have the magnetic stripe on the back. Instead of inserting your card and entering a PIN, it will simply be swiped and you will sign the receipt as you do now.
Q : When will I get my American Express chip card?
A : American Express is moving in line with the market and our planning is well underway to begin issuing chip cards in Canada in 2010. We will notify you with the date that you will receive your new chip card that will replace your current card.
Q : Can I request a chip card sooner?
A : The transition to Chip & PIN technology is an automated process that will take place over several years. You do not need to request a card, we will provide all Cardmembers with new chip-enabled cards and will notify you when your new chip card is coming. Until then, continue to use your current American Express Card with confidence.
Q : What happens if my American Express chip card is stolen?
A : If your American Express chip card is stolen, it will be very difficult for someone to use it without your personal PIN. You should always call American Express immediately to report a lost or stolen card.