Introducing Chip-Enabled Debit Cards

Houston Police CU now offers debit cards with chip technology. The embedded computer chip provides more security and wider international acceptance.

A microchip embedded in every card adds a new layer of protection against fraud for purchases made at the point of sale. Information programmed into the chip is personalized for your account and each transaction generates a unique code, adding an extra safeguard against unauthorized use and counterfeiting.

These cards are already in wide use around the world and are now becoming the standard in the U.S.

Follow these steps to use your card at a chip-enabled terminal:

1. ​Insert your card, face up and chip end into the chip-enabled terminal.
2. Leave the card in the terminal during the entire transaction.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen and either sign your name or enter your PIN as needed. If you do not remember your PIN or would like to change your existing one, please call 800.567.3451 and follow the instruction provided by the Automated Response Unit. Be sure to remove your card and take your receipt when the transaction is complete.

When will the change happen?

Even though Chip-Enabled Debit Cards have started being issued in the U.S. and some merchants have already installed chip-enabled card terminals for payment, the entire conversion process is expected to take a few years to complete. That's why Chip-Enabled Debit Cards will continue to have a magnetic stripe on the back. That way, if a merchant's terminal or an ATM is not yet chip-enabled, your transaction can still be processed using the magnetic stripe as it is today.

When will I get my Chip-Enabled Debit Card?

To ensure that all of our cardholders have the additional protections offered by Chip-Enabled Debit Cards as soon as possible, we anticipate replacing all cards by Summer 2018. Once your new card arrives, be sure to activate it for use and then destroy your old card.

There is no need to request a new card.  You'll automatically receive your Chip-Enabled Debit Card in the mail. There is no charge for the new Chip-Enabled Debit Card.

If you are planning to travel internationally or have an immediate need for a Chip-Enabled Card, please contact us at 713.986.0200 or 800.927.8707.

How am I protected?

With Liability Protections–All debit cards that we issue come with certain liability protections against unauthorized transactions in the event a card is stolen, lost or fraudulently used in a store or online. It is very important that you promptly report a lost or stolen card or any suspicious transactions. See the Electronic Funds Transfer Agreement and Disclosure on liability and reporting requirements for unauthorized transactions.

If a merchant isn't using a new chip-enabled terminal yet. You will 'swipe' your card to make your purchase, just as you do today. Chip-Enabled Debit Cards will continue to have the magnetic stripe on the back.

Online or phone purchases Provide your card information as you have done in the past. Chip-Enabled Debit Cards will not change the way payments are made online or by telephone.

At an ATM The process is essentially the same as at a merchant. Insert your card, leave it in the ATM, and follow the prompts on the screen. Depending on the type of ATM, you might be prompted to re-insert your card. Leave the card in the ATM until the transaction is complete and the card is released, and then remove your card. A PIN is needed for ATM transactions. If you do not remember you PIN or would like to change your existing one, please call 800.567.3451 and follow the instructions provided by the Automated Response Unit.

If you have questions, please visit our Help Center, or contact us for assistance.