Chip Technology FAQ

Why does Quorum now feature chip technology in their credit cards?

What are chip cards?

What are the benefits of chip technology?

How does chip technology work?

How do I pay at a chip-enabled terminal/chip reader?

What is the difference between a Chip Card, EMV Card, and smart chip card?

How is this card different from a magnetic stripe card?

How do I know if my card has contactless capabilities such as MasterCard PayPassTM?

Are chip cards new?

Why does my credit card have a PIN?

What is my PIN number?

Why does Quorum now feature chip technology in their credit cards?

We want to give you greater peace of mind when you travel by making it easier and more convenient to use your card for purchases at international merchants. A Quorum MasterCard® credit card will also provide greater protection against fraud when you use your card in the U.S. at merchants with chip terminals.

Chip technology is already the standard for processing debit and credit card payments in Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe and Asia. We expect to continue to see more merchants in the U.S. adopt this technology over time.

What are chip cards?
A chip card includes an embedded microchip that adds another layer of security to cards. It requires the chip to produce a single-use code to validate the transaction, further protecting you from unauthorized use. This added layer of security makes the chip card data much harder to steal and clone.

What are the benefits of chip technology?
The embedded microchip provides strong transaction security features and other application capabilities not possible with traditional magnetic stripe cards. A chip card is virtually impossible to counterfeit. In addition, paying with your chip card requires you to enter a PIN to complete the transaction, which adds another layer of security whenever you use your card.

How does chip technology work?
The chip communicates with the terminal to determine whether the card is authentic. Generally, the terminal will prompt you to enter your PIN to validate your identity. Once approved, your transaction will be completed.

How do I pay at a chip-enabled terminal/chip reader?
You’ll need to insert your card into the slot in the front of the chip card reader. Leave the card in the reader, follow the prompts and wait until your purchase is complete before you take the card out.

What is the difference between a Chip Card, EMV Card, and smart chip card?
These are all just different terms for the same technology. The technology used in these credit cards is commonly known as being EMV-enabled, which stands for Europay, MasterCard® and Visa®, which uphold the chip technology. These cards are a global standard for processing credit and debit card payments. Various credit card companies may refer to chip cards differently, but they all function to help keep your card more secure.

How is this card different from a magnetic stripe card?
A chip card looks just like a traditional card with an embedded chip in addition to the standard magnetic stripe on the back of the card. Rather than swiping your card, you will insert your chip card into the terminal to complete the transaction. Your card may also have contactless capabilities so you can tap your card at checkout when given the option.

How do I know if my card has contactless capabilities such as MasterCard PayPassTM?
All our Quorum credit cards come with Just Tap & GoTM contactless technology. You can tap to pay at merchants that have the Wi-Fi or PayPass symbols on the terminal. If a merchant does not have this functionality, you will need to insert your card into the terminal and enter your PIN to complete your transaction.

Are chip cards new?
Although chip cards are relatively new in the U.S., they have been used elsewhere for many years. In some countries, particularly in Europe, merchants may be more familiar with accepting chip cards. This means your chip card can be used at any terminal in any country that accepts MasterCard chip cards.

Why does my credit card have a PIN?
Chip readers/terminals require a PIN to complete your transaction. By entering your PIN, you are validating that you are the authorized user of the card. To keep your card safe, do not share your PIN with anyone, or write it on the card. You will not be charged a fee to use your PIN unless you are using your credit card to get a cash advance at the ATM.

What is my PIN number?
If you don’t know your PIN or want to change it, please call (800) 631-3197 and follow the prompts to change your PIN. Or, contact (800) 874-5544 anytime if you need us to walk you through the set up.

Was this information helpful?

If you need more information on any of your Quorum credit cards, please call us at (800) 874-5544 from Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET or send us an email.