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It's more than a convenient piece of plastic. Sign up for a Kasasa® checking account and use your free Visa® debit card to qualify for rewards that matter to you, like extra cash in your wallet.

  • Free Visa debit card accepted around the globe and online
  • Use your debit card to qualify for rewards with Kasasa Cash® or Kasasa Cash Back® checking accounts
  • Safer than carrying cash
  • More convenient and safer than checks
  • Eliminate cost of purchasing checks
  • 24/7 access to funds via ATMs
  • EMV chip card technology
  • Compatible with mobile wallets

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What is a chip card/EMV card/smart card?

A chip card is a standard-size plastic debit or credit card that contains an embedded microchip as well as the traditional magnetic stripe. The chip encrypts information to increase data security when making transactions at a chip-enabled terminal.

What does EMV stand for?

EMV is an abbreviation of Europay, MasterCard and Visa, which have worked closely in the payments industry to spearhead the payments standard.

Why is Texas First Bank issuing chip cards?

As chip technology will soon become the security standard in the U.S., many merchants are beginning to accept chip cards and we want you to be ready. You'll enjoy greater security when making purchases at a chip-enabled terminal since the chip provides better protection against counterfeit fraud. Chip technology is already used in over 130 countries around the world, including Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom, so you'll enjoy greater acceptance when traveling internationally.

Where can I use my chip card?

Many merchants, across the U.S. are beginning to accept chip card transactions and this will continue to grow within the coming years. Chip technology is already used in over 130 countries around the world, including Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom, so you'll enjoy greater acceptance when traveling internationally. Your chip card will still work at terminals where only magnetic stripe transactions are accepted.

Are chip cards secure?

Yes. Chip technology has been around for over two decades and is already the security standard in many countries around the world. When purchases are made using the chip feature, the transaction is more secure because of a unique process that is used to determine if the card is authentic. This makes the card more difficult to counterfeit or copy.

While magnetic stripe cards are still considered secure, chip technology is the next step to providing enhanced security to our customers. Whether you use the magnetic stripe or the chip to make your purchase, you can have confidence in the protection and security features we provide for all credit and debit card accounts.

Remember, if you notice any suspicious activity on your account; notify us immediately by calling the number on the back of your card or your nearest Banking Center.

Will chip cards prevent third-party data breaches?

Chip card technology provides an additional layer of security to help reduce certain types of fraud resulting from data breaches; however, it will not prevent a data breach.

Will chip cards prevent all fraud from happening?

No. As the industry continues to develop new ways to protect consumers, perpetrators continue to look for new ways to commit fraud. Chip cards provide an additional layer of security at chip-enabled terminals, on top of the fraud prevention monitoring we currently provide. As always, your purchases are also covered by our zero liability protection, where Texas First Bank credits your account back from fraudulent charges.

Is a chip card the same as contactless payment?

Contactless cards employ near-field communication technology (NFC), which has a radio antenna that transmits account information, and work by waving or tapping your card in front of a device. Chip cards must be inserted face-up into a chip-enabled merchant terminal that allows the chip to make contact with the reader to authorize and complete a transaction. (Remember to keep your card inserted into the terminal while the transaction is processed.) Texas First Bank does not offer contactless cards at this time.

Do the same benefits come with my chip card that I had with my prior card?

Yes. You'll continue to enjoy the same benefits with your chip card as you do today with your debit or credit card.

How does a chip debit card work?

It's easy. If the retailer has a chip-enabled terminal, simply insert your chip card face up in the terminal. The chip card will remain in the terminal while the transaction is processed. To authorize your transaction, just follow the prompts as you do today.

You'll be prompted to enter your PIN or to provide a signature as you normally would to verify the transaction. You may not be asked for a PIN when travelling internationally. Your card is available to be removed from the terminal once the transaction is completed.

If the retailer is not equipped to read the chip card, just swipe as you do today. For transactions made over the phone or online, nothing changes.

Do I need to notify the bank before I travel internationally?

We recommend that you set a travel notice on any card(s) you plan to use while traveling, so your card access isn't interrupted. For your protection, we'll continue to monitor card activity even when a travel notice is set. If you encounter any issues while traveling, we're here to help.

Please contact our VISA Department at (409) 908-9949 or your nearest Banking Center to set up a travel notice.

Are there any situations where I could experience issues using my chip debit card?

When traveling outside the U.S., some card readers at unattended terminals (such as public transportation kiosks, gas pumps) will require a PIN. In these situations, enter your debit card PIN. Some international self-service terminals do not accept U.S. issued debit cards and may display a message such as "Transaction Canceled". This is known to happen on French Toll Roads or Automated Fuel Dispensers depending on location. In these cases, please locate an attended terminal to complete your transaction, or plan for an alternative payment method, such as local currency.

Will my chip debit card still work at an ATM?

Yes. You can continue to use your card as you do today by following the instructions at an ATM.

Is my current debit card risky to use?

Texas First Bank has a lot of security precautions in place to protect against fraud. The chip card offers a higher level of security for chip-enabled point-of-sale transactions, but current cards will continue to be secure – especially if you keep your PIN a secret, regularly monitor card activity and immediately report lost or stolen cards.

Are there any additional fees associated with chip debit cards?

There is no additional cost to have or to use your new card with smart chip technology. However, there are fees for each requested replacement of a debit card that may still apply. The replacement fee does not apply when we replace a card upon its expiration. Please refer to your Personal Schedule of Fees or Business Schedule of Fees for more details.

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