EMV is a global standard for credit and debit payment cards based on chip card technology, taking its name from the card schemes Europay, MasterCard, and Visa - the original card schemes that developed it.

What is an EMV Card, Smart Card, or Chip Card?
Your EMV card comes with an encrypted microchip embedded in the card. The microchip provides an enhanced layer of security to your transactions. Plus it provides a convenient and secure way to make purchases when traveling outside the U.S.

How do I activate my EMV card?
To activate your EMV card, please call (877) 723-5999 from the primary member's phone number. Follow the phone prompts, and be sure to have the primary member's social security number to complete the card activation.

How does it work?
When making purchases, insert the chip end of your Members 1st EMV card into the chip-enabled terminal with the chip facing up. Keep your card in the terminal throughout the transaction and follow the prompts on screen. (If you remove your card too soon your purchase will be canceled.) Remove your card from the terminal when prompted and take your receipt. (You may need to enter a PIN number or sign for your purchase.)

How is the EMV Card more secure?
Whenever you check out at a chip-enabled terminal, a unique one-time code is created that allows the purchase to be approved. These security features make your new EMV card extremely difficult to counterfeit.

Why is my card being upgraded to be an EMV Card?
Chip technology is already used in other countries and is now coming to the U.S. Your new chip-enabled card provides an extra level of security and is easier to use at places already chip ready.

Can I use my card for everyday transactions or at non-chip terminals?
Yes! Your EMV card will still come with a magnetic stripe on the back so you can continue using your card at ATMs and Point of Sale Terminals while merchants in the U.S. are transitioning to new terminals.

Do I need to enter a PIN number or sign my name?
When making debit transactions you will be asked to enter your PIN number. Credit transactions will ask for your signature.

Will chip technology change the way I pay online?
No. Your online shopping experience will not change. And you can still make purchases over the phone like you do today.

Do I have to change my automatic payments?
Yes. Your new EMV debit, travel, and credit cards will come with an updated expiration date, as well as a different CVV number on the back of your card. If you have your card information saved to merchant websites such as eBay, Apple, Amazon, etc., you will need to update that card information with the new dates and numbers on your new cards.

How can I get a Members 1st EMV debit, credit, or travel card?
Not a Members 1st cardholder? Open an account today.