|
Your RBC® Client Card transactions will soon be more secure than ever, thanks to a tested and proven technology already in wide use around the world: chip technology.
Over the next several years, RBC Client Card holders will receive new, chip-enabled cards. Your new chip card will replace your current Client Card and provide a higher level of security and identity protection.
What is a chip card?
A chip card includes an embedded computer chip that safely stores confidential information. The chip is virtually impossible to copy or alter, so your information is far less susceptible to theft and fraud. Plus, your PIN (which only you know) uniquely identifies you as the owner of the card, giving you even more security and peace of mind.
How will I use my new chip card?
Using your new chip card will be very similar to using your current Client Card.
At store or point-of-sale terminals that are chip-enabled, you will only experience a minor change. Instead of swiping your Client Card as you do today, you will insert it into the terminal and leave it there for the duration of the transaction.
Here's how it will work:
 |
|
Insert your card into the terminal, chip first. Leave your card in the terminal until your transaction is complete. |
|
|
|
Follow the on-screen instructions, then enter your PIN. |
|
|
|
After the transaction has been processed, remove your card and take your receipt. Your purchase is complete and you’re on your way! |
|
At Automated Banking Machines (ATMs), you will conduct transactions in the same way as you do today.
Why is the chip card better?
In two words, enhanced security. The embedded chip securely stores your information. While magnetic stripe technology is extremely secure, chip cards and chip card terminals work together to make a highly secure transaction system even MORE secure by electronically validating both the card and the cardholder.
Where can I use my chip Client Card?
You can use your chip card to make purchases anywhere that your Client Card is accepted today.
Over the next few years, businesses across Canada will install new chip card readers. (The switchover will occur over time because different financial institutions and payment service providers are making the transition to chip cards on different schedules.)
In the meantime your chip Client Card will function the same way at debit card terminals and ATMs in the U.S. and at ATMs around the world. All chip cards will still have a magnetic stripe to ensure they are accepted everywhere and your transactions remain secure. At terminals that don’t recognize chip cards, you’ll just swipe your card and enter your PIN as you do today.
To ensure ultimate convenience and accessibility to funds when travelling outside of Canada, you should carry more than one form of payment, such as your Client Card and a credit card, traveller’s cheques or small amounts of local currency. This will help in the event that you encounter potential service disruptions like power outages or system problems. For additional information about travelling and your finances, please visit RBC Travel Essentials.
Will I still have to take precautions with my personal information?
Yes, absolutely:
- Never disclose your confidential PIN to anyone.
- Choose a PIN that’s easy for you to remember, based on information only you know. Do not use your birth date, address, social insurance number, phone number, etc.
- Memorize your PIN. Do not write it down or store it electronically.
- If you suspect that your PIN has been compromised, change it immediately at any RBC Royal Bank branch.
- Read our Straight Talk® brochure on financial fraud to learn more ways to protect your information.
Where can I get more information about chip cards?
® Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada.
* Interac is a registered trademark of Interac Inc. Royal Bank of Canada is a licensed user of this trademark.
|
