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By late 2010, all new Westpac credit cards (including reissued and replacement cards) will come with an embedded microchip, for your added security. More credit card security tips
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Getting a credit card
Existing credit cards
Contact us
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Contact us now: |
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Email |
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Westpac branches |
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phone 0800 888 111
(24 hours, 7 days a week) |
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from overseas call
+64 9 912 8000
(international toll charges apply) |
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| Introducing Westpac chip credit cards |
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| Chip technology is fast becoming the global standard for card security because of its enhanced functionality and protection against potential credit card fraud. |
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| The microchip sits within the plastic of the card, and stores your card account information in a coded format, rather than on the magnetic stripe on the back of the card. |
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| This makes it more difficult for someone to fraudulently copy your card details (often referred to as ‘skimming’). |
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| Answers to some questions commonly asked about Westpac chip cards |
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What are the key benefits of a chip card? |
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What information does the chip store? |
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How does a chip card differ from a card with just a magnetic strip? |
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Why do chip cards still retain the magnetic strip? |
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Can I authorise purchases by signing, or do I have to use a PIN? |
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Do I have to get a PIN for my chip card? |
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What happens if a terminal doesn’t accept chip cards? |
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How do I use my chip card? |
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What happens if a terminal accepts chip cards but doesn’t accept a PIN? |
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Can I use my chip card overseas? |
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Do chip cards work in ATMs? |
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Who do I contact if I have any questions? |
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Increased protection - a chip card is more secure than a credit card with just the magnetic stripe on the back, as it makes it more difficult to fraudulently copy the card details. |
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More compatible overseas - chip credit cards are becoming the preferred, safer option for making purchases with a credit card overseas (e.g. in Europe, the United Kingdom and parts of Asia). |
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| The chip stores the data previously held on the magnetic stripe on the back of your card, such as your cardholder name, card number and expiry date. It does not hold any additional personal data. |
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| A chip card stores card information in a protected format, making it more secure than a card with just a magnetic stripe. This means it is more difficult for someone to fraudulently copy your card. |
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| Some merchants within New Zealand and overseas do not have or have not yet upgraded to chip technology. Our chip card still comes with the magnetic stripe, so that you can continue to use the card when chip card terminals are not available. |
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| We recommend you complete transactions using PIN wherever possible. Most EFTPOS terminals that accept chip cards will prompt you to enter a PIN. However, there may be a few circumstances where you will be prompted to sign to authorise your purchase. |
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| Yes, a PIN is required for your chip card - this includes your Westpac hotpoints American Express Card, which previously didn’t have PIN functionality. A PIN is designed to add another barrier against anyone else being able to fraudulently use your card, as the only person who should know your PIN is you. A PIN will allow you to use your card in EFTPOS terminals and ATMs *. |
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| You can load your own personal PIN by popping into any Westpac branch with your chip card and two forms of suitable ID. If you don’t load your own PIN, we will send you a computer generated PIN within 14 days of issuing your chip card, which you can change in-branch at any time. |
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| Some terminals may not yet accept chip cards. If this is the case, you’ll still be able to swipe your card to process the transaction. |
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| In most terminals you’ll be required to insert your credit card into the top or bottom of the EFTPOS terminal, where a chip reader will scan your details. |
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| Here's a quick guide to help get you started: |
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Insert your card into the chip terminal |
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Leave the card in the terminal throughout the whole transaction - it'll let you know when it's ready for you to remove it. |
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Follow the prompts on the display screen as per usual. |
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Enter your PIN then press 'Enter' or 'OK'. |
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You’ll be notified as to whether your transaction has been accepted or declined. Once that’s done, the transaction is complete and your card can be removed. |
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| Wherever you’re using your card, just follow the prompts on the EFTPOS terminal, as the process may differ for different types of terminals (especially if you’re overseas). Your Sales Assistant should be happy to help you too. |
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| Note: You many notice that the transaction may take longer than you are used to, due to the processing of the chip. Please don’t be alarmed. |
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| There may be a few instances where this occurs. If so, just insert your card into the chip slot and then follow the instructions on the terminal to authorise your transaction with a signature. If you’re at all unsure, ask the Sales Assistant for help. |
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| Yes, you can continue to use your chip credit card when travelling overseas. However, in some countries you may be asked to sign for your transactions instead of using your PIN. |
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| Your MasterCard or Visa chip card can be used in ATMs for cash advances and account balances. ATM access is however not available with your micro-chipped Westpac hotpoints American Express Card. |
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| If you have any more questions or experience any issues using your chip card, please call us on 0800 888 111 (24 hours, 7 days a week). If you are calling from overseas, please dial +64 9 912 8000 (international toll charges apply) |
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| *This feature is not available on the Westpac hotpoints American Express® Card. |
