What is a chip card?

A chip card is a credit or debit card that uses an embedded security microchip to protect confidential data stored on your card. It sits on the front of your card, towards the left hand side, and is in the shape of a small gold square.

How does the chip provide better security?

The microchip on your card encrypts your account information in a more secure format. This enables an increased level of card protection, reducing the chances of your personal details being copied fraudulently. This, coupled with our additional security features like Falcon™ monitoring, works to better protect your card.

What will be different about the way I use my chip card?

As Australia makes the transition to chip technology, chip cards may be used in different ways at different merchants. With some, you will use your chip card the same as a magnetic stripe card, by swiping it through a terminal and entering your PIN, or by signing a receipt. Terminals that can identify your card as a chip card will display a message on screen advising you to insert your chip card and leave it in the terminal for the entire transaction. You will then be required to enter your PIN number, or press the OK/Enter button and sign the receipt to authorise the transaction.

Will my PIN change, or can I request a new PIN?

Your existing PIN can be used with your new chip card. If you don’t remember your PIN, or want to select your own PIN, just call our Customer Solutions department on 1300361958.

Will I have to use my PIN with my chip card?

In Australia, you currently have the choice of using your PIN or signing to authorise the transaction. In other countries, you may be required to enter your PIN, so please ensure you have one before leaving Australia. You can select your own by calling Customer Solutions and following the prompts on 1300361958.

Is PIN the only way I can authorise my transaction?

No, in Australia you can still authorise your transaction by signing. However, as Australia makes the transition to chip technology, you may be required to authorise transactions by entering your PIN.

Does having a chip card change the way I use my card overseas?

Many countries have made the move to chip and PIN technology and you can use your card wherever MasterCard® is accepted. If you are travelling overseas, it’s a good idea to have a PIN for your chip card. This is because some countries, for example New Zealand, require all transactions to be authorised by PIN instead of signature. If your card is not a chipped card, you can continue to use your card as per usual.

What if I want a chip card issued before my current card is due to expire?

This can easily be arranged by calling our Customer Solutions department on 1300361958.

Is there a brochure I can download about chip cards?

Yes, you can download the below brochure which contains information regarding the chip card and other security features and services available to GO Business MasterCard customers.