Credit cards with chip technology

BNZ credit cards with chips provide enhanced protection against counterfeit fraud.

At BNZ, we're dedicated to making your banking as safe and secure as possible. So we're introducing credit cards with chips to provide enhanced protection against counterfeit fraud. Chip technology is now the global standard for card security so you're better off with it!

What is a chip credit card?

• A chip card has an embedded microchip which can process and safely store data previously held on the magnetic stripe
• The magnetic stripe is still present on chip cards and can be used in retailer terminals that are not yet chip capable
• The key advantage of chip over magnetic stripe is improved protection against counterfeit fraud as the chip has advanced information encryption that makes it much harder to copy

How do I use my BNZ chip credit card?

To use your BNZ chip card at retailers that have chip enabled terminals you will be asked to insert the chip card for the duration of the transaction, then you enter your PIN and follow the instructions on the screen. The terminal will tell you when to remove your card.

To use your BNZ chip card at retailers that do not have chip enabled terminals you will still be required to swipe your card and then given the option to either enter your PIN or sign the receipt to verify the transactions. Generally speaking, if it's a chip – dip, if it's a stripe – swipe.

Can I use my BNZ chip credit card without a PIN?

You will be required to load a PIN on your card to verify transactions within New Zealand in a chip enabled terminal. If your previous card already has a PIN allocated to it then it will be transferred to your new card. If you do not load a PIN on your card you will be unable to use it in the majority of NZ retail outlets. The only time an option to sign will be given is either in overseas markets or if your card is used in a non chip enabled terminal within NZ. Please refer to the guide for information on when a PIN is required to verify chip card transactions.

Transaction type	PIN required?
Domestic ATM	Yes
International ATM withdrawals	Yes
Domestic EFTPOS (In chip compliant terminals – well over 80% of NZ retailer terminals are chip ready.)	Yes
Domestic EFTPOS (In non-chip terminals)	No
International EFTPOS	No
Online, phone and mail order (Card Not Present transactions)	No

Can I continue to use my non-chipped magnetic stripe card?

Yes. ATMs and retailer terminals remain fully compatible with both chip and magnetic stripe cards, so your card will continue to work in all the places you currently shop.

Can I use the magnetic stripe if my card has a chip?

Generally a chip card wouldn't be swiped unless the terminal wasn't chip enabled.

Does the introduction of chip credit cards mean that the magnetic stripe is not secure?

No it doesn't, it simply means that chip cards are more secure. We have developed technology called LENSecure which will help early detection, and most importantly, the automatic prevention of counterfeit credit card transactions. LENSecure updates the magnetic stripe security information on BNZ credit cards each time you use a BNZ ATM for a balance enquiry, mini statement or cash advance¹. This technology allows us to automatically detect if your card has been copied or duplicated without your knowledge. See the article below for more details. The move to chip technology represents a further enhancement and evolution of electronic payments by BNZ and is designed to make your credit card even more secure.

How does LENSecure protect you from fraud?

Every time your BNZ credit card is used in one of our ATMs for a balance enquiry, mini statement or cash advance¹ the security information within your card is automatically updated. So, to help protect yourself:

• Regularly use any BNZ ATM to complete a balance enquiry, mini statement or cash advance¹. This allows our system to update the security information within your card
• Prior to going overseas, and again as soon as you can upon returning to New Zealand, we recommend you complete a balance enquiry, mini statement or cash advance¹ at a BNZ ATM. This allows us to keep the security information on your card up to date
• If your account has a joint or additional cardholder then please ensure the joint/additional cardholder follows the same process for their card

Are chip cards 100% secure?

No card can be guaranteed 100% secure, 100% of the time, but a chip represents an additional layer of security to protect payment information and protect you from fraud. Chip cards employ a range of security features and measures that work together to protect your card.

What about using my chip card online?

Chip credit cards do not provide extra security for online shopping. Sites that come with NetPledge and NetPromise are recommended because they provide added security. Plus, we have an extra level of security with Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode. These services bring you another layer of security, similar to a PIN at an ATM, giving you peace of mind when you shop at participating online retailers.

Will my BNZ chip credit card be accepted overseas?

Yes, BNZ chip cards will be accepted by all overseas retailers/ merchants that accept credit cards. Most developed countries are either in the process of, or already have, upgraded to chip but for those countries that haven't, the magnetic stripe and embossing is still present on the card.

Will my BNZ chip credit card work in ATMs?

Yes. Your chip credit card will work as normal in all ATMs.

When will I get my BNZ chip credit card?

BNZ is progressively introducing chip credit cards across our range of BNZ Visa and MasterCard credit cards. If you have not received one already you will receive one when your current credit card is re-issued upon expiry or you can request one sooner by contacting our credit card helpdesk 0800 800 667. A replacement card fee may apply. BNZ American Express credit cards will not be issued with a chip. All BNZ credit cards continue to offer the same high level of security for credit card purchases that you've always enjoyed.

I am planning to travel overseas and my BNZ credit card doesn't have a chip. Can I request a chip credit card?

If your BNZ credit card is available as a chip card, you can request for a replacement chip card to be issued to you. To find out if your BNZ credit card is available with a chip, or to request a replacement chip credit card, please call our credit card helpdesk team 0800 800 667. A replacement card fee may apply.

How will I know if I have a chip credit card?

Your card will also contain a chip – a small metallic 'square' – on the left hand side of your card, above the card number. You will receive information with your new BNZ chip credit card which explains the additional features of your card.

How do I load a PIN?

To get your PIN loaded, just take your card into any BNZ store.

PIN security tips

• Make sure the PIN you select is not your date of birth, any other readily identifiable number or any of the blocks of four digits of the card account number e.g. 4999 or 7700
• Never write down or disclose your PIN number to anyone, including police, bank staff or family
• Take care to prevent others from identifying your PIN when using your card at ATM or EFTPOS machines

Need some help?