ATM/Debit-Chip Card FAQs
Sterling Bank has always taken debit card security very seriously and now has upgraded your Visa debit card to make it even more secure. Our ATM/Debit-Chip Cards use an advanced embedded computer micro-chip to process your transactions by creating a unique encrypted authentication code for each transaction. This safety feature makes the chip card extremely difficult to counterfeit and provides an additional layer of security to help prevent fraudulent transactions.
All of Sterling Bank’s debit cards are issued with EMV micro-chip technology upon their current expiration dates. Upon receipt of your card, please destroy your previous debit card and activate the new chip card immediately. Using the chip card is easy! You simply insert the chip end of the card into the retailer’s card reader when requested and it will prompt you to remove your card at the appropriate time.
Please - don’t forget to remove your card and take it with you! In addition to the embedded micro-chip, chip cards also have the magnetic strip on the back so you can continue to make purchases at retailers who do not have EMV micro-chip reading terminals. While the use of chip cards won’t completely eliminate card fraud, they should have a significant, positive impact. Our investment in EMV micro-chip technology is just one of the ways we’re continuing to provide the secure products and services you need to conveniently manage your money.