Credit Card Security

Chip & PIN is state-of-the art technology that is already widely used in many parts of the world. It's the next evolution of the Canadian payments industry, helping to make an already safe system even more secure by providing enhanced protection against lost, stolen and counterfeit card fraud. Over the next few years, MBNA, along with the rest of the financial services industry in Canada, will continue incorporating Chip & PIN technology into credit card products.

The introduction of Chip & PIN involves embedding a microchip into your credit card. The encrypted chip securely stores and processes data and provides enhanced security and protection to help guard against fraud.

Chip & PIN cards are virtually impossible to copy due to the encrypted chip in the card. When used at retail locations and automated banking machines (ABMs) with chip-enabled terminals, the system validates the chip as well as your PIN. This provides you with an extra layer of security above and beyond the chip, because your PIN is unique to you. Chip & PIN cards are the future of electronic payments.

Yes. The encrypted chip from the Chip & PIN card includes a range of security measures that work together to provide multi-layered protection against fraud. The enhanced security features of Chip & PIN cards also make them virtually impossible to replicate and therefore less likely to be a target for criminals.

In addition, MBNA's fraud detection systems continue to protect you around-the-clock and, as an MBNA customer, you also have the option to enroll in programs such as MasterCard® SecureCode™ for even more security and peace of mind.

You can use your Chip & PIN card at any retail location or ABM around the world where MasterCard credit cards are accepted. If you shop at a merchant that does not yet have a chip-reading terminal, the merchant will swipe the card and you will sign the receipt as usual.

If a retail store does not yet have a chip-enabled terminal, your card will be swiped and your card's magnetic stripe with your signature will complete the purchase.

When making a purchase using your chip card at a chip-enabled terminal, rather than swiping your card, you insert it into the terminal and leave it there for the entire transaction. The chipenabled terminal will prompt you on next steps. You will enter your unique 4-digit PIN instead of verifying the transaction with a signature. Once the transaction is complete, remove your card when prompted. This completes the transaction.

Yes, Chip & PIN cards still have a magnetic stripe and will still work at any ABM showing the CIRRUS or MasterCard logo.

Transactions made online or over the telephone with your Chip & PIN card are conducted the same as your non-chip card. This may include using your 3-digit verification code on the back of the card. Never give your PIN to anyone; it's not needed for online or telephone transactions.

Yes, your Chip & PIN card can be used anywhere in the world where MasterCard is accepted. Many countries have already adopted chip technology and Canadian chip cards will be fully compatible with these systems. In countries that have yet to switch to chip technology or do not plan to, cardholders will be able to use the magnetic stripe on the back of their Chip & PIN cards.

Over the next few years, all major Canadian banks will be converting to chip technology. For now, magnetic stripes will remain on cards to allow consumers to use their cards at Canadian ABMs and store terminals that have not yet been upgraded, and in countries that have not migrated to Chip & PIN. The transfer to chip technology represents an evolution of the electronic payments system designed to make a safe payment system even more secure.

Yes. Magnetic stripe technology is safe, reliable and convenient. The migration to chip technology represents a forward-looking evolution of electronic payments systems designed to make an already safe payments system even more secure.

No. Once you're issued a new Chip & PIN card and it has been activated, destroy the old card and securely discard it.

To securely obtain a PIN, or to change it at any time, call us at 1.888.876.6262. If you're registered for online banking, you can also securely view your PIN online by logging into Online Banking. A brochure detailing additional information about Chip & PIN technology will also be sent along with your new or replacement MBNA Chip & PIN MasterCard.

Yes. All cardholders on the account will need a PIN to utilize their account at chip-enabled terminals.

Your PIN is unique to you and it must be kept confidential. To protect yourself against unauthorized use of your account, you should memorize your PIN and not carry it with you. Never lend your card or disclose your PIN to anyone, including our own call centre associates. Your PIN is only required at chip-enabled and ABM terminals. Never disclose your PIN over the phone, internet or when making a mail order transaction.

If you'd like to change your PIN or if you've forgotten your PIN, simply call us at 1.888.876.6262 and select the option to change your PIN.

MasterCard PayPass is a new "contactless" payment feature on your MBNA MasterCard that contains an embedded chip and radio frequency antenna. It's a safe and secure way to transmit your payment details wirelessly. At participating merchants there is no longer a need to swipe your card or hand it to a merchant. Just Tap & Go™.

The best thing about using your MasterCard PayPass for transactions is that it never leaves your hand. In other words, you have added security by knowing where your card is at all times. You can use your MasterCard PayPass at millions of international locations where PayPass is accepted. It's a great way to pay when you want to get in and out quickly, like at fast food restaurants, grocery stores, movie theatres or gas stations.

Simply tap your MasterCard PayPass on the PayPass terminal (rather than swiping your card) and your account details will be immediately communicated to the reader, then processed through the highly-trusted MasterCard acceptance network. Shortly after tapping the reader, a green light will flash, and you'll receive payment confirmation. No signature is required for purchases of $50 or less. It's as easy as that.

You can use it anywhere you see the MasterCard PayPass symbol.

If you don't see the symbol, your card can still be swiped or inserted into the chip card reader at checkout. MasterCard PayPass is currently accepted at many merchants with more are being added all of the time. See the full list of MasterCard PayPass merchants.

When making a transaction, your MasterCard PayPass card never leaves your hand during payment; so you're always in control. With MasterCard® Zero Liability, you won't be get stuck paying for any unauthorized use of your card or account (some conditions apply; see your Account Agreement for details). In addition, you can feel secure that PayPass transactions are processed through the same secure and reliable payment network as all other MasterCard transactions.

Call us at 1.888.876.6262 to learn how you can get MasterCard PayPass.

Just look for the MasterCard PayPass logo on the right side of your card.

The clerk has to initiate a transaction, so it doesn't matter how many times a card is read by the PayPass reader. The charge will only appear once on your statement.

Carry your MasterCard PayPass as you would any credit card. Always know where your card is and keep it in a safe place.

To keep your MasterCard PayPass transactions easy and convenient, select merchants have waived the need for a signature/PIN for smaller purchases. The exact dollar amount varies from merchant to merchant, but is generally below $50. For purchases above that limit, a cardholder signature or PIN verification is usually required.

Your MasterCard PayPass has the same MasterCard® Zero Liability protection as it always has. Please be sure to contact us immediately at 1.888.876.6262 if you suspect your card has been lost or stolen or if you suspect your card or account has been used without your authorization.

No. There is no fee for the PayPass functionality when you use your MasterCard PayPass at a PayPass terminal.