The new cards will contain an embedded microchip (hereinafter referred to as 'chip') that will put the power of a computer onto your card. The chip will give your card the ability to store and process data, providing an additional layer of security against debit card skimming and the production of counterfeit cards.

Chip technology is based on a global standard for authenticating credit and debit card payments at chip enabled terminals. The standard was developed by Europay, MasterCard and Visa and is known as EMV, a proven technology currently in wide use around the world.

If you have a Thorold Community Credit Union MasterCard credit card, the transition to chip technology upon card renewal is already underway and includes the issuance of a PIN (Personal Identification Number) before your new card arrives. If you'd like to change your PIN, you can visit our branch If you have questions regarding your new chip MasterCard credit card, please contact CUETS Financial at 1-877-770-0738 or visit their website at www.cuets.ca

We are currently making plans to provide a new chip Member Card ® debit card for our members beginning in October 2010. Members will receive two envelopes for their new card. One envelope will have a PIN number enclosed and a separately mailed envelope will include the actual card. This is done for security reasons. If you only receive one of either the PIN envelope or the card within 5 business days please contact the branch immediately. Once you receive both envelopes you are encouraged to visit the branch to PIN your new card.