Contactless cards use an embedded computer chip and radio frequency antennae, allowing the cardholder to simply "tap and go" when making a purchase. Contactless transactions are processed through the same, reliable EMV payment network as contact transactions. Contactless transactions only work when a contactless card is used at a contactless terminal. When used at a non-contactless enabled terminal, the cardholder can insert or swipe the contactless card at the terminal.
The Canadian payment card industry supports chip and PIN and contactless chip and PIN payment technology for all credit, debit and charge cards in Canada. These EMV® payment technologies are in wide use around the world, offering proven state-of-the-art security.
The embedded chip stores information required to verify, authorize and process transactions. The chip is nearly impossible to duplicate. In addition, chip cards and terminals work together to ensure highly secure transactions using stronger authentication methods at the point of sale.
The combination of stronger authentication methods and unique transaction elements make chip-card account data less attractive to steal and counterfeit fraud exceedingly difficult.
Below are answers to some questions you may have about our contactless chip and PIN cards.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, all of our commerical products are issued with contactless chip and PIN functionality.
You can either insert the card at the terminal or simply "tap and go" when making a purchase. To use the contactless functionality at contactless enabled merchants, follow the instructions below. The process is as follows:
At a contactless enabled terminal,
- Tap the card to the contactless enabled terminal.
- The terminal will light up and beep indicating the transaction is processing.
- Follow the prompts on the terminal as a guide, always being prepared to enter the PIN if requested.
- If the transaction is above the contactless limit, the terminal will show a message indicating the cardholder should insert their card to complete the transaction.
Upon receipt of a new card, U.S. Bank Canada account holders will need to activate the card and select a new PIN by calling 866-686-2209. Please follow these important steps:
- Enter requested details to confirm account holder identity.
- Acknowledge that they you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions of the U.S. Bank Canada Privacy Agreement.
- Select a PIN. Account holder will be asked to enter it once, then again to confirm.
Accounts can also be activated online using U.S. Bank Access® Online at: access.usbank.com
The PIN is a key security element and required as validation for transactions, when prompted, at chip-enabled terminals. As always, it is very important that the PIN is safeguarded and account holders take the necessary steps to protect it.
- Keep possession of your card and never permit anyone else to have possession of or use your card.
- Keep your card in sight at all times during a transaction.
- Memorize your PIN and never keep a written record of it.
- Keep your PIN strictly confidential, as it is for your use alone.
- Take all reasonable precautions to ensure that no one finds out your PIN, including while you key in your PIN at a merchant, an automated cash machine or otherwise.
- Avoid PIN combinations that may be easily determined by others, such as birthdays, phone numbers, age, etc.
- Ensure that each PIN is unique.
- Change your PIN immediately if you know or suspect that someone else knows your PIN.
The enhanced security of a chip and PIN card comes from the chip itself, as it’s encrypted and employs a range of security features and measures that work in concert with each other to create a multi-layered defense against card fraud. When chip and PIN cards are used at chip-enabled terminals, the transaction system identifies the cardholder through the chip and the PIN. The enhanced security features of chip and PIN cards make them virtually impossible to replicate and therefore less likely to be a target for criminals.
PINs can be changed online using U.S. Bank Access® Online at access.usbank.com or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card and selecting the prompts to PIN Options. To change your PIN when calling customer service, you will need to know your current PIN. If you have forgotten your current PIN, you can still call the customer service number on the back of your card and request that your PIN be mailed to you. Please be aware that we cannot provide a PIN over the phone. You can expect to receive your PIN seven to 10 business days after you request it.
Note: When changing your PIN online, you do not need to know your current PIN.
For questions or concerns about your U.S. Bank Canada contactless chip and PIN card, please contact your U.S. Bank Canada representative or call 800-588-8065.
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