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Card Security & Safety

Safe and Secure with VISA® Debit Cards


You can feel confident about safety when you use your Brazos Star VISA card, with multiple layers of security to prevent, detect, and resolve unauthorized use of your card information. And if fraud should occur, you are never held liable for unauthorized charges.*

You’re also covered by Visa’s best-in-class fraud detection systems that detect fraud in real time, while you’re shopping, so action can be taken right away to minimize the impact. And it’s always nice to remember that you’re 100% covered in the event your card information is used to commit fraud. Brazos Star, along with Visa, will help you regain control of your account and safeguard it for the future.

*Visa’s Zero Liability policy covers U.S.–issued cards only and does not apply to ATM transactions, PIN transactions not processed by Visa, or certain commercial card transactions. Cardholder must notify Brazos Star promptly of any unauthorized use. Contact Brazos Star for additional details.

About EMV and CHIP cards


What are EMV and Chip cards?
EMV stands for Europay, Mastercard and VISA. Currently, traditional card transactions are processed through the information contained on the magnetic stripe of the card. With EMV cards, a small computer chip is included in the card. The technology associated with the chip adds a layer of verification when the card is used at an EMV enabled terminal to help ensure that the card has not been duplicated.

Why are chip cards more secure?
Cards with chip technology are extremely difficult to counterfeit or copy when used with a chip-enabled terminal or ATM.

How do I use my chip card to make purchases at a chip-enabled terminal?

  • With the chip facing up, insert the chip end of your card into the terminal.
  • Follow the prompts on the terminal screen, and if necessary, enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN).
  • Keep the card in the terminal throughout the transaction, or the transaction will be canceled.
  • When your transaction is complete, remove your card.

Can I use this card at locations without a chip-enabled terminal?
Yes, you can continue to use the magnetic stripe on the card as you do today at merchants and ATMs that do not yet have chip-enabled terminals.

Will EMV cards eliminate card fraud?
No, EMV will not eliminate card fraud. For example, when you use your card to make an online purchase, the physical card is not utilized. Therefore, EMV will not protect against fraud when the card is not present for transactions.

Fast Facts about Chip card and EMV usage
Brazos Star Credit Union is phasing out the standard magnetic stripe Debit cards for use with the credit union’s checking accounts and share accounts.  As the older cards reach their natural expiration, they will be replaced with the CHIP/EMV Card.  If a member wishes to obtain a CHIP/EMV card prior to the card’s expiration, there is a fee of $5.00 for card replacement.  The magnetic stripe cards will still be functional until the replacement cards are activated.
Although new in the US, Visa chip technology has been used around the world for a number of years. In fact, Visa chip cards are accepted in over 130 countries. As a result, you can enjoy greater security and make purchases with confidence everywhere you travel. Keep in mind that you may need a PIN for verification when traveling internationally. If the retailer in another country does not have a chip-activated terminal, you may simply swipe your card using the magnetic strip on the back.

You can use your card everywhere Visa is accepted including:

Chip Activated Terminals: Your EMV card offers the greatest security when inserted into a chip-activated terminal.

Terminals that are not chip-activated: You can continue using your card by swiping, because your EMV card will still have a magnetic strip on the back.

Online: You can continue to make online purchases by entering your card number at the checkout.
ATMs: Your EMV chip cards are still accepted at the ATMs you have always been using.

Card Safety Tips for ATM/Debit and Credit Cardholders


Brazos Star Credit Union wants its members to use our products safely and with confidence.  Please review the list of handy tips to make your debit card usage worry-free.

There are many actions cardholders can take to protect debit and credit card accounts from fraud.Using our Card Activity Alert Products can help and provide peace of mind. For more information, simply contact us. We are here to help!

Keep a close eye on your account activity.
Set up account activity alerts to notify you when a transaction occurs that may be over a set limit, without the card present or that may be fraudulent.

Designate one credit card to use for online purchases.
If fraudulent activity occurs on one account, you will still be able to use your other cards.

Take advantage of any security tools offered by your credit union.
Such as the ability to turn cards on or off, set transaction -based alerts, and deny transactions based on set criteria. Brazos Star Credit Union has a product called Card Nav. It can help you manage your debit card account activity and allow you to closely monitor your account online. You can view pending transactions before they are posted to your checking account and more.

Set daily card limits
To prevent large or fraudulent transactions from being made without your knowledge. This can also help you stay within your budget and keep your spending goals in check.

Protect your information online:
Change your passwords frequently. Do not use that same password for multiple accounts, be alert to spam emails or alerts that lure you into providing your credentials and personal information.

Don’t carry all your debit or credit cards at once.
This is especially important when traveling. If your wallet or purse is stolen or lost, you will not have another payment option to fall back on until a replacement card is received.

Be aware that phishing, spam and other fraud trends are always evolving.
Keep up to date on fraud trends and information that can protect you, your money and your personal data.