Credit Card Security

You should not have to worry about your credit card security and privacy. At CUETS Financial, we have taken specific measures to make sure your valuable information remains protected.

We use secure encryption technology to keep your credit card account information confidential.

If a fraudulent charge appears on your credit card account statement, let us know immediately.

With Mastercard® Zero Liability, you will not be held responsible for any unauthorized use of your credit card or other credit device, PIN or credit card account number, provided you take reasonable steps to protect each of them against loss and theft and you cooperate fully with any investigation into any such unauthorized use. You can feel comfortable knowing your information is being valued and protected.

Your security is a top priority at CUETS Financial. Our real-time fraud detection system monitors your account 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any transactions that appear out of character or that we suspect may be fraudulent. Here are the key features you will get with your CHOICE REWARDS® credit card:

  • Mastercard® Zero Liability: As a Mastercard® credit card cardholder, you will not be responsible for unauthorized use of your credit card or other credit device, PIN or credit card account number. (Some conditions apply; see your Account agreement for details)
  • Card Verification Code (CVC):All our credit cards use a 3 digit code that can normally be found beside the signature strip on the back of a credit card. The purpose of the CVC is to verify that the genuine credit card is being used to make the purchase.
  • Chip & PIN: We continue to convert all of our credit cards to Chip & PIN technology, one of the most secure ways to pay by credit. Instead of a signature, you will be asked to enter a 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) known only to you. Learn more about Chip & PIN.
  • Mastercard SecureCode™: This Mastercard service offers an additional level of security when shopping online. You will create a password that can be used like a PIN when shopping online with participating retailers. Learn more about Mastercard SecureCode™.
Expand What is Chip & PIN security?

Chip & PIN is technology that is widely used in many parts of the world. It provides enhanced protection against lost, stolen and counterfeit credit card fraud.
Expand What is a Chip & PIN credit card and how does it work?

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.

When used at retail locations and automated teller machines (ATMs) 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.
Expand Are Chip & PIN credit cards secure?

Yes. The encrypted chip from the Chip & PIN credit card includes a range of security measures that work together to provide multi-layered protection against fraud.

In addition, CUETS Financial fraud detection systems continue to protect you around-the-clock and, as a CHOICE REWARDS® credit card customer, you also have the option to enroll in programs such as Mastercard® SecureCode™ for even more security and peace of mind.
Expand Where can I use my Chip & PIN credit card?

You can use your Chip & PIN credit card at any retail location or ATM internationally 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.
Expand How can I use my Chip & PIN credit card to make a purchase?

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

When making a purchase using your chip credit card at a chip-enabled terminal, rather than swiping your credit card, you insert it into the terminal and leave it there for the entire transaction. The chip-enabled 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 credit card when prompted. This completes the transaction.
Expand Will my Chip & PIN credit card be accepted at all ATM terminals?

No. Chip & PIN cards are only accepted at ATMs displaying the CIRRUS or Mastercard® logo.
Expand How does the chip technology work for online and telephone transactions?

Transactions made online or over the telephone with your Chip & PIN credit card may require you to disclose your 3-digit verification code (CVC) on the back of the credit card to the merchant. Never give your PIN to anyone; it's not needed for online or telephone transactions.
Expand Will I be able to use my Chip & PIN credit card for retail purchases and cash advances outside of Canada?

Yes, your Chip & PIN credit card can be used Internationally anywhere where Mastercard® is accepted. Many countries have already adopted chip technology and Canadian chip credit 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 credit cards.
Expand Will Chip & PIN technology eventually replace the magnetic stripe technology?

We expect that Chip & PIN technology will eventually replace the magnetic stripe technology. In the meantime, magnetic stripes will remain on credit cards to allow consumers to use their credit cards at ATMs and store terminals that have not yet migrated to Chip & PIN.
Expand Is my magnetic stripe on my credit card still safe to use?

Yes. Magnetic stripe technology is safe, reliable and convenient.
Expand How do I get a PIN for my Chip & PIN credit card?

To securely obtain a PIN, go into a participating credit union branch with Chip & PIN capabilities with two pieces of identification.
Expand Do the other cardholders on my credit card account need a PIN too?

Yes. All cardholders on the credit card account will need a PIN to use the credit card plastic issued to them for such credit card account.
Expand How can I protect my PIN number?

Your PIN is unique to you and it must be kept confidential. To protect yourself against unauthorized use of your credit card account, you should memorize your PIN and not carry it with you. Never lend your credit card or disclose your PIN to anyone, including our own customer service associates. Your PIN is only required at chip-enabled and ATM terminals.
Expand How can I change my PIN or have it reset because I have forgotten it?

To change your PIN, go to a participating credit union branch with Chip & PIN capabilities with two pieces of identification.

Protection made simple

Mastercard® SecureCode™ is like a Chip & PIN for your online purchases, designed to protect you by asking a secret password and a personal message. Developed by Mastercard® and used by most online retailers, it has rapidly become a widely-accepted standard.

Quick and easy registration

Registering involves a quick, one-time process. Simply access Mastercard® SecureCode™,select your financial institution and register your credit card, create a secret password and personal message and you are done. The next time you shop online using your credit card,you will be automatically prompted for your secret password during checkout. Your secure code will never be shared with the merchant. A secure page will also appear with your personal message so you know it is your financial institution who is asking for your password. Please note, you may also be prompted to register while shopping at a participating online retailer site. Again, a secure page will appear during checkout and you will be asked to follow the same simple and safe registration steps. Not all online retailers participate in Mastercard® SecureCode™ at the moment but this may change over time. Look for the Mastercard® SecureCode™ logo when shopping at participating online retailers:
We strongly recommend that you register today.
Expand What is Mastercard PayPass?
Mastercard PayPass is a "contactless" payment feature on your CHOICE REWARDS® Mastercard credit card 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™.
Expand What are the benefits of using a Mastercard PayPass?
The best thing about using Mastercard PayPass for transactions is that your credit card never leaves your hand. In other words, you have added security by knowing where your credit card is at all times. You can use your Mastercard PayPass 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.
Expand How do I use the credit card with PayPass feature on my Mastercard PayPass?
Simply tap your Mastercard PayPass on the PayPass terminal (rather than swiping your credit card) and your credit card account details will be immediately communicated to the reader, then processed through the 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 $100 or less. It's as easy as that.
Expand Where can I use Mastercard PayPass?

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

If you don't see the symbol, your credit card can still be swiped or inserted into the chip card reader at checkout. See the full list of Mastercard PayPass merchants.
Expand Is the Mastercard PayPass secure?
When making a transaction, your Mastercard PayPass credit 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 credit card or credit card 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.
Expand How do I get Mastercard PayPass?
Call us at 1-800-561-7849 to learn how you can get Mastercard PayPass.
Expand How will I know if my Mastercard credit card has the PayPass feature?
Just look for the Mastercard PayPass logo on the right side of your credit card.
Expand What happens if I tap my credit card twice by accident? Will I get charged twice?
No. The merchant has to initiate a transaction, so it doesn't matter how many times a credit card is read by the PayPass reader. You will only be charged once for the transaction.
Expand Do I have to treat my Mastercard PayPass in any special way?
No. Carry your Mastercard PayPass credit card as you would any credit card. Always know where your credit card is and keep it in a safe place.
Expand Are signatures or a PIN required with purchases made using the PayPass functionality?
No. PayPass transactions are only available for a certain dollar amount. The exact dollar amount varies from merchant to merchant, but is generally below $100. For purchases above that limit, a cardholder signature or PIN verification is usually required.
Expand What happens if my card is lost or stolen?
Your Mastercard PayPass credit card has Mastercard Zero Liability protection. Please be sure to contact us immediately at 1-800-561-7849 if you suspect your credit card has been lost or stolen or if you suspect your credit card or credit card account has been used without your authorization.
Expand Are there any fees associated using the PayPass feature?
No. There is no fee for the PayPass functionality when you use your Mastercard PayPass at a PayPass terminal.