Debit Card Best Practices

Debit cards are useful financial tools. They are a safe means of payment without racking up debt like credit cards. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe with your debit card:

• Use the PIN as much as possible.
• Never give your card or PIN to anyone else to use.
• If you get a call from a toll free number while shopping be sure to answer. Our Fraud Department will call if there are transactions outside your normal habits. The call is to verify it's you using your card.
• Download our CardValet app. It allows you to turn your card on and off, set merchant rules and get alerts when the card is used.

Questions and Answers if your card is compromised:

What does card compromise mean?

Card compromise means that credit/debit card information may have been obtained by unauthorized individuals. Most compromises involve a criminal gaining unauthorized access to a merchant's or card processor's computer system (sometimes referred to as "hacking" into or installing "malware" to capture data on a system). A card compromise does not mean the financial institution has been "hacked."

Where did the breach occur?

The name of the merchant or processor where the breach occurred is rarely released by Visa. In very large breaches which affect millions of card holders, the name is usually made know to consumers. In some cases local law enforcement may release announcements for smaller or local breaches.

What kind of information was obtained?

Information encoded on the card pertains strictly to the card, potentially including the card number and expiration date. Confidential information such as Social Security Numbers, driver's license numbers, addresses and dates of birth are not stored on the Visa CheckCard.

Does this mean someone is using my card?

Not necessarily. This means that your card number could potentially be used by someone. In many cases, the compromised data is sold on the "dark web" to fraudsters. They in turn create new cards with the stolen data and use them in other parts of the country. These cards may not be used for months after the data was obtained. Monitor your account and report any fraudulent activity immediately.