Credit Cards
Card Security - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chip card?
A chip card is a credit or debit card that uses an embedded security microchip to protect confidential data stored on your card. It sits on the front of your card, towards the left hand side, and is in the shape of a small gold square.
How does the chip provide better security?
The microchip on your card encrypts your account information in a more secure format. This enables an increased level of card protection, reducing the chances of your personal details being copied fraudulently. This, coupled with our additional security features like Falcon™ monitoring, works to better protect your card.
What will be different about the way I use my chip card?
As Australia makes the transition to chip technology, chip cards may be used in different ways at different merchants. With some, you will use your chip card the same as a magnetic stripe card, by swiping it through a terminal and entering your PIN, or by signing a receipt.
Terminals that can identify your card as a chip card will display a message on screen advising you to insert your chip card and leave it in the terminal for the entire transaction. You will then be required to enter your PIN number, or press the OK/Enter button and sign the receipt to authorise the transaction.
Will my PIN change, or can I request a new PIN?
Your existing PIN can be used with your new chip card. If you don't remember your PIN, or want to select your own PIN, just call our Customer Solutions department on 1300 734 543.
Will I have to use my PIN with my chip card?
In Australia, you currently have the choice of using your PIN or signing to authorise the transaction. In other countries, you may be required to enter your PIN, so please ensure you have one before leaving Australia.
You can select your own by calling Customer Solutions and following the prompts on 1300 734 543.
Is PIN the only way I can authorise my transaction?
No, in Australia you can still authorise your transaction by signing. However, as Australia makes the transition to chip technology, you may be required to authorise transactions by entering your PIN.
Does having a chip card change the way I use my card overseas?
Many countries have made the move to chip and PIN technology and you can use your card wherever MasterCard® is accepted.
If you are travelling overseas, it's a good idea to have a PIN for your chip card. This is because some countries, for example New Zealand, require all transactions to be authorised by PIN instead of signature.
What if I want a chip card issued before my current card is due to expire?
This can easily be arranged by calling our Customer Solutions department on 1300 734 543.
There is however a charge associated with reissuing a card prior to expiry for your GE Money eco MasterCard®.
Is there a brochure I can download about chip cards?
Yes, you can download the below brochure which contains information regarding the chip card and other security features and services available to GE Money eco MasterCard®.
MasterCard® SecureCode™ – Frequently Asked Questions
What is MasterCard SecureCode?
MasterCard SecureCode – is a new security measure that verifies your purchases in real time, whenever you shop online. Verification helps to reduce credit card fraud and unauthorised credit card use.
MasterCard SecureCode adds an extra layer of protection by helping to confirm your identity through either a security code or through security questions, during select online transactions. MasterCard SecureCode lets you enjoy extra security and peace of mind when shopping online at participating merchants.
How does MasterCard SecureCode work?
MasterCard SecureCode performs a real-time risk assessment on transactions made at participating online retailers. In most cases you won't notice any change, however, on some transactions we may prompt you to enter a six-character security code, which will be sent to you instantly via SMS. This is to ensure that the transaction you are about to make is authorised by you.
When you make an online purchase at a participating merchant, a page may automatically appear asking for a unique security code or answers to security questions. This is similar to the way your bank asks for your PIN at the ATM. When you correctly enter the code (or answer the security questions) your card issuer confirms that you are the authorised cardholder and your purchase continues.
How does MasterCard SecureCode protect me?
When you correctly enter the security code (or answer the security questions) during an online purchase at a participating merchant, you confirm that you are the authorised cardholder and your purchase continues. If the security questions are answered incorrectly, the purchase will not go through. So even if someone knew your card number, they would not be able to use your account at that merchant.
How will MasterCard SecureCode impact my purchase?
Aside from the added protection that MasterCard SecureCode provides, the only impact to your purchase will be that you will need to enter the security code (or answers to the security questions) when the authentication screen appears, and then wait a few seconds while your card issuer (GE Money) confirms your identity.
Will I be able to purchase at merchants that accept MasterCard but do not participate in the MasterCard SecureCode service?
Yes, but you will not be asked to enter a security code (or answer security questions) at these merchants. To complete your purchase, simply follow the traditional checkout process.
Why am I seeing this MasterCard SecureCode screen?
This authentication screen may appear when you are shopping online at participating MasterCard SecureCode merchants. Once you have confirmed your identity by correctly entering either the security code (or answering the security questions) that are on the page, you will be able to continue with your purchase.
What happens if I don't receive a security code?
If you don't receive a security code, this may mean that the mobile number that is registered to your account is not up to date. You can still proceed with your transaction by selecting the button "I didn't receive a code" which will direct you to the security questions that are personal to you and your account. Once you have answered the security questions correctly you will be able to continue with your purchase.
How do I update my mobile number?
To update your mobile number please visit the Online Service Centre or contact Customer Solutions on 1300 734 543.
Can I complete this transaction without confirming my identity?
If you are not able to confirm your identity through either the security code that is sent to your mobile or the security questions, unfortunately you will not be able to proceed with your purchase at this time.