INTERAC FLASH® TECHNOLOGY:
What is Interac Flash® technology? Interac Flash® technology is a contactless way of paying with your debit card. Now you can simply hold your card at a reader that supports the Interac Flash® service to make a payment instantly from your credit union account. Over time, all of our Member Card® debit cards will be replaced with cards that support contactless payment processing.
What are the benefits to consumers? The primary benefit is that the Interac Flash® service is a fast and convenient way to pay for everyday purchases at the point-of-sale. Interac Flash® technology is built using the highest security available for contactless payments protecting it from electronic pickpocketing attacks.
Why is the industry moving to Interac Flash® technology? The move to Interac Flash® technology is the latest innovation in the rapidly changing payments environment, and demonstrates the industry’s responsiveness to consumer’s needs for convenience and security.
WHAT DO I DO WHEN I GET MY NEW CARD?
What do I do with my current card?
When you receive your new card, please destroy your current card.
Your existing card will be deactivated by your credit union within the next month. Please start using your new card as soon as you receive it to avoid any inconvenience.
How do I get my PIN? How do I change my PIN? Your Card Carrier will state whether your new card is ready to use with the same PIN as your current card or whether you will receive your PIN within the next 3-5 days after receiving your card.
Rule of thumb, if your Flash card has been automatically issued, your PIN will transfer from your current card to your new Flash card. If you request our staff to order you a Flash card, you will receive your PIN separately.
If you would like to change your PIN once you receive your card, you can do so in person at your credit union branch or any full service ATM that participates in the ACCULINK® or THE EXCHANGE® network.
USING MY CARD & KEEPING IT SECURE
Do I need to activate the Interac Flash® feature on my card? Yes, the contactless payment feature is activated by a Chip and PIN transaction. This security feature helps ensure that the contactless feature is only used by the legitimate cardholder and is not usable while in transit.
How does the Interac Flash® service work? The symbol on your Member Card® debit card identifies it as one with Interac Flash® technology: An Interac Flash® purchase involves two steps:
- You hold your card no more than 4 cm in front of the terminal or reader.
- A beep and/or “approved” message on the terminal will acknowledge your purchase is complete.
When you use the Interac Flash® service, your purchase will automatically be debited from your credit union account.
You may complete any payment related transaction using the Contactless technology, including purchase, return, pre-authorized, purchase correction and return correction.
Do I get to choose whether or not I use the new contactless payment feature or my Chip and PIN? Absolutely, you may choose which payment method you wish to use on any given transaction.
Where can I use the Interac Flash® service? You can pay for items using the Interac Flash® service at any participating merchant.
The Interac Association has a growing list of participating merchant locations on their website.
Watch for the Interac Flash® signage and/or the symbol on the merchant terminal’s display screen to identify Interac Flash® merchants.
Will I be able to use the Interac Flash® service outside of Canada? Interac Flash® technology is only supported at participating Canadian debit card merchants at this time. Outside Canada, use Chip & PIN or swipe transaction processing to make purchases or withdrawals.
Is the Interac Flash® service safe? Can someone copy my personal information with a scanner just by standing close to me?
The Interac Flash® technology protects your card from being copied and counterfeited by using secure Near Field Contact (NFC) processing, which protects your information against skimming and counterfeiting. You don’t have to worry about someone watching or recording your PIN number when you are in a hurry.
As well, NFC processing prevents transaction replay types of fraud, including electronic pick-pocketing – events you may have heard about in other countries or with other technologies such as Radio Frequency ID, or RFID processing.
The data that passes from the card to the terminal only contains payment codes related to that specific transaction. Your personal information is safe and secure.
What if someone steals my card – what will stop them from emptying my account? Another layer of safety comes from limits set on your Member Card® debit card enabled with the Interac Flash® service. The maximum amount per purchase using the Interac Flash® service is $100. Once this limit is reached you will be asked to insert your card and enter your PIN to complete another transaction.
Do I need to keep my card in an aluminum case or some type of card protector? No. The NFC technology inherent to the Interac Flash® service protects your card from being copied and counterfeited. You can use and carry your card with confidence, knowing no one can pickpocket information or process fraudulent transactions.
Are there any other consumer protections in place? Consumers are protected by the terms and conditions of your Member Card® debit card PIN agreement, in addition to the Interac Zero Liability policy.
For your part, it is important that you:
- Prevent others from using or accessing your card, by keeping it secure and within your control at all times.
- Monitor your accounts and immediately report any suspicious activity.
- Immediately report your card if it becomes lost or stolen.
Please refer to your Member Card debit card PIN Agreement for more information.
How will I track purchases I’ve made using the Interac Flash® service? You will be able to get receipts just the way you do today with your Chip and PIN debit purchases. Each transaction will be itemized on your statement.
