frequently asked questions.
A chip card is a standard-size plastic debit card that contains an embedded microchip, as well as the traditional magnetic stripe. The chip protects in-store payments because it generates a unique, one-time code that is needed for each transaction to be approved. It is virtually impossible for fraudsters to replicate this feature in counterfeit cards, providing you greater security and peace of mind when making transactions at a chip-enabled terminal.
No, you may hear chip cards referred to as “smart cards” or “EMV™ cards” – they are all different ways of referring to the same type of card. Similarly, an EMV terminal is the same as a chip-enabled terminal.
We are in the process of reissuing chip cards to all of our customers with active debit cards. You should be on the lookout for your new cards in early April 2016. Until then, use your standard card with the magnetic stripe.
As chip technology will soon become the security standard in the U.S., many merchants are beginning to accept chip cards and we want you to be ready. You’ll have greater security when making purchases at a chip-enabled terminal since the chip provides better protection against counterfeit fraud. Chip technology is already used in over 130 countries around the world, including Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom, so you’ll also enjoy greater acceptance when traveling internationally.
It’s easy. If the retailer has a chip-enabled terminal, simply insert the chip end of your card face up into the terminal. The chip card will remain in the terminal while the transaction is processed. To authorize your transaction, just follow the prompts as you do today.
You’ll be prompted to enter your PIN or to provide a signature as you normally would to verify the transaction. You may not be asked for a PIN when travelling internationally. Your card will remain in the terminal until the transaction is completed.
If the retailer is not equipped to read the chip card, just swipe as you do today. However, if you swipe your chip card at a chip-enabled terminal, the terminal may prompt you to insert your chip card into the terminal. Transactions made over the phone or online will not change.
All of our cards are safe, and offer protection from unauthorized use of your card or account information. Chip technology offers another layer of security when used at a chip-reading terminal, because it generates a unique, one-time code that is needed for each transaction to be approved.
Yes, you can still make purchases as you always have — by entering the card number online or swiping your card at merchant locations that do not yet have chip readers. You can also continue to use your card at ATMs.
Many merchants, across the U.S. are beginning to accept chip card transactions and this will continue to grow within the coming years. Chip technology is already used in over 130 countries around the world, including Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom, so you’ll enjoy greater acceptance when traveling internationally. Your chip card will still work at terminals where only magnetic stripe transactions are accepted.
Yes. Chip technology has been around for over two decades and is already the security standard in many countries around the world. When purchases are made using the chip feature, the transaction is more secure because of a unique process that is used to determine if the card is authentic. This makes the card more difficult to counterfeit or copy.
While magnetic stripe cards are still considered secure, chip technology is the next step to providing enhanced security to our customers. Whether you use the magnetic stripe or the chip to make your purchase, you can have confidence in the protection and security features we provide for all credit and debit card accounts.
Remember, if you notice any suspicious activity on your account, notify us immediately by calling the number on the back of your card.
No. Chip card technology is not a locator system. The chip on your card is limited to supporting authentication of card data when you make a purchase.
No. Instead of waving or tapping your card in front of a device as you do with contactless payments, a chip card must be inserted face up into a chip-enabled merchant terminal. Remember to leave your card inserted into the terminal while the transaction is processed.
Yes. You’ll continue to enjoy the same benefits with your chip card as you do today with your debit card.
We recommend that you set a travel notice on any card(s) you plan to use while traveling, so your card access isn’t interrupted. For your protection, we’ll continue to monitor card activity even when a travel notice is set. If you encounter any issues while traveling, we’re here to help.
When traveling outside the U.S., some card readers at unattended terminals (such as public transportation kiosks, gas pumps) will require a PIN. However, this type of PIN technology is different than what you normally use for PIN transactions in the U.S and the card won’t be accepted. In these situations, please locate an attended terminal to complete your transaction or plan for an alternative payment method, such as local currency.
Yes. You can continue to use your card as you do today by following the instructions at an ATM.
There are no additional steps required to access the Mobile Deposit feature. If you have The Provident Mobile Banking app you have Mobile Deposit automatically.
If you previously had Mobile Banking your device will indicate that an update is available in the iTunes and Google Play stores.* If you are a first time user The Provident Bank’s Mobile Banking Application can be manually downloaded from the respective store as of July 16th.
Yes. You can change this information either by selecting the Service Center tab or My Profile (located at the top of the page) and choosing the appropriate option.
The Mobile Deposit feature is available on the Provident Bank Mobile Application. There are no additional steps required to access the Mobile Deposit feature.
Any IOS and Android apps can be used on an iPhone and iPad or Android, respectively.
If this check is received and accepted before 4:00 pm on a business day we are open, the funds will be deposited into your account on the next business day.
Funds will be available according to our normal funds availability policy.
Retail customers have a limit of $2,500 per day with a monthly limit of $7,500
Commercial customers have a limit of $5,000 per day with a monthly limit of $15,000
You should retain the item for 30 days from the date of transmission. After which the check should be destroyed, marked void, or otherwise render it incapable of further transmission, deposit or presentment.
Call the Customer Service Center at 1-877-487-2977
For your first sign in you will enter the last four (4) digits of your Social Security Number and your five (5) digit zip code of your statement mailing address, e.g. XXXXXXXXX
For business customers: use the last four (4) digits of your Taxpayer Identification Number and the five (5) digit zip code of your statement mailing address, e.g. XXXXXXXXX
Your new password must contain three (3) of the following four (4) options:
lower case letter,
upper case letter,
number,
symbol
Your password must be a minimum length of 8 characters and a maximum length of 22 characters.
Up to 12 months of account history will be available.