You may have noticed something different about your new P-Card.
The P-Cards mailed in early 2016 to active Cardholders have chip and pin technology.
These new cards use the Europay, MasterCard, and Visa (EMV) standard which has been adopted globally. EMV employs a microprocessor chip in the payment card to generate dynamic data for each transaction, which is less likely to be reused fraudulently. EMV is sometimes referred to as “chip and PIN” because you must enter a PIN for every in-person transaction - whether you pay with a credit or debit card.
Why the need to change to cards with EMV? If a transaction is found fraudulent from October 2015 forward, the party that is responsible for the transaction (card issuer or merchant) being a magnetic stripe transaction instead of an EMV transaction will be held responsible by the card network (Visa, MasterCard, etc).
The chip enabled P-Card will now require:
- Activation using the last four digits of your University Identification Number (UIN).
- At the time of activation, you will need to set a four digit PIN.
Once activated and a PIN established, it is recommended that the first transaction be at an attendant supported terminal. The self-service chip terminals may prompt the Cardholders to enter their new PIN several times upon first use.
Phone and internet transactions will work the same way they do today.
To reset your PIN call the number on the back of the card and follow the prompts.
NOTE: Cardholders who no longer require a P-Card must contact the DCM to cancel and relinquish the card.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact UPAY Card Services at (217) 244-9300 or (800) 260-9113 or via email at UPAY Card Services. Assistance is available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on University business days.
