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Imagine getting through life without ever having to dig for change — or worse, write a check. Use your free Visa® debit card for purchases around the globe and online. It is safer than carrying cash and more readily accepted than checks. The very same card is used to make ATM withdrawals. One tiny piece of plastic; a whole lot of versatility.

  • Fast, free, and easy
  • Safer than carrying cash
  • More convenient and safer than checks
  • Eliminate cost of purchasing checks
  • Make purchases anywhere Visa is accepted
  • 24/7 access to funds via surcharge-free ATMs
  • EMV chip-enabled for increased security
  • Add extra everyday card security when you enroll in the Verified by Visa program

Reminder: When traveling in a different country, please notify us in advance so that we may notate your account.

To report a lost/stolen card, please call (888) 297-3416

Learn more about activating and customizing your card in the "Get Started" section below!

Card Activation

Activate your card by calling one of the numbers listed below.

Activate Your Visa Debit Card (Please have your card in front of you when calling.)

  • (800) 290-7893 – US and Canada
  • (206) 624-7998 – Outside the US and Canada

Choose Your Own PIN

Forget memorizing randomly generated personal identification numbers (PINs). Your Alive Credit Union debit card allows you to create a PIN of your choice, enabling you to remember it more easily and alleviate the possibility of losing a random PIN.

Select your customized PIN today by calling

  • (800) 290-7893 – US and Canada
  • (206) 624-7998 – Outside the US and Canada

EMV chips provide added protection when shopping in stores — and they're still easy to use!

Using Your Card

If a chip-activated terminal is available, follow these easy steps:

  • Insert the chip end of your card into the terminal with the chip facing up.
  • Keep your card in the terminal throughout the transaction and follow the prompts on screen.
  • Remove your card when prompted, and take your receipt.

Watch Visa Chip Cards — A Simple, Secure and Smart Way to Pay.

You are also protected against unauthorized use with Visa's Zero Liability Policy.*

*Visa's Zero Liability Policy covers U.S. — issued cards and does not apply to certain commercial card transactions or any transactions not processed by Visa. You must notify your financial institution immediately of any unauthorized use. For specific restrictions, limitations and other details, please consult your issuer.

FAQs

What is a chip card?

Alive Credit Union Visa Debit Cards now feature built-in chip technology. You'll enjoy global acceptance plus an enhanced level of security.

Why are EMV cards more secure than traditional cards?

It is a small, metallic square that you will see on new cards. The square is a computer chip and it's what sets apart the new generation of cards. Unlike magnetic-stripe cards, every time an EMV card is used for payment, the card chip creates a unique transaction code that cannot be used again.

How does chip technology protect my information?

When you use your card at a chip-activated terminal, the embedded chip generates a one-time use code. This code is virtually impossible to counterfeit and helps reduce in-store fraud.

How can I get a new PIN?

Yes, you will receive a new PIN number separately from the card. If you wish to change your PIN number, you can call

  • (800) 290-7893 – US and Canada
  • (206) 624-7998 – Outside the US and Canada

Where can I use a chip card?

You can use your card at millions of places that accept Visa Debit Cards, at home and around the world.

How do I use my EMV chip to make a purchase?

In addition to swiping the magnetic stripe of the card, cardmembers will also have the option to insert the EMV chip portion of their card at merchant terminals that accept chip cards. Either way, cardmembers will simply use their signature to complete the transaction as they do today, and do not need to input a PIN.

Can I still swipe my card to pay?

Yes. If a merchant is not yet chip-activated, you can continue to swipe your card and enter your PIN. Or select CREDIT and sign for your purchase, if necessary.

Does my chip card work at the ATM?

Yes. You can still use your card to get cash, check your balance and more. Be sure to insert the chip end of your card into the ATM with the chip facing up. Your card will remain in the ATM until your transaction is complete.

Will I have to pay any fees to use a chip card?

No. There are no additional fees to use a chip card.

What does EMV stand for?

EMV stands for Europay, MasterCard and Visa and is a global standard for cards equipped with computer chips and the technology used to authenticate chip-card transactions.

What is the EMV Smart Chip technology?

An EMV chip is a more secure method of processing a payment with your credit card versus swiping the magnetic stripe on the back of the card.

We're here to help…