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Easily make purchases and track business expenses with our Visa® debit card. Retain access to a designated account balance — plus, the power to make purchases around the globe, around-the-clock.

  • Available with any Texas First Bank business account
  • Reduce costs of purchasing checks
  • Simplify expense tracking
  • Multiple cards can be issued
  • Safer than carrying cash
  • More convenient and safer than checks
  • Make purchases online or in-store virtually anytime, anywhere
  • EMV chip card technology
  • 24/7 access to funds via ATMs
  • Easily withdraw funds from ATMs
  • Compatible with mobile wallets

What is a chip card/EMV card/smart card?


What does EMV stand for?

EMV is an abbreviation of Europay, MasterCard and Visa, which have worked closely in the payments industry to spearhead the payments standard.

Why is Texas First Bank issuing chip cards?

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 enjoy 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 enjoy greater acceptance when traveling internationally.

Where can I use my chip card?

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.

Are chip cards secure?



Remember, if you notice any suspicious activity on your account; notify us immediately by calling the number on the back of your card or your nearest Banking Center.

Will chip cards prevent third-party data breaches?


Will chip cards prevent all fraud from happening?

No. As the industry continues to develop new ways to protect consumers, perpetrators continue to look for new ways to commit fraud. Chip cards provide an additional layer of security at chip-enabled terminals, on top of the fraud prevention monitoring we currently provide. As always, your purchases are also covered by our zero liability protection, where Texas First Bank credits your account back from fraudulent charges.

Is a chip card the same as contactless payment?

Contactless cards employ near-field communication technology (NFC), which has a radio antenna that transmits account information, and work by waving or tapping your card in front of a device. Chip cards must be inserted face-up into a chip-enabled merchant terminal that allows the chip to make contact with the reader to authorize and complete a transaction. (Remember to keep your card inserted into the terminal while the transaction is processed.) Texas First Bank does not offer contactless cards at this time.

Do the same benefits come with my chip card that I had with my prior card?

Yes. You'll continue to enjoy the same benefits with your chip card as you do today with your debit or credit card.

How does a chip debit card work?

It's easy. If the retailer has a chip-enabled terminal, simply insert your chip card face up in 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 is available to be removed from the terminal once the transaction is completed.

If the retailer is not equipped to read the chip card, just swipe as you do today. For transactions made over the phone or online, nothing changes.

Do I need to notify the bank before I travel internationally?

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.

Please contact our VISA Department at (409) 908-9949 or your nearest Banking Center to set up a travel notice.

Are there any situations where I could experience issues using my chip debit card?

When traveling outside the U.S., some card readers at unattended terminals (such as public transportation kiosks, gas pumps) will require a PIN. In these situations, enter your debit card PIN. Some international self-service terminals do not accept U.S. issued debit cards and may display a message such as "Transaction Canceled". This is known to happen on French Toll Roads or Automated Fuel Dispensers depending on location. In these cases, please locate an attended terminal to complete your transaction, or plan for an alternative payment method, such as local currency.

Will my chip debit card still work at an ATM?


Is my current debit card risky to use?

Texas First Bank has a lot of security precautions in place to protect against fraud. The chip card offers a higher level of security for chip-enabled point-of-sale transactions, but current cards will continue to be secure – especially if you keep your PIN a secret, regularly monitor card activity and immediately report lost or stolen cards.

Are there any additional fees associated with chip debit cards?

There is no additional cost to have or to use your new card with smart chip technology. However, there are fees for each requested replacement of a debit card that may still apply. The replacement fee does not apply when we replace a card upon its expiration. Please refer to your Personal Schedule of Fees or Business Schedule of Fees for more details.

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