PNC Card Information: Chip and PIN

What is a Chip and PIN Card?

A chip and PIN card is a credit card that includes microchip technology and a personal identification number (PIN) to securely verify a cardholder during a transaction. The embedded microchip is encrypted and the cardholder must enter their PIN (if required) for each transaction to be approved.

The PIN will take the place of a signature at merchant locations that provide chip payment terminals that require PINs. A Chip and PIN card also has a magnetic stripe on the back of card so your transactions can continue to be processed at merchant locations that have not yet been equipped with chip payment technology.

More information about RIT's card programs can be found on the Corporate Card Programs web page.

Chip and PIN credit cards are more convenient when traveling abroad, especially when using the chip card at unattended kiosks, such as at train stations or gas pumps that will only accept a PIN to validate a transaction. Additionally, the embedded microchip in the card helps protect cardholders from fraudulent activity because the microchip is extremely difficult to copy and the PIN validation requirement enhances security of the card if it is lost or stolen.

No additional fees apply to your PNC Chip and PIN card.

Information about PINs

In most cases, you will automatically receive the initial PIN when receiving your card. If you did not receive a PIN, you are able to set it when activating the card (via phone). Changing your PIN can be done by calling the PNC Customer Service number (on the back of your card) and speaking with a representative.

PNC Procurement Cards

At this time, cash withdrawals are not allowable when using a P-Card.

PNC Travel Cards

Cash withdrawals are generally not allowable when using an RIT Travel Card. Exceptions to this rule apply only to RIT Group Travel Cards and require prior approval (email travel@rit.edu to request the ability to make cash withdrawals). The same PIN that is set for the RIT Group Travel Card is the one used when making cash withdrawals.

If you enter your PIN incorrectly three times, your PIN will become blocked. This security measure is put in place to prevent theft if the card becomes lost or stolen. To reset the PIN for the card, follow these steps:

  1. Contact PNC Customer Service by calling the number of the back of the card
  2. Follow the prompts to either reset your PIN or speak with a representative to unblock your PIN
  3. Once completed, your PIN should quickly become unblocked

Once your card is unblocked, you may continue to use your card normally.

International Travel

Yes, advance notification will help to ensure that legitimate purchases are approved. More details about International Travel using an RIT Travel Card can be found on the Corporate Card Programs web page.

Please make sure to memorize your PIN prior to traveling. If you forget your PIN prior to your travels, please contact the number on the back of the card and request a new PIN mailer to be mailed to you to avoid the delays that can be associated with having to reset your PIN while traveling. It may take 5-7 business days for a new PIN to be mailed to you.

Remember to review the International Travel policies before your trip!

Enhanced Security

Yes, they provide a higher level of security because the encrypted chip uses several measures that create a complex level of security making a Chip and PIN card difficult to copy or counterfeit.