EMV ZimSwitch Card: A Safer Way to Make Everyday Purchases
The EMV or Chip and PIN Card is a new debit card designed to replace your existing card and provide enhanced security against counterfeiting and cloning. Equipped with an embedded microchip, this card encrypts each transaction when used at chip-enabled terminals and ATMs, ensuring the security of your data and allowing you to make everyday purchases more safely and securely.
If you are a current or savings account client, you can visit any Steward Bank branch to get your new card. For i-save account holders, you can visit Steward Bank branches, SB Agents, Econet shops, and the Bank on Wheels bus. To get your new Chip and PIN card, you will need to provide your account details, ID, existing magnetic stripe card, and a card issuance fee of USD$4.00 or ZWL equivalent at the prevailing rate. Once you have completed the card replacement form, your new card will be instantly issued.
To activate your new card, you can set your PIN on the POS machine or use the *236# platform, depending on your account type. Unfortunately, PIN resets are currently not possible, and your old card will be blocked and will no longer work. However, the biggest benefit of the chip card is the reduction in card-present card fraud resulting from counterfeit, lost, and stolen cards.
To use your new card, simply insert or dip it into the POS slot and wait for it to process. You will need to enter your PIN to complete the transaction, and the POS will prompt you to remove your card. Our cards are equipped with both chip and magnetic-stripe functions to ensure there is no service disruption to our customers, and merchants and retailers can adjust accordingly.
Please note that the Chip card is currently configured to work locally. If you need a card to use abroad, we have the Visa Globetrotter available at our branches, agents, and Econet shops. While the new cards offer an additional layer of security, it is important to remain vigilant and practice all card safety rules as communicated by the bank from time to time.