Corporate Chip Pin Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Chip and Pin technology?

Chip and PIN technology (also called EMV technology) protects your payment card information with an embedded microchip, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to copy or access that data.  When you use your Card at a chip-enabled terminal, your information can only be accessed after you enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN).

2. What are the benefits of Chip and PIN?

Putting a chip on a card adds an extra level of data encryption, since it allows you to authorize transactions by entering your PIN.Additionally, Chip and PIN cards can make it more convenient for you to travel internationally, since this technology is already common in many countries.

3. What are the differences between Signature and PIN?

With Chip and Signature cards, you can authorize transactions with a signature. With Chip and PIN cards, you can authorize transactions by entering a PIN. Otherwise, they use the same EMV chip technology.

4. How does it work?

The technology uses an embedded microchip to encrypt payment card information, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to copy or access data when your Card is inserted at a chip-enabled terminal.

5. Do I have to sign up for a PIN?

No, you can choose whether or not to sign up for a PIN.

6. How do I set up a PIN?

Setting up and managing your PIN only takes a few minutes.  To sign up for a PIN,

  • Visit americanexpress.com/cardmanagement or call 1-844-460-6656
  • Follow the prompts and choose your 4-digit PIN
  • Continue to use your Card as directed at point of sale.  Your PIN will be activated after you use your Card at a terminal that accepts Chip and PIN cards.  Once activated, you will be asked to enter your PIN whenever you use your Card at a PIN-enabled terminal.

7. How should I protect my PIN?

  • Never share your PIN with anyone, including friends, family, merchants or customer service representatives.  You'll never be asked to provide your PIN by an American Express Customer Care Professional.
  • Do not write your PIN down anywhere, including on your Card.
  • Do not keep you Card and PIN in the same place, such as in your wallet or purse.
  • Do cover the keypad with your hand or body when you're entering your PIN at an ATM or on a PIN pad at a store.
  • If you believe you PIN has been compromised, you can change it at americanexpress.com/cardmanagement or by calling 1-844-460-6656.

8. How do I use my PIN?

If you're checking out at a chip-enabled terminal:

  • Insert your chip Card into the terminal and leave it in until your transaction is complete.
  • Follow the prompts and enter your 4-digit PIN to authorize the transaction. Your PIN replaces your signature.
  • You'll receive a confirmation receipt when you've successfully completed your transaction.

9. How do I change my PIN?

You can  change your PIN online at americanexpress.com/cardmanagement or by calling 1-844-460-6656.  Please have your chip Card and current PIN available when you log in or call.

If you choose to change your PIN, you can continue to use your Card as usual - just enter your new PIN for your next transaction at a terminal that accepts Chip and PIN cards.

10. What should I do if I forget my PIN?

If you forget your PIN, you can view it online at americanexpress.com/cardmanagement.  You can also call 1-844-460-6656 to request a PIN mailer.

11. If I have more than one Corporate Card with American Express, can I select the same PIN for all my Corporate Cards?

Yes, you can use the same PIN for multiple Cards if you choose.  We encourage you to select a PIN that you can easily remember, but would be difficult for someone to guess.

12. Do I need to provide my PIN for online purchases or account savings?

No, you won't need to provide your PIN for online purchases or account services.

Your PIN is different from the 4-digit number on the front of your Card (often required for online purchases), or your American Express Customer Password (if you have one).  Never share your PIN with anyone, including merchants or customer service representatives.  You'll never be asked to provide your PIN by an American Express Customer Care Professional.

13. Do I need PIN if I'm traveling overseas?

No.  However, enrolling in PIN may make it more convenient for you to travel internationally, since this technology is already used in many countries.

14. If I'm enrolled in Corporate Express Cash, am I automatically enrolled in PIN?

No, you will have to enroll in PIN to use PIN for purchases.  If you are enrolled in both PIN and Corporate Express Cash, the PIN selected during enrollment will be your PIN for both ATM transactions and purchases at chip-enabled terminals.

15. If I'm enrolled in Corporate Express Cash, will I have two different PINs?

No, you will have a single PIN for both ATM transactions and purchases at chip-enabled terminals.

16. If I have a personal, OPEN, or small business Card, can I enroll that Card in PIN?

No, PIN is only available for Corporate Cards at this time.

17. What happens if I lose my Card? Will my PIN stay the same if I lose my Card, request a replacement, or receive a renewal Card?

If you need a replacement or renewal Card for any reason, your PIN will remain the same.