Citi Rollout of Chip & PIN Cards

On January 15, 2015, Citi began issuing Chip & PIN enabled cards to GSA SmartPay cardholders. Data security is critically important to us all and using cards that have Chip and PIN technology allows for an added layer of security and convenience, especially to those who travel abroad. Citi’s decision coincides with the October 17, 2014, Executive Order for Improving the Security of Consumer Financial Transactions, requiring federal agencies to upgrade payment cards and systems to employ enhanced security features, to include Chip and PIN technology.

The migration to Chip and PIN cards will follow a phased approach:

  • All new and replacement cards will be issued as Chip and PIN cards
  • Cardholders with cards expiring in 2015 will be issued a Chip and PIN card approximately 30 days before their existing card expires
  • For cards expiring beyond 2015:
    • Cardholders with active cards (used in the last 18 months) will be issued a Chip and PIN card between July 1 and October 31, 2015.
    • Cardholders with inactive cards (not used in the last 18 months) will be issued a Chip and PIN card when the card in hand expires.

The Citi Chip and PIN cards will incorporate both the current magnetic stripe technology as well as the new Chip technology, equipping cardholders with a versatile payment solution.

For additional information the following materials have been prepared for your use: