UOB Card Activation FAQs

FAQ on Enabling/Disabling Magnetic Stripe on your Card(s)¹ for Overseas Card Use

Q1. What is a magnetic stripe?

The magnetic stripe is the band located at the back of your Card(s). The magnetic stripe allows card data to be read when the card is "swiped" at the merchant terminal. It may also be used to access ATMs for withdrawing cash and making other transactions.

Q2. Why do I need to enable the magnetic stripe on my Card(s)?

Some overseas countries² still use the magnetic stripe on the Card(s) to process transactions (includes Point of Sale transactions and ATM access) . You will need to enable the magnetic stripe on your Card(s) to continue using your Card(s) hassle free in these countries.

²Refer to Question 3 below for list of countries that still uses magnetic stripe to process card transactions.

Q3. What is EMV?

EMV is a global security standard for chip card technology. It enables chip cards to be accepted anywhere in the world. With the EMV chip, your Card(s) is better protected against fraudulent activities. The EMV chip can be recognized by a gold or silver metal piece on the card just below the UOB logo on the left of your card face.

Q4. Which countries do not accept EMV chip?

The 6 (six) countries that still uses the magnetic stripe to process transactions carried out using the cards are USA, South Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong and India. Countries like the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia may or may not accept the EMV chip located on the front of your Card(s).

Q5. Apart from the countries listed, can I still use my Card(s) overseas if I have not enabled the magnetic stripe?

You will be able to make purchases at any overseas merchants' outlets if your Card(s) can be 'inserted' into the terminal (i.e. not swiped). But if the overseas merchant uses a terminal where the card is required to be swiped in order to process the payment transaction, you will then need to enable the magnetic stripe of your Card(s) before the purchase can be processed.

Q6. Can I continue to make Internet payment transactions at overseas merchants using my Card(s)?

Yes, this disabling of the magnetic stripe on your card does not impact Internet payment transactions using the Card(s).

Q7. When will this measure be implemented?

From 1 October 2013 onwards, the magnetic stripe on all Card(s) will be disabled as part of our efforts to further enhance protection of customers against card fraud.

Q8. Why is the Bank implementing this measure?

The data encoded on the magnetic stripe card is easily read and copied making it easier for a magnetic stripe card to be easily duplicated. On the other hand, the microprocessor chip on a chip card is protected by cryptographic encryption and virtually eliminates the ability to copy the contents of the chip to another card. The chip-based card also complies with the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s standard of data security.

Q9. What is the impact of this measure on cardholders?

As EMV chip technology has yet to be adopted in some countries, cardholders who wish to travel overseas and use the cards to carry out payment transactions with overseas merchants will need to enable the magnetic stripe on their Card(s). The disabling of the magnetic stripe will not have an impact on cardholders when they make transactions in Singapore. All transactions in Singapore are already processed via the EMV chip which are embedded now in all Card(s), and all merchants here are equipped with chip readers.

Q10. 10. Will customers who travel overseas frequently be exempted from this measure?

Yes, selected customers holding Card(s) issued by United Overseas Bank Limited will be exempted from this measure based on their overseas usage. You can also check whether the magnetic stripe on your Card(s) is enabled or disabled by visiting uobgroup.com/overseas or calling 1800 222 2121 from 23 September 2013 onwards.

Q11. How do I know if I am exempted from this measure?

You will be informed by SMS if you are exempted from this measure (If you do not have a valid mobile number record in the Bank’s system, you will receive a letter instead). Please ensure your personal details are updated in the Bank’s records to receive notices. You can also check whether the magnetic stripe on your Card(s) is enabled or disabled by visiting uobgroup.com/overseas or calling 1800 222 2121 from 23 Sept 2013 onwards.

Q12. How can I enable/disable the magnetic stripe on my Card(s) for overseas use?

You can enable/disable the magnetic stripe on your Card(s) via any one of the following channels:

Through the UOB website* uobgroup.com/overseas (available from 23 September 2013)
Call our 24-hour hotline 1800 222 2121 (available from 23 September 2013)
Visit any UOB Branch located in Singapore (available from 23 September 2013)
Go to any UOB ATM located in Singapore (available from 1 November 2013)

* OTP will be sent to your mobile number for verification. Your mobile number will need to be registered or updated in the Bank’s system

Q13.How long does it take to enable/disable the magnetic stripe of the Card(s)?

It will take only a few minutes to make your selection at our channels. Once the selection is made successfully, the new card setting will be effective immediately.

Q14. What if I do not disable the magnetic stripe of my Card(s) upon return from my overseas trip?

The risk of unauthorised transactions being effected on your Card(s) is higher if you do not disable the magnetic stripe on your Card(s). To minimise unauthorised transactions being carried out using your Card(s), it is advisable to disable the magnetic stripe upon return from your overseas trip. You can easily enable the magnetic stripe on your card(s) before your next travel.

Q15. What can I do to facilitate the implementation of this measure?

You are reminded to contact us to update your mailing address and mobile number if you have not done so.

¹The term " Card(s)" shall mean any credit cards and debit cards issued by United Overseas Bank Limited.