I’m a history buff and hopelessly nostalgic. I’ve traveled cross-country to attend silent film festivals. My television automatically tunes to Turner Classic Movies at startup. I’ve been known to listen to a few vinyl records after a long day at work. Go ahead and judge me.
That doesn’t mean I don’t like technology. My latest project is creating the smartest Smart Home on my block. New innovations have their place in our everyday lives, but a little refresher in the older stuff makes for a good change of pace every now and then.
One place I don’t like old technology is in my financial products. That little magnetic strip on the back of your credit card is the same tech used on the cassette tapes you played in your Walkman. It was bad then and is worse now. Hence the introduction of EMV chips.
Keep reading to learn more about these cards and see our list of what we believe to be the EMV chip credit cards out there today. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a student establishing your credit history, there’s something for everyone.
Overall | Rewards | Travel | Business | Student | Fair Credit
Best “Overall” EMV Chip Credit Cards
Chip-card technology, also called EMV (which stood for Europay, Mastercard, Visa — the three companies that originally created the standard — before becoming a registered trademark of EMVco), has been commonplace in Europe for more than a decade. While the US lagged behind in the security-rich technology, companies began a push for widespread access to the chips over the last few years.
All three of our choices below offer top security options with low APRs and rewards that make each at home in your wallet. With the technology is still fairly new in the US, it’s important to choose an issuer that’s ahead of the curve and understands the latest trends in both security and processing. All three options below have a proven track record of success in both areas.
- INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
- Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
- After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.99% - 28.74%.
- No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR on Purchases 15 months
|
0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months
|
19.99% - 28.74% Variable
|
$0
|
Good/Excellent
|
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% for 15 months
|
0% for 15 months
|
19.74% - 29.74% (Variable)
|
$0
|
Excellent, Good
|
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn cash back on your next road trip with 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 16.99% - 27.99% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- No annual fee.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR for 15 months
|
0% Intro APR for 15 months
|
16.99% - 27.99% Variable APR
|
$0
|
Excellent/Good
|
The difference between the chip and the strip is easier to see under the hood. Magnetic-strip cards have specific data embedded in them that never changes. If a counterfeiter gets hold of that data, they can replicate it as many times as they like.
In contrast, EMV cards are run by a microprocessor chip embedded on the face of the card. The chip creates a unique code that generates — and regenerates — with every transaction. Codes are never used twice, so if someone gains access to it, it’s already obsolete.
Along with the virtual impossibility of duplicating the cards, they also include multiple methods of making payments. Chip + PIN, the standard overseas, requires a secure PIN number with each transaction. Chip + Signature — more common in America — uses a signature to verify each purchase. EMV also allows contactless payments, meaning that shoppers can wave the card in front of a pad instead of swiping or inserting it.
Best “Rewards” EMV Chip Credit Cards
We all love to be rewarded — and we want the best rewards we can get. In fact, more than half of US credit cardholders will choose a new card to receive better rewards. And as issuers battle for consumer attention in a crowded market, that number is sure to keep growing.
Alongside cash back percentages and point hauls, most high-end rewards cards also offer sign-up bonuses for added perks if you spend a certain amount within a trial period. Bonuses change often, so check regularly with your favorite issuer to see what they’re currently offering.
- INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
- Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
- After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.99% - 28.74%.
- No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR on Purchases 15 months
|
0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months
|
19.99% - 28.74% Variable
|
$0
|
Good/Excellent
|
5. Chase Freedom Flex℠
This card is currently not available.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Additional Disclosure: The information related to Chase Freedom Flex℠ credit card has been collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 16.99% to 27.99% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- No annual fee.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR for 15 months
|
0% Intro APR for 15 months
|
16.99% - 27.99% Variable APR
|
$0
|
Excellent/Good
|
Rewards are a good way to create a side savings, build up a stash of travel points, or have a rainy-day fund that pays for a night on the town. With responsible usage and regular payments, the rewards can roll in quickly and potentially allow these cards pay for themselves over time.
Best “Travel” EMV Chip Credit Cards
If you plan to travel internationally anytime soon, you should start looking at chip + PIN cards that can help make your vacation abroad a breeze. These cards are standard in Europe and Asia, with many businesses (and most kiosks) requiring a card that can handle PIN verification to complete a transaction.
Indeed, even for something as mundane as train fare, you’ll likely need a chip + PIN card to be on your way. Carrying cash is risky, and paying to convert your money into local currency can get pricey quickly. With the latest security and no foreign transaction fees, here are our choices for the best EMV-enabled cards for your travel needs.
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
- Member FDIC
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
21.24% - 28.24% Variable
|
$95
|
Good/Excellent
|
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% for 15 months
|
0% for 15 months
|
19.74% - 29.74% (Variable)
|
$0
|
Excellent, Good
|
- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Enjoy two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
20.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
|
$95
|
Excellent, Good
|
Credit card issuers have different global footprints. Visa and Mastercard are global brands that will be accepted just about anywhere you find yourself. Citi has gained wider acceptance since its acquisition of Diner’s Club, while American Express has expanded its reach significantly over the last five years.
Before you board the plane, make sure your card is prepared for a safe landing wherever you head. And don’t forget to call your issuers ahead of time and let them know you’ll be traveling. Few things can wreck a vacation like having your cards turned down due to fraud alerts.
Best “Business” EMV Chip Credit Cards
Dealing with credit card security issues can be a hassle, one that can cost you time, money — and a tremendous amount of sanity. Given that most business owners have enough on their mind, it makes sense to avoid the potential pain of a less-secure card by choosing one with the latest technology.
With an EMV-enabled credit card, you can rest assured that the sensitive information transferred during financial transactions is safe and secure. Since 31% of small business owners say they’ve used their card in the previous year to meet capital needs, your card is likely a partner that you occasionally depend on for a boost. Add to that the ability to earn cash back or travel miles at a high rate, and these cards are a great partner to have.
10. Capital One Spark Cash for Business
This card is currently not available.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
- Earn a $500 bonus when you spend $4,500 in the first 3 months of account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere — with no limits or category restrictions
- No annual fee
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Rewards won't expire for the life of the account
- Redeem your cash back rewards for any amount
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
17.99% - 23.99% (Variable)
|
$0
|
Excellent
|
- Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account
- Unlimited 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
- Fly through security with one statement credit for either the $85 TSA PreCheck® application fee or the $100 Global Entry application fee
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
25.74% (Variable)
|
$0 intro for first year; $95 after that
|
Excellent, Good
|
If you’ve ever had to deal with identity theft, you know how scary and frustrating it can be. If it happens to a business, it could be a fatal blow. With the rise of EMV technology, most cards are equipped with the onboard chip technology that makes each transaction more secure. If your business card hasn’t yet made the transition, it may be time to look for a new issuer.
Best “Student” EMV Chip Credit Cards
College is a time when many students are more concerned with GPA numbers than credit scores. Life comes at you fast, however, and if you aren’t careful, the transition from student to employee may be a hard one. Many employers today look at credit scores to determine how responsible a potential hire is, and they’re not the only ones. Ever try getting an apartment, cell phone, car, or other necessity with a damaged credit profile? I wouldn’t recommend it.
Get a head start on your financial future with a credit card that’s geared for the student body, while boasting the technology that will keep your personal information away from identity thieves.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- No credit score required to apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.99% - 26.99% applies.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR for 6 months
|
10.99% Intro APR for 6 months
|
17.99% - 26.99% Variable APR
|
$0
|
Fair/New to Credit
|
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
- Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
- Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
19.74% - 29.74% (Variable)
|
$0
|
Average, Fair, Limited
|
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- No credit score required to apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.99% - 26.99% applies.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR for 6 months
|
10.99% Intro APR for 6 months
|
17.99% - 26.99% Variable APR
|
$0
|
Fair/New to Credit
|
A study in 2015 found that college students with a credit card in their own name had on average 1.5 cards. The median credit limit on those cards was $1,900 (though the average limit through American Express topped them all at $2,333).
That same survey found that students charge 10% of their average monthly expenses on a combination of their own and their parents’ credit cards. That’s a lot to rely on a substandard card if yours isn’t EMV capable.
Best “Fair Credit” EMV Chip Credit Cards
No matter your credit history, everyone has the right to privacy and security with their financial transactions. Identity thieves don’t check credit reports before stealing someone’s identity. If you’re looking for a card that can grow with future advances in technology — as well as improvements in your credit score — the options are plentiful.
With rewards options and low-or-no annual fees, these cards aren’t far off from their brethren designed for good and excellent credit. Instead of settling for a subpar card that offers no bonus other than the ability to use it, why not look for a card that suits more of your needs and lifestyle?
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account. It's that simple
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
- Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
29.99% (Variable)
|
$39
|
Average, Fair, Limited
|
- No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
- Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
29.99% (Variable)
|
$0
|
Average, Fair, Limited
|
18. Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® with Cash Back Rewards
This card is currently not available.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Fair credit scores fall within a wide range, depending on the scoring model, but a number in the 600s is generally considered to indicate fair credit. If you’re on the low end of that scale, your card offers could differ from applicants on the high end. Before applying for any card, be sure to understand your current score and what doors it may open for you.
Make Safe and Sound Financial Decisions with an EMV Card
Prior to the introduction of EMV technology in the US market, card issuers were on the hook for any fraudulent charges that took place. With EMV, any retailer that doesn’t accept the technology has to take responsibility. That’s made acceptance of the cards spread at a rapid pace across the country.
At the end of 2012, only 0.12% of all transactions in America were made with an EMV chip. That number has since exploded.
Meanwhile, as music lovers worldwide turn to the internet or their phone’s app store to purchase their new favorite song, few are left carrying bulky Walkman devices to listen to the latest hits. Why carry the same technology in your wallet? If you haven’t switched to an EMV-enabled card for your everyday purchases, it’s never been a better time to do so.
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Editorial Note: Our site content is not provided or commissioned by any credit card issuer(s). Opinions expressed on CardRates.com are the author's alone, not those of any credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by credit card issuers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information; however, all credit card offer details, including information about rewards, signup bonuses, introductory offers, and other terms and conditions, is presented without warranty. Clicking on any offer on CardRates.com will direct you to the issuer's website, where you can review the current terms and conditions of the offer.
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