Andrews FCU Chip & PIN card application process & usage reports
May 30, 2012, 8:45 am
#62
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: HHonors Diamond
Posts: 731
Now, when the application process is taken in the context of how one would go about applying for a credit card through a bank, for example, yes, the process for the Globe Trek Visa will seem like a PIB. However, we do need to keep in mind that they are a credit union, so there will be extra steps involved with joining the CU.
Overall I had no qualms with the process.
Eric
May 30, 2012, 9:41 am
#63
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1
Globetrek VISA in Ireland
I just returned from a week in Ireland with the Globetrek VISA. It never failed to work any time I used it, but I was never prompted for my PIN either. When I used it in restaurants and supermarkets it always printed out a signature slip, much to the surprise of the clerks. At automated parking kiosks the transactions always went through with no PIN or signature.
I called Andrews customer service when I got back. After some back and forth and a long period on hold they explained that each institution sets its own priority for verification methods on EMV cards. Andrews has the PIN at the bottom of their list, so users should only be prompted for their PIN if other methods are not available.
I explained that it was always a surprise when signature slips would print out on chip transactions, and a bit of a hassle. The agent I was speaking with agreed to pass along my feedback that it would be better in most cases if the PIN had higher priority than the signature on CHIP transactions.
I am not sure I would take any of this as gospel after one conversation with customer service, but it would explain the behavior I saw with the card.
I called Andrews customer service when I got back. After some back and forth and a long period on hold they explained that each institution sets its own priority for verification methods on EMV cards. Andrews has the PIN at the bottom of their list, so users should only be prompted for their PIN if other methods are not available.
I explained that it was always a surprise when signature slips would print out on chip transactions, and a bit of a hassle. The agent I was speaking with agreed to pass along my feedback that it would be better in most cases if the PIN had higher priority than the signature on CHIP transactions.
I am not sure I would take any of this as gospel after one conversation with customer service, but it would explain the behavior I saw with the card.
May 30, 2012, 9:49 am
#64
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,954
May 30, 2012, 4:53 pm
#65
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: HHonors Diamond
Posts: 731
I just returned from a week in Ireland with the Globetrek VISA. It never failed to work any time I used it, but I was never prompted for my PIN either. When I used it in restaurants and supermarkets it always printed out a signature slip, much to the surprise of the clerks. At automated parking kiosks the transactions always went through with no PIN or signature.
I called Andrews customer service when I got back. After some back and forth and a long period on hold they explained that each institution sets its own priority for verification methods on EMV cards. Andrews has the PIN at the bottom of their list, so users should only be prompted for their PIN if other methods are not available.
I explained that it was always a surprise when signature slips would print out on chip transactions, and a bit of a hassle. The agent I was speaking with agreed to pass along my feedback that it would be better in most cases if the PIN had higher priority than the signature on CHIP transactions.
I am not sure I would take any of this as gospel after one conversation with customer service, but it would explain the behavior I saw with the card.
I called Andrews customer service when I got back. After some back and forth and a long period on hold they explained that each institution sets its own priority for verification methods on EMV cards. Andrews has the PIN at the bottom of their list, so users should only be prompted for their PIN if other methods are not available.
I explained that it was always a surprise when signature slips would print out on chip transactions, and a bit of a hassle. The agent I was speaking with agreed to pass along my feedback that it would be better in most cases if the PIN had higher priority than the signature on CHIP transactions.
I am not sure I would take any of this as gospel after one conversation with customer service, but it would explain the behavior I saw with the card.
May 31, 2012, 12:10 pm
#67
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Austin
Programs: AA P4L, WN, BA, DL, UA, HHonors, IHG
Posts: 3,485
May 31, 2012, 12:37 pm
#68
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Grantham, NH
Posts: 530
Decided to do this myself, since (a) I'm constantly annoyed by not being able to use the kiosks at UK rail stations with a signature card, and (b) have a trip planned to drive the Ring Road in Iceland, and two other people I've known to do it recommended either getting a chip-and-pin card, or a prepaid Icelandic gas card, so that you have more fueling opportunities in the back road of Iceland.
I should have just joined on of my many work trips to McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, but I did it online, and aside from taking a week to get all the stuff in the mail, it was relatively straightforward.
I should have just joined on of my many work trips to McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, but I did it online, and aside from taking a week to get all the stuff in the mail, it was relatively straightforward.
May 31, 2012, 4:01 pm
#69
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Austin
Programs: AA P4L, WN, BA, DL, UA, HHonors, IHG
Posts: 3,485
GlobalTrek Card Received
I see from another posting that the PIN is not change-able.
May 31, 2012, 4:08 pm
#70
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,954
It probably can be changed at an EMV equipped ATM which can write the change to the chip. There are no such ATMs in the USA, but it might work in another country, if the issuer has implemented the feature. See this post regarding the process for changing the Diners Club (USA) PIN.
May 31, 2012, 4:23 pm
#71
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: SFO
Programs: UA, IHG
Posts: 40
The Andrews FCU website has been updated with a new FAQ that includes this:
The PIN issued to your card is pre-set with the magnetic strip and chip and therefore not customizable. Please memorize your PIN in order to use your new card anywhere outside the U.S., and at ATM locations throughout the states.
The PIN issued to your card is pre-set with the magnetic strip and chip and therefore not customizable. Please memorize your PIN in order to use your new card anywhere outside the U.S., and at ATM locations throughout the states.
May 31, 2012, 5:41 pm
#72
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EXP 1.5MM, Asiana Club Silver, KE Morning Calm, Hyatt Platinum, Amtrak Select
Posts: 7,161
The Andrews FCU website has been updated with a new FAQ that includes this:
The PIN issued to your card is pre-set with the magnetic strip and chip and therefore not customizable. Please memorize your PIN in order to use your new card anywhere outside the U.S., and at ATM locations throughout the states.
The PIN issued to your card is pre-set with the magnetic strip and chip and therefore not customizable. Please memorize your PIN in order to use your new card anywhere outside the U.S., and at ATM locations throughout the states.
May 31, 2012, 7:09 pm
#73
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: SFO
Programs: UA, IHG
Posts: 40
Visa Globetrek - Andrews FCU
Jun 1, 2012, 6:58 am
#74
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Seoul (GMP/RKSS) HNL/PHNL
Programs: A3 *G, fmr DL PM
Posts: 404
Applied a week ago, received an email this evening asking for my paystub. I sent them my active duty LES from DFAS. Received a reply back with approval. I requested a mere $5000 limit, to which they did not have a problem.
I do have to fund my account $5 in order to qualify. I'm awaiting further instructions on that.
This is what they wrote:
Congratulations!
You have been approved for your Visa request with a credit limit of $5,000 at 1.9% for the 1st nine months and 7.99% thereafter.
Globe Trek Rewards Visa
New Chip and PIN Technology as well as the magnetic strip
1.9% for the 1st nine months
No Cash Advance Fees
No Annual Fees
No Balance Transfer Fees
1 Point for Every Dollar Spent
and MORE!
If you choose to accept, membership will need to be established by opening a Savings account with a minimum deposit of $5.00. The $5.00 can be deposited by utilizing Shared Branching. Shared Branching allows you the option of making deposits/withdrawals from a local credit union that provides this type of service. Please let me know if you would like the following option available to you.
I do have to fund my account $5 in order to qualify. I'm awaiting further instructions on that.
This is what they wrote:
Originally Posted by Andrews FCU
Congratulations!
You have been approved for your Visa request with a credit limit of $5,000 at 1.9% for the 1st nine months and 7.99% thereafter.
Globe Trek Rewards Visa
New Chip and PIN Technology as well as the magnetic strip
1.9% for the 1st nine months
No Cash Advance Fees
No Annual Fees
No Balance Transfer Fees
1 Point for Every Dollar Spent
and MORE!
If you choose to accept, membership will need to be established by opening a Savings account with a minimum deposit of $5.00. The $5.00 can be deposited by utilizing Shared Branching. Shared Branching allows you the option of making deposits/withdrawals from a local credit union that provides this type of service. Please let me know if you would like the following option available to you.
Jun 1, 2012, 9:37 am
#75
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1
I requested and received a 3k limit which I was frankly surprised by. I have a few other cards with higher limits so I thought they would not give me much. The process was back and forth via email and phone. A little tedious but their customer service reps were very friendly and helpful. I had the card shipped priority or some other expedited service and received it in about four business days. The PIN arrived later and I phoned home to get that from a friend checking my mail. 
It worked great in Germany, France, Netherlands, and Spain but the signature bit was annoying when it occurred. I just wanted to use straight chip and pin.
It worked great in Germany, France, Netherlands, and Spain but the signature bit was annoying when it occurred. I just wanted to use straight chip and pin.