Credit card companies switching to 'chip' cards

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• published: 25 Jul 2014
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CINCINNATI (Angenette Levy) -- Tiana Hollingsworth loves to shop but last year she got a scare. She was one of the millions of Target shoppers whose debit or credit card numbers were stolen by hackers. "I was very worried because somebody did use my card out of state for, I think it was a $400 purchase at Lowes so I was really worried after that," Hollingsworth said. Her card did not have a microchip in it. Her information was stored on the traditional magnetic strip. Some U.S. credit card companies are sending cards with the chips to customers. It's part of an effort to switch over to "chip" or EMV cards that will better protect customers' information. "I don't really know much about it. It's how my Visa came. But I know I was just in Europe and I was able to use it over there and I so I couldn't have used my credit card over there without the chip," said Olivia Kindschuh. European countries have been using chip cards for years. Recently, Sam's Club announced it was switching its store cards to the chip. One store clerk said she thinks the chips are a good idea since data breaches have changed the way some shoppers pay. "I do see a lot of people who are concerned about it. I've seen a lot more cash transactions lately as opposed to credit cards," Ashley Corbett said. Tiana Hollingsworth hopes her credit card company eventually switches to the chip. "I would like it. I'd really like to have more security when I'm shopping with my card," Hollingsworth said. While credit card companies can make the switch, stores have to have the right technology to use them. Credit card companies are telling retailers to be ready for the switch by late 2015. The cards will still have magnetic strips. Follow Angenette Levy on Twitter @angenette5 and LIKE her on Facebook