Access Card, PIN et Flash Interac (FAQ)
Access Card and PIN
Q. What is the Access Card?
A. The Access Card is your debit card. You get it when you open an account at Caisse populaire Alliance. You use it to identify yourself at the teller counter, when you’re using an ATM, and to make direct payments in stores. Your card number is also your username for logging on to AccèsD Internet, AccèsD Telephone and AccèsD Mobile.
Q. My Access Card is expiring this month. Will it automatically be renewed?
A. We will automatically mail a new Access Card to the address we have on file for you, around 1 or 2 months before your current card expires. Your Access Card is valid until the last day of the month it expires, which is written on the front of your card.
If you did not receive your new Access Card, please call your service centre.
Q.What should I do if my Access Card is lost or stolen?
A. Contact a caisse advisor immediately to report a lost or stolen card. We’ll see to it that a new card is issued right away.
Information and support for members after business hours
Monday to Friday: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Personal : 1 866-779-COOP (1 866-779-2667)
- Business : 1 866-844-2427
Q. What is a PIN?
A. Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is the number you enter when using your Access Card. It’s the equivalent of an electronic signature.
Q. How do I decide what my PIN should be? Do I ever need to change it?
A. Choose a PIN that only you could know. If you use information like your address, phone number or birthday, a criminal might be able to figure it out. You should change your PIN right away if you think someone might have learned it.
Q. What should I do if I forget my PIN?
A. If you forget your PIN, you will need to go to your branch. Don’t forget to bring 2 valid pieces of ID; at least one of them needs to have a photo and a signature. For security reasons, we can’t give you a new PIN by phone or email.
Q. I entered my information incorrectly 3 times, and now my card is suspended! What should I do?
A. For security reasons, your card will be blocked if you enter your PIN incorrectly 3 times in a row. To reactivate your card, you’ll have to go to one of our branches with 2 valid pieces of ID, at least one of which with a photo and signature. If you can’t get to a caisse, contact us for a replacement card.
If you enter the wrong birth date 3 times, you’ll need to go to your branch to reactivate your card.
Q. Can I use my Access Card while travelling abroad?
A. Yes! You can use your Access Card at any PLUS network ATM. This network is the equivalent of Canada’s Interac network. It can accept PINs that are between 4 and 13 digits long, so you should enter your 5-digit PIN like you do here. These ATMs aren’t free to use; you’ll be charged $3 each time you use one in North America, and $5 if you’re using it anywhere else. The owner of the ATM you’re making your withdrawal from might also charge additional fees.
You should always plan an alternative way to get local currency while you’re travelling. Your branch can exchange some money for you if you let them know in advance
Q. Do I need to let the Caisse know if I’m planning to use my cards while travelling abroad?
A. If you’re planning a trip, you don’t need to contact the Caisse if you’re planning to use your Access Card (debit card) while you travel.
Tips
- It’s a good idea to bring a second Access Card with you, in case one is lost or stolen. Keep it with your important documents.
- You should also have a second way to pay for things, like a credit card or traveller’s cheques.
- Make sure you’re using a PLUS network ATM. This network is the equivalent of Canada’s Interac network and can accept 5-digit pins. If you’re asked to enter a 4-digit PIN, just enter your 5-digit PIN anyways.
To learn more, see Go on a trip.
Q. Can I have multiple Access Cards linked to my account?
A. You can have several cards linked to the same account. However, you will be charged a fee, and will need to wait for the additional cards to be delivered to you.
Q. I’m still a minor, but I have my own account. Can I call in to request my first card?
A. No. You will need to request your Access Card in person. Go to one of our branches. You’ll need to have your parent or legal guardian with you and bring valid ID.
Q. Can I change the language preference for my Access Card?
A. Yes. The language on your card (French or English) is determined by the language choice we have on file for you. You need to contact your branch if you want to change your language preference and get a new card.
Q. I left my Access Card in the ATM. What should I do?
A. You will need to contact us. This is to protect your account. The card you left behind might need to be destroyed. If that’s the case, or if the card can’t be found, we’ll send you a new card.
InteracFlash®
Q. What is Interac Flash?
A. Interac Flash is the technology that lets you use your debit card to make contactless payments for smaller purchases. This means you don’t need to insert your card into the payment terminal or enter your PIN.
Q. How do I use Interac Flash?
A. It’s easy!
- Look for the Interac Flash or contactless payment logo.
- Hold your card over the secure reader
- Wait until it’s approved—that’s it!
Q. How do I know which account will be debited when I use Interac Flash?
A. When you use Flash, the chequing account linked to your Access Card is automatically chosen.
Q. What is the limit for Interac Flash transactions?
A. Interac Flash works for purchases up to $100.
Q. Is Interac Flash secure?
A.Yes, it’s a secure system. If your card is lost or stolen, you should still contact our customer service team as soon as possible, just like you would for any other card.
Transactions made with Interac Flash are protected by Interac’s Zero Liability Policy. This means you aren’t responsible for unauthorized transactions made to your card.
The Caisse has a fraud prevention service working to protect you. Contactless transactions are protected by chip technology and transaction limits are set up to reduce the risk of fraud if your card is lost or stolen.
Q. I used Interac Flash a few times but then later I was asked to enter my PIN. Is everything okay?
A. Yes. To increase security for your card and this feature, you might occasionally have to insert your card and enter your PIN to complete a transaction. There is also a cumulative limit. After you have reached a total spend of $300, you will need to enter your chip and PIN. This will reset your Flash limit.
Q. Is there a charge for using Interac Flash?
A. No. There are no additional fees for using Interac Flash. These transactions are included in the number of monthly transactions included with your plan.
Q. How can I activate Interac Flash?
A. Interac Flash will be activated the first time you use your chip card to make a transaction, after you enter your PIN on the terminal.
Q. Does Interac Flash work on my current card?
A. No. Interac Flash only works on cards issued after October 1, 2018 (this includes reissues and replacements).
Q. How can I get an Access Card that is Interac Flash enabled?
A. Interac Flash only works on cards issued after October 1, 2018 (this includes reissues and replacements). If you want to replace your card, visit your branch.
Q. Can members who have already replaced their card this year still order a new card with Interac Flash, free of charge?
A. Yes. There are no fees for this type of replacement.
Q. Do I have to use the Interac Flash feature?
A. No. You aren’t required to use Interac Flash. You can keep making purchases of any amount with your chip and your PIN. If you want to deactivate this feature, call your branch. If you ever change your mind, we can reactivate it for you any time.
Q. What businesses accept Interac Flash?
A. Many businesses accept Interac Flash payments, including gas stations and restaurants. Other businesses will be added in the future. Just look for the Interac Flash logo, or the contactless payment logo.
Q. Can I use Interac Flash while I am travelling abroad?
A. No. Interac Flash only works at participating retailers in Canada.
Q. Will I get a receipt when I use Interac Flash?
A. Yes. Every merchant can give you a receipt for any purchase made with Interac Flash. The transactions will also be included on your transaction statement.