What is EMV and chip technology?

EMV stands for Europay-MasterCard-Visa. It refers to the embedded gold chip that appears on the front of your Bloomingdale's American Express® Card, which provides a more secure way of paying at chip enabled terminals in-store. How? By encrypting your card information into a unique code that makes fraud more difficult. Click here for more information on chip technology.

Why are you updating my Bloomingdale's American Express® Card with chip technology and what are the benefits?

With traditional magnetic stripe credit cards a signature is required for security.  A chip card adds an additional layer of sophisticated fraud protection through an embedded microchip that turns card member information into a unique code when used at a chip enabled terminal that is difficult to duplicate or copy. Chip cards are quickly becoming the security standard in the United States.

How do I use my Bloomingdale's American Express® Card at a Bloomingdale's store or on bloomingdales.com?

When shopping in a Bloomingdale's store and using a chip-enabled terminal at checkout, simply insert your Bloomingdale's American Express Card, follow the screen prompts, sign and then remove your card when you are prompted. It's that easy!

When shopping at bloomingdales.com, provide your credit card number as you usually do today or check out using bWallet. Your online shopping experience will remain the same.

Will bWallet still appear at checkout when using my Bloomingdale's American Express® Card at checkout within the store?

Yes. Your card with chip technology will access your bWallet at checkout the same way it does today

My Bloomingdale's American Express® Card hasn't expired. Do I still have to activate the new card I received with the chip technology?

Yes. You must activate your new Bloomingdale's American Express Card. Even though your old Card may not be expiring, soon it will no longer be valid.

Click here if you need assistance activating your card!

How will the chip technology affect paying with my Bloomingdale's American Express® Card for purchases made outside of Bloomingdale's?

For a merchant that uses a chip-enabled terminal, you will insert your card, follow the screen prompts, sign and remove your card when you are prompted. If the merchant does not have the capability to read chip technology, simply swipe your card!

When will I receive my new Bloomingdale's American Express® Card with chip technology?

Bloomingdale's American Express Cardholders who have an expiration date of September 2015, will be mailed chip-enabled cards starting on August 24, 2015. All other Bloomingdale's American Express Cardholders will receive their new cards before November 2015. If you have already received and activated your Bloomingdale's American Express Card with chip technology, then start enjoying safer transactions today!

Please note, in whatever month your Bloomingdale's American Express Card expires, it is available for use until the last day of that month.

Is a PIN required for purchases at a Bloomingdale's store?

No, a PIN is not required. A PIN is required for cash advances taken at a participating ATM.