Credit card chip closeup macro photography of EMV chip

Close-up macro of an EMV chip on a credit card, the global security standard that revolutionized payments since the 1990s.

About this subject

The EMV chip (Europay, Mastercard, and Visa) is a microprocessor embedded in credit and debit cards, responsible for securely authenticating transactions. Unlike magnetic stripes, which store static data, the chip generates a dynamic code for each transaction, making cloning virtually impossible. This standard was introduced in the 1990s in Europe and became mandatory in many countries, including Brazil, where migration mainly occurred between 2010 and 2015.

Each chip contains a small antenna for contact (insertion into a terminal) or contactless (NFC) communication, enabling tap-to-pay. The technology drastically reduced in-person fraud: according to EMVCo, countries that adopted the chip saw up to an 80% drop in card-present fraud. In Brazil, Febraban estimates that chip adoption prevented billions of reais in annual losses.

Beyond security, the chip enables features like storing multiple applications (e.g., loyalty programs) and biometric authentication in some models. Manufacturing involves encapsulation in epoxy resin and gold-plated contacts, visible in macro as small terminals. The EMV standard is managed by EMVCo, a consortium of major card networks, and continues to evolve with faster versions and compatibility with digital wallets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does EMV stand for?

EMV stands for Europay, Mastercard, and Visa, the three companies that created the chip card standard.

Is the EMV chip more secure than a magnetic stripe?

Yes, because it generates a unique code per transaction, preventing cloning. The magnetic stripe stores static data, easy to copy.

Do all cards in Brazil have an EMV chip?

Since 2015, most Brazilian cards have a chip. Older cards without chips were discontinued for security reasons.