In case you are using an old ATM/ debit and credit card, then you should be visiting your bank right now, because all old ATM/debit and credit cards won't be working from 1 January 2019.
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In 2015, the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) had issued a directive to all banks across India, mandating them to get rid of all old magnetic stripe cards. This needs to be done because the magnetic stripe cards can easily be skimmed and misused by criminals. According to the RBI directive, all magnetic stripe cards are required to be replaced by EMV chip cards by 31st December 2018.
What is an EVM chip and how does it work?
Basically, the EVM chip looks very much like a SIM card used in phones and is placed close to the top of left edge in a debit and credit card. This will help in protection against card skimming and frauds.
Note that the process of replacing the old stripe card with EMV chip card is absolutely free and can be replaced in few minutes. One can also request for an EVM chip card using internet banking. It can also be delivered at your address by applying at the bank's home branch.
With an aim to protect users from fraud, RBI has asked all banks to issue only chip-based and PIN-based debit and credit cards. In case you are still carrying an old ATM/Debit and Credit card, you can go to and visit the bank branch and ask for an upgrade.
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