Staff at the La Salle Credit Union are urging members to add another task to their holiday to-do lists: Pick up a new debit card.

The credit union is switching to new debit cards featuring chip security technology. All customers will be required to switch to the new cards by Dec. 31.

"That’s our cut-off for the old cards," said administration manager Adeline Richardson.

The credit union’s customers have a total of about 1,500 debit cards. While the majority of them have activated their new cards, there are still some hold-outs.

"We’re at about 70%," Richardson said.

Financial institutions and credit card companies across the country have been switching to chip cards during the past few years.

Richardson said La Salle’s debit cards are unique in that they feature a picture of the cardholder on the back. The front of the card features a design selected by the credit union.
La Salle customers can have their photo taken at the branch or send in a digital picture which will then be used on their new card.

Richardson said, since the credit union is relatively small, staff are able to ensure the correct person’s photo is printed on each card.

"Those are members that we know," she said.

Ron Elke , senior member service representative, said staff are mailing out letters and contacting people by phone to ensure all customers make the switch to the new debit cards before the end of the year.

"We’re doing our best to contact everyone," he said.

Elke and Richardson both acknowledged there may be a few customers who don’t make the switch in time and expect they will contact the credit union early in the new year.

Customers can activate their new chip card at any credit union ATM. However, Richardson suggested that they come into the La Salle location when it’s open to ensure their new card is working properly.