Debit Card Frequently Asked Questions

Debit Cards

• Question

  What is a contactless debit card?

  Answer

  Featuring contactless technology, our contactless debit cards allow for payments without using cash, swiping or inserting a card.

• Question

  How do I use my contactless debit card?

  Answer

  Simply tap or wave your debit card over a card-reader in order to use this payment method. You can easily identify merchants that accept the payment method by looking for the Contactless Symbol (also found on the front of the card).

  

• Question

  What benefits come with contactless debit cards?

  Answer

  Contactless technology is faster to use, more convenient and a more secure way to pay. 

• Question

  What if the merchant does not have contactless debit card as a payment method?

  Answer

  You can still use either the chip or magnetic strip functionality of your debit card as you normally would. 

• Question

  Can I use the contactless debit card feature for ATMs?

  Answer

  The new Sandy Spring Bank ATM cards will work at all Sandy Spring Bank ATMs as well as all ATMs within the Allpoint ATM Network.
   

• Question

  When will new debit cards be distributed?

  Answer

  Debit cards are mailed to clients on a rolling basis. It is very important to activate your new card as soon as you receive it and to safely dispose of your old card immediately. Please follow these steps in order to properly dispose of your old card and to limit any potential for fraud or identity theft.

  • Demagnetize and cut the strip. The magnetic strip contains sensitive information including your account number. Using a simple fridge magnet or similar, run it across the strip for several minutes. Length of exposure time is more important than the power of the magnet. Then cut through the strip.
  • Destroy the chip. Cut through the card's chip or smash it with a hammer. 
  • Cut your debit card. First cut through your card horizontally and then vertically ensuring that the security code or signature is not kept intact.
  • Dispose. Throw the fragments away in different bags or trash cans. 

  You can also drop your old debit card off at any Sandy Spring Bank branch and we will be happy to dispose of the card for you.
   

• Question

  What if my Sandy Spring Bank Bank Debit Card is lost or stolen?

  Answer

  Please call 301.774.6400 or 800.399.5919 and press 2 for our Client Service Center. One of our representatives will block your old card and order you a new one. 

  After hours, or on non-business days, please call 800.236.2442 to have your card blocked. On the next business day, please contact our Client Service Center to order a replacement card. You may also request your replacement card using our secure message feature through personal online banking.

• Question

  What if I have more questions about contactless debit cards?

  Answer

  Simply contact any of our convenient Sandy Spring Bank branches or our Client Service Center at 800.399.5919.
   

• Question

  How is this chip card different from a magnetic stripe card?

  Answer

  A chip card looks just like a traditional card with an embedded chip in addition to the standard magnetic stripe on the back of the card. Rather than swiping your card, you will insert your chip card into the card terminal to complete the transaction.

• Question

  Where can I use my chip Debit Mastercard?

  Answer

  Use your chip card at the exact same merchants you do now — by inserting the card into card terminals that are chip enabled or swiping your card at merchant locations that have not yet switched to chip-enabled card terminals. You can also continue to use your card as you did before for online payments, telephone payments, and at ATMs.

  If the ATM is chip enabled, your card will remain in the card reader until your transaction is complete.

• Question

  Does Sandy Spring Bank protect my virtual cards?

  Answer

  Yes. Just like your physical credit and debit cards, your virtual credit and debit cards are covered by zero liability protection. The zero liability protection** covers fraudulent purchases and payments made by others using your physical or virtual credit and debit cards. If you suspect unauthorized use of your virtual credit or debit card, please contact us immediately by calling the number on the back of your card.

  You should receive access to funds by the next business day in most cases, pending resolution of your claim. Please consult your customer and account agreements for full details.

• Question

  Can I set-up automatic payments for my chip Debit Mastercard?

  Answer

  If you would like to save time and pay bills automatically with your new “chip enabled” Sandy Spring Bank Debit Mastercard, it is easy. Simply contact the providers that send you bills on a regular basis, and ask if you can pay with your Debit Mastercard. No more writing checks or worrying about late payments. Your payments will appear on your monthly statement for easy tracking and record keeping.

• Question

  Can I get cash at ATMs with the chip Debit Mastercard?

  Answer

  Yes, use your debit card to get cash at any Sandy Spring Bank or Allpoint® ATM, plus over a million ATMs around the world that display the Mastercard,® Maestro,® Cirrus® or NYCE® acceptance marks.

• Question

  Can I get cash back with my purchases with the chip Debit Mastercard?

  Answer

  Yes, where available and up to a certain amount. At the beginning of your transaction, be sure to ask your cashier if they offer cash back. If they do, you’ll need to enter your PIN.

• Question

  What benefits come with the new “chip enabled” Debit Mastercard?

  Answer

  The "chip enabled” Debit Mastercard provides Security, Shopping and Protection benefits* including Mastercard Zero Liability** for unauthorized transactions. If you currently have a Debit Mastercard, these benefits have not changed. Plus you have the added security of the chip on your debit card which also makes it more difficult to copy or counterfeit your card. For information on your card benefits, please see the appropriate Guide to Benefits brochure based on your card type.

• Question

  Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

  Answer

  Simply contact any of our convenient Sandy Spring Bank branches or our Client Service Center at 800.399.5919 and they will be able to assist you with any additional questions you may have regarding the new chip Debit MasterCard.