Old SBI debit cards to be deactivated tomorrow: How to apply for EMV card via onlinesbi.com

The State Bank of India (SBI) customers will face a tough time going forward, if they are yet to update their old SBI debit cards. SBI had asked its customers to replace SBI magstripe debit card with EMV chip-based ATM debit card as soon as possible. The largest lender in the country had also informed that the SBI debit cards (magstripe) will be deactivated on December 31, 2019. So, if you are yet to get them updated, get ready to face difficulties completing transactions at bank ATMs tomorrow onwards.

How to make sure you don't end up in a spot of bother with your SBI debit cards? So, rush to apply for a SBI debit card (EMV) via onlinesbi.com while you still have the time. The process can be completed through SBI Yono app as well as by visiting bank's home branch. But, the other two methods don't involve the luxury of an online experience. The new card will be issued free of cost, SBI has said.

"Upgradation of Magstripe Debit Cards to EMV Chip Cards for enhanced security and towards compliance of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines. Esteemed customers may please note that Magstripe Debit Cards blocked by them will remain blocked permanently. They are requested to apply for replacement EMV Chip Cards, free of cost, through online SBI, or through their home branch," a statement by SBI read.

How to apply for EMV SBI debit card via onlinesbi.com

1. Log into onlinesbi.com using your user ID and password.

2. Go to the 'e-Services' option and select 'ATM Card Services'.

3. Under that, click on 'Request ATM / Debit Card'.

4. Fill in the details and get the new card issued.

SBI believes that new cards are safer than what most users have been using so far. "Apply now to change your Magnetic Stripe Debit Cards to the more secure EMV Chip and PIN-based SBI Debit card at your home branch by 31st December 2019. Safeguard yourself with guaranteed authenticity, greater security for online payments and added security against fraud," it had said, in an earlier statement.

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How to check if you have old SBI debit card?

It is very simple to identify the old SBI debit cards. They will not have a chip on the face (center-left position). Instead, these cards come with a magstripe. In case there is a chip on the face of your card, you are already using SBI EMV debit card.