BPI: Non-EMV compliant cards to be unusable by February 2019

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) on Tuesday advised clients to claim and activate their Europay, MasterCard, Visa (EMV) cards, as old cards can no longer be used starting February 2019.

"Starting February 18, 2019, old cards without the EMV chip can no longer be used," the Ayala-led lender said in an emailed advisory.

"The Bank reiterates that its upgrade to EMV cards is part of its digitalization program to provide a more convenient and safer banking experience for every Filipino," it said.

Industry regulator Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) last year ordered Philippine lenders to completely shift to the EMV system by June 30, 2017, or face monetary sanctions.

According to data from the BSP, BPI ended June 2018 as the fourth-largest bank in the Philippines in terms of total assets with P1.640 trillion. —Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/KBK, GMA News