Card FAQs

Setting up your new cards, what to do when your card is lost or stolen, how to use your mobile wallet and more.

Most common questions.

To order a new debit card, we encourage you to call the Member Connection Centre at 1.866.923.4778 or stop by your local branch and we'll be happy to help.

Lost or stolen debit card:
Please call us at 1.866.923.4778 to report your card lost or stolen. We can either lock your card, cancel your card, lower your point of sale and ATM limits and re-issue you a new card. 

Please note that if you call us after business hours to report your card lost or stolen, we will redirect you to Everlink, who will be able to block your card on their end.
We're working on some exciting new things for 2023, including a new credit card product suite. Stay tuned for when these cards become available for you to apply.
Formerly, our credit cards were offered through Collabria Financial Services Inc. (Collabria).

Our partnership with Collabria ended on December 31, 2022; in 2023 we will be introducing a new credit card product suite that will enable us to provide features – such as better online banking integration, more robust rewards, and much more.

Your former connectFirst credit card(s) will remain active and supported directly by Collabria. The Collabria team will continue to support your account by offering the following services:
  • Online Self-Serve: If you have not already registered for a MyCardInfo account, you can do so at the direct link associated with your credit union. MyCardInfo provides you 24/7 access to your account where you can view your account transactions and e-Statements, make one time or set-up recurring payments, and enroll for transaction and fraud alerts. MyCardInfo also allows you to reference information about your card and the cardholder agreement via the Product Benefits Guide by selecting Account Info > Product Guide.
    • www.collabriacreditcards.ca/connectfirst

  • Cardholder Services: Our contact centre is available 24/7 at 1.855.341.4643 to answer questions about your credit card account, discuss suspect transactions, report a lost or stolen card, provide any general information or account management services you may need.

  • Making a Payment: You can continue to make payments to your credit card account via MyCardInfo, through your financial institution, or by mail. Visit collabriafinancial.ca/cardholders for more information.

  • Earning and Redeeming Points: If you have a points-based card, you will continue to earn and be able to redeem points as usual. You can access your online account at reward-headquarters.com/groupCollabria/home.

Getting started with Visa Debit.

If you’re an existing MemberCard holder, you can expect to receive a new Visa Debit card to replace your expiring MemberCard close to your card expiry date.

If you’re a new member, you’ll get a new Visa Debit card when you open a new account and request card access.

If you’re an existing member but currently do not have a MemberCard, you may request a new Visa Debit card anytime by calling our Member Connection Centre at 1.866.923.4778 or visiting your local branch.

Note: The MemberCard renewal process for existing cardholders is currently paused due to a production delay (February 2023). Members whose cards are set to expire will have their expiration dates extended until they receive their new Visa Debit card

Once you get your new Visa Debit card, please begin using it immediately for your day-to-day banking to activate your card. Remember to destroy your existing MemberCard once your Visa Debit card has been activated.

Your Visa Debit card comes ready to use, but a chip and PIN transaction is required to allow contactless (Interac Flash) and eCommerce payments.

Your existing MemberCard will be closed 60 days after your new Visa Debit card arrives in the mail.

No, your PIN will remain the same as your previous MemberCard. You can also change your PIN by visiting any connectFirst branch, any ATM in Alberta with the Acculink logo, or any credit union participating in Everlink PIN Sharing.

If you forget your PIN, we can help! Simply visit your local branch.

You may continue to login to your online banking platform with your existing username and password.


If you previously used your MemberCard numbers, we encourage you to visit your local branch or contact the Member Connection Centre at 1.866.923.4778 to set up a username for online banking purposes.


If you currently have an active MemberCard, you will be provided with a new Visa Debit card over the next 12 months. You can expect to get this in the mail close to your MemberCard expiry date.


If you’d like to replace your MemberCard with a new Visa Debit card right away, we can help. Simply call our Member Connection Centre at 1.866.923.4778 or visit your local branch to request a new card.​​

Note: The MemberCard renewal process for existing cardholders is currently paused due to a production delay (February 2023). Members whose cards are set to expire will have their expiration dates extended until they receive their new Visa Debit card.


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You may have received two Visa Debit cards if you already had two existing active MemberCards. The mailer that comes with your Visa Debit card will tell you which MemberCard it is replacing.

If you only use one of the active cards, make sure to check the mailer to know which card you will need to activate. If you no longer need one of your cards, you may close this card by calling the Member Connection Centre at 1.866.923.4778 or visiting your local branch.

Canadian Merchants Online, Over the Phone, and By Mail
• Visa Debit is accepted online and in mobile apps, over the phone, and by mail at participating merchants in Canada.

• It can also be used to pay for any recurring payments you may have (e.g., Netflix, Amazon, subscription services, etc.) and even for paying your monthly bills (e.g., Enmax, Shaw, Telus, etc.).


International Merchants (Including US) Online, Over the Phone and By Mail
• Visa Debit is accepted by US and international retailers that accept Visa online, in mobile apps, by telephone and mail order.


In Stores Outside Canada
• When shopping in stores outside of Canada, Visa Debit is accepted wherever Visa is accepted. Look for the Visa acceptance mark.


Note: The payment methods for eCommerce (online transactions) are determined by the retailer, so some online retailers may not accept payments by Visa Debit. Please check the retailer’s website to confirm accepted payment methods.

Using your Visa Debit.

When completing your online purchase, select Visa Debit or Visa as the payment/card type. Although the Visa Debit is not a credit card, it acts as one when making online purchases.

You’ll need to enter your Visa Debit card number, expiry, and security code (CVV found on the back of the card) in the required fields.


Note: Accepted payment methods for online retailers or eCommerce sites are determined by the retailer, so some online retailers may not accept payments by Visa Debit. Please check the retailer’s website to confirm accepted payment methods.


Yes! Your Visa Debit card can be used to pay for any recurring payments you may have (e.g., Netflix, Amazon, subscription services, etc.) and even for paying your monthly bills (e.g., Enmax, Shaw, Telus, etc.).

These transactions are processed the same way as other card-not-present Visa transactions. You will be required to provide your account information such as the card number, expiry date, and the 3-digit security code (CVV).

Visa Debit is accepted at millions of merchants worldwide and can be used for purchases made in store, online, over the phone and by mail. When shopping outside of Canada look for the Visa acceptance mark. (add) Please note, point-of-sale Interac Flash tap payments are only accepted within Canada. International payments require a PIN transaction.

Acceptance experience may vary from one country to another and will typically require either a PIN or signature to process transactions at points of sale.

In Canada
Yes, Visa Debit works at Canadian ATMs, but the transaction will be processed by Interac. Like with your MemberCard, you simply insert the card into the ATM, enter your PIN, and select the desired function (withdraw cash, make deposits, transfer funds, check account balances).


Outside Canada
Visa Debit can be used to withdraw funds directly from your bank account at more than 2.2 million ATMs around the world where Visa is accepted. Just look for the Visa acceptance mark.

Yes, the same PIN is used for both point-of-sale purchases and ATM transactions.

Think of your connectFirst Visa Debit card as a debit card, but with added features so you can complete transactions that were only once possible with a credit card – things like hotel reservations, online purchases, and in-app purchases.


Transactions made on your Visa Debit card come directly out of your chequing or savings account, not on credit. Because of this, there’s no due dates or payments to worry about.

No, you don’t! Your Visa Debit card comes free with your connectFirst chequing or savings account.

Currently, we do not offer rewards or cashback with the connectFirst Visa Debit card.

Because it is tied to your chequing or savings account and is not a credit product, your Visa Debit card does not affect your credit score in any way.


If you’re interested in solutions to help build your credit, talk to us by calling Member Connection Centre at 1.866.923.4778 or visiting your local branch.

Understanding transactions, holds, and card limits.

When making a Visa Debit payment, the funds come out of the primary chequing account associated with the card. This is the same account that you access by selecting "chequing" when you make a debit purchase with your MemberCard.

It’s important to note that eCommerce or online transactions will not work with Visa Debit cards linked to a savings account. You may still use it for ATM and point-of-sale transactions, and applicable surcharges may apply.


If you’d like to use your Visa Debit card for eCommerce and online purchase, we’re happy to open a chequing account that suits your needs. Get in touch by calling Member Connection Centre at 1.866.923.4778 or visiting your local branch.

All ATM and point of sale (POS) transactions completed within Canada are processed the exact same way as your existing MemberCard or any debit cards.


Transactions completed via eCommerce (online), telephone, or International POS are processed on the Visa network. This means that transactions will process similar to how credit card transactions are processed. At the time of purchase, a hold is placed on your account for the amount of the purchase or pre-authorization. When the merchant processes their card transactions or when the order has been fulfilled, the purchase will debit your account and the hold will be released.

The purchase amount will be held until the merchant processes their card transactions and your account is debited. Depending on the merchant, it can take 1-2 days on average for a purchase to clear through your account. Some retailers can take up to 5 days. The hold amount will affect your available balance.


This is similar to a pending transaction that you would see on your credit card, which can take several business days to post.

The limit on your Visa Debit card is determined based on the available balance in your account, including available overdrafts, attached line of credit, etc.


You can check your real-time account balance through online banking, telephone banking, or by visit your local branch or by calling Member Connection Centre at 1.866.923.4778.

The default daily limits are the same as your existing MemberCard.

Yes, the limits are the same as your existing MemberCard. Completing a PIN transaction will reset the cumulative total to zero.

Yes! The daily transaction limits for ATM or chip-and-pin point of sale transactions can be adjusted on your Visa Debit card. You can do this by visiting your local branch or by calling Member Connection Centre at 1.866.923.4778.


Please note that we’re currently unable to adjust your contactless limit (i.e., Interac Flash) but this can be disabled upon request.

No, the ability to complete transactions on the card via the Visa network cannot be deactivated.

No, a surcharge cannot be applied if you use your Visa Debit card, as it behaves like a point of sale transaction. The credit card surcharge only applies to transactions paid with a credit card.

Protecting your Visa Debit and you.

Yes! All cardholders are automatically enrolled to receive text alerts from Visa. You will receive a text when your Visa Debit card is used on the Visa network (i.e., online purchases).


  • To cancel Visa Alerts, text STOP as a reply to any received Visa Alert.

  • To reinstate the Visa alerts, please contact your branch or our Member Connection Centre for assistance at 1-866-923-4778.

Using our self-serve fraud management features, you can customize your notifications based on your preferences and risk tolerance right from one of our digital banking platforms, such as our mobile app or online banking.

If your Visa Debit Card card is lost or stolen, please visit a branch or call our Member Connection Centre at 1.866.923.4778.

Your connectFirst Visa Debit card is covered by Interac® and Visa's zero liability policy, which means you won’t be liable for any unauthorized transactions that occur using your Visa Debit card where you have:


  • Exercised reasonable care in safeguarding your debit card and PIN from any unauthorized use, loss, or theft

  • Immediately reported to connectFirst any loss or theft of the Debit card

  • Notified connectFirst of the unauthorized transactions within a reasonable time

Yes! Using Everlink’s innovative Debit Card Management technology, you can perform self-serve fraud management and protection on your Visa Debit Membercard. You can access your Debit Card Management settings through your digital banking account.

If you’re logged in using online banking, you can do this by going to Accounts > Cards > Manage Debit Cards to change your card security settings. If you’re using the mobile banking app, you can do this by selecting More > Manage Debit Cards.
With Debit Card Management, you can customize your security settings straight from your online banking or mobile app, such as:
  • Temporarily lock your debit cards to prevent all future transactions.
  • Lock POS transactions to restrict all point-of-sale purchases within Canada.
  • Lock international POS transactions to restrict all point-of-sale purchases outside of Canada.
  • Lock ATM transactions to restrict all ATM withdrawals performed within Canada.
  • Lock international ATM transactions to restrict all ATM withdrawals performed outside Canada.
  • Set worldwide ATM and POS "per-transaction" limits for withdrawals and purchases.
  • Lock contactless payments to restrict "tap" and in-app mobile transactions.
  • Lock contactless smart card transactions to restrict NFC and "tap" flash payments.
  • Turn on text notifications for attempted use of a locked card​​​​​​​.
It’s easy! You can manage your MemberCard or Visa Debit Card security settings by logging in to your digital banking account.

If you’re logged in using online banking, you can do this by going to Accounts > Cards > Manage Debit Cards to change your card security settings. If you’re using the mobile banking app, you can do this by selecting More > Manage Debit Cards.
Using your Mobile Wallet.

Members can pay with Apple Pay when connecting their Interac® Flash Debit Card to their Apple Wallet, after downloading the latest version of the connectFirst banking app. Once you've linked an active flash card to Apple Pay, you can use it at any location where Interac® Flash is available in Canada.

Apple Pay is for iOS users who use debit frequently for payment, and want a secure, contactless payment functionality with all the benefits of Interac® Flash, and the added convenience of securely paying for purchase without your member card.

How to Install Apple Pay to Your iPhone, right from your connectFirst mobile app:

  1. Download the latest connectFirst Mobile Banking App (if you haven't already!) onto your Apple iPhone. iOS version 11 or greater, and iPhone 6 or greater are required.
  2. Log in to your digital bank account.
  3. Click on the 'More' tab in the mobile app, then click on 'Apple Pay'.
  4. Click 'Add to Apple Wallet' beside the card you wish to add and follow the screen prompts.
  5. You will receive a success message upon completion and your card is ready to use for Apple Pay!

    How to Use it Once Installed:

    • Hold your unlocked iPhone near the payment pad.
    • Follow the instructions on the screen.
    • Use your Touch ID, Face ID or device passcode to complete the payment then watch for your purchase to be approved.

    Members can make quick and easy contactless payments with Google Pay on their Android devices. Online, in apps or in physical stores, use your Android device to make everyday purchases anywhere that the following symbols are displayed.

    How to set up Google Pay:

    1. Download or open the Google Pay app.
    2. Follow the instructions to add your member card.

    How to pay in stores with Google Pay:

    1. Simply unlock your phone (you don't even need to open the app).
    2. Hold the back of your device to the payment terminal.
    3. You'll see a check mark on your screen when payment is successful.

    How to pay in-apps with Google Pay:

    1. Once you've added your card to a device, there's no need to enter your payment info at checkout.
    2. Just select the option of 'Google Pay', confirm your purchase and you're all set.

    Members, you can swipe up from the home button on your Samsung Android device for a simple way to access your connectFirst member card. Purchases can then be authenticated with your PIN, iris or fingerprint* before tapping your phone over a POS terminal. Samsung Pay can be used at merchant terminals where you can tap, scan or swipe a payment card.

    How to set up Samsung Pay:

    1. Make sure you own a compatible Samsung Phone or Watch.
    2. Samsung Pay should be preloaded on any available Samsung phone, but it can easily be re-installed by visited your Google Play Store.
    3. Open the Samsung Pay app and tap 'Get Started'.
    4. Enter a PIN for Samsung Pay, and then enter it again to confirm.

    How to make retail purchases with Samsung Pay:

    1. Select the Samsung Pay app icon on swipe up from the bottom of your Samsung Android device.
    2. Authenticate your identity easily using your iris, fingerprint or by entering your PIN.
    3. Hold your phone over any POS terminal accepting payment cards that tap, swipe or scan.
    4. If its your first time using Samsung Pay, you will be asked to add payment cards. Follow the prompts to do this.

    If you’ve recently received your new Visa Debit card and have only had it for <31 days, you may add it to your digital wallet by visiting your local branch or by calling Member Connection Centre at 1.866.923.4778.


    If you’ve had your Visa Debit card for 31 days or more, you can add it to your digital wallet yourself. Learn how here.

    To make contactless payments with your Mobile Wallet, you must use a screen lock on your device for your security.

    You can unlock your Mobile Wallet with several methods:

    • PIN
    • Pattern
    • Password
    • Fingerprint
    • Iris scan
    • 3D face unlock
    You can change with method your device requires to unlock this within your phone settings app.

    Important Note:
    In some cases for smaller payments, you will not be required to unlock your device to make a transaction. For example, Google Pay users have an Authentication Required Limit (ARL) which allows them to make purchases at a point of sale terminal using their mobile wallet up to $250 without unlocking their device, which as of January 18, 2024 will be raised from a $100 limit. Any transactions over this amount would require user authentication. To learn more about this visit: Set up screen lock for tap to pay transactions - Google Wallet Help

    You can start using your mobile wallet immediately after your Visa Debit card has been added. If you are using your Visa Debit for a purchase online and you are typing the card number in, you will need to activate the card by doing a Chip & Pin transaction.


    Currently, digital payments (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay) with your connectFirst Visa Debit card only works within Canada.

    If you plan to travel internationally, please bring your physical Visa Debit card with you to complete international point of sale transactions.

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