EMV, the New Payment System for BTS Users

           Imagine having just one card that perfectly fits your lifestyle, from spending on your favorite clothes and delicious meals to paying for transport fares. This is now achievable with EMV technology, a revolutionary payment system for BTS users.

           When it comes to EMV, many people might be more familiar with the term “chip card”. Bangkok Bank was the first to offer chip-based payment services under the name Be1st. EMV, which stands for Europay, MasterCard and Visa, is a global, technical standard for chip-based payment cards and terminals that has been adopted by many countries around the world. Unlike magnetic-stripe cards, EMV cards are embedded with a chip that contains application identifiers (AID) used to address applications stored in the card. EMV technology not only supports the payment processing systems of financial institutions but also opens the door to a range of secure payment solutions across multiple platforms, including public transportation.

           The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) has been actively promoting the use of EMV cards due to their extensive benefits. They enhance convenience for public transport commuters while adding another layer of security to credit or debit card payments. EMV cards have been proven to reduce fraud and data breaches by up to 70%, as reported by Home Depot and Target which were among the earliest adopters of EMV payment systems in the U.S.

           At present, there are approximately 70 million cardholders in the EMV payment system in Thailand, and Bangkok Bank is currently the first and only provider. The bank’s EMV card, also known as Be1st Smart TPN Rabbit Card, is an all-in-one card that allows users to travel on the BTS and BRT with ease, as well as withdrawing cash and enjoying their shopping experience with enhanced security.