These high-tech cards that are accepted in the U.S. and around the world contain an embedded computer chip that adds a new layer of protection against fraud for purchases made at the point of sale and when used at ATMs. Information programmed into the chip is personalized for your account and each transaction at a chip-enabled terminal generates a unique code, adding an extra safeguard against unauthorized use and counterfeiting.

Astra Bank is excited to announce the return of our annual BIG EVENT across all of our branch locations. We're going to be offering extended hours for all of our locations for this day only so that you'll be able to have plenty of time to participate. We've got a lot of great prizes available that you can win and entering is easy.

We want to assure you that we are aware of the reported incident at Target impacting some debit cardholders who used their cards at Target stores between November 27 and December 15, 2013.

Technology has impacted every aspect of our lives. For us in the banking and financial services industry, it has been a journey of change and innovation at great speed in the last decade or so. We asked Richard Campbell, Chairman of Astra Bank to reflect on some of these technological changes he has seen over the years and how they have impacted the bank’s business operation.

As a bank, we can’t help think about it... we are in the money business. Yes, green is indeed the color of money and don’t we all crave to see more of it? BUT, there is a bigger, more worthy and universally beneficial “green” that we need to strive for; and that is contributing to save the environment and our beautiful planet.