Smart credit cards use embedded microchips to store information more securely and with more capabilities than magnetic stripe cards, which have been the standard in the US. SVB's clients will benefit from additional security and applications as well as easier card usage when traveling in Europe and Asia where Smart cards are standard. SVB's cards will include embedded chip technology as well as magnetic stripes to ensure acceptance at the 31.7 million merchant locations worldwide where MasterCard is accepted.

"Providing our clients innovative products and services that they need to expand their business globally is a critical priority for us," said Bruce Wallace, Chief Operations Officer, SVB Financial Group. "Chip-enabled cards provide a new level of security and convenience for our clients with international operations that need a holistic card program as a strategic component of their payables strategies."

SVB's new chip-enabled cards are part of a complete credit card program that gives SVB clients the ability to manage payables, track expenses, eliminate paper checks, and reduce fraud exposure.

According to SVB's Pradeep T. Moudgal, Head of Global Cards and Merchant Services, business credit cards offer companies the ability to streamline their cash flow, lower costs through improved efficiencies and earn valuable rewards and discounts, while protecting themselves with security controls. When credit cards are integrated into a company's accounting system, the data can be used to analyze spending patterns and negotiate terms with suppliers. Moudgal offers more tips for maximizing credit card usage in a paper titled, "The Untapped Benefits of Business Credit Cards."

Silicon Valley Bank offers a comprehensive suite of financing solutions, treasury management, corporate investment and international banking services to its clients worldwide.