Category: Credit Card Reader Terminal
July 30th, 2015 by Elma Jane
Converge Powers Potential 
Over the next several weeks, we’ll focus on a series of topics to hopefully provide a better understanding of the payment capabilities
Converge can bring you customers. In this article, we’ll zoom in on the card-present product enhancements of Converge first, including bringing EMV and mobile wallet capabilities to in-person payments, and ultimately VirtualMerchant Mobile later this year.
New Peripherals Added to Converge – Ingenico iSC250 and Star Micronics TSP650II Printer
Ingenico iSC250 Signature-Capture PIN Pad – is a signature-capture PIN pad offering the ability to accept PIN-based transactions, like debit card and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), as well as EMV chip card and mobile wallet payments.
The iSC250 will initially ship EMV-capable meaning it’s physically configured with a slot to accept an EMV chip card, but it does not yet have the EMV application to process a chip card transaction.
A simple download process later in the year will allow customers to accept chip cards. The good news is customers can accept NFC contactless payments right away, including Apple Pay and Google Wallet.
Key features of the Ingenico iSC250 include:
- EMV-capable smart card reader to support EMV chip cards; EMV-enabled with a download later in the year
- NFC-enabled for contactless cards and Apple Pay and Google Wallet mobile wallets
- Magnetic stripe capture for all standard mag stripe cards
- Encryption technology to help secure cardholder data at point of entry and throughout the payment network
- Signature Area Display for signature capture with electronic stylus
- Bright color 4.3″ display and backlit key pad for ease of use
Star Micronics TSP650III:
In addition to the new iSC250PIN pad, a new USB printer were also added to the lineup of Converge supported peripherals, the Star Micronics TSP650II receipt printer. Now customers have two options for thermal receipt printing!
ConvergeConnect Makes Device Setup a Snap
A new peripheral and device management software called ConvergeConnect to make it easier for your customers to setup their devices quickly as well as add additional peripherals as their business needs grow. It will be the go-forward device management application, and we’ll be able to bring more and more EMV and NFC devices to market faster, giving our customers even more in-store payment processing options.
Legacy peripherals, like magnetic stripe card readers, check imagers and the Epson ReadyPrint T20 printer will continue to be managed using the Device Assistant.
Customers may have to use both ConvergeConnect and Device Assistant depending on their peripheral configuration.
A new Peripheral Device Installation and Setup Guide was developed to help customers install and manage their peripherals for both applications.
Converge Mobile with EMV on the Horizon
Work continues on the new VirtualMerchant Mobile app to be branded as Converge Mobile, and releasing the Ingenico iCMP in the third quarter. The Ingenico iCMP accepts EMV and NFC transactions, including contactless cards and mobile wallets, like Apple Pay. Stay tuned as more information becomes available.
Posted in Best Practices for Merchants, Credit Card Reader Terminal, EMV EuroPay MasterCard Visa, Mobile Payments, Near Field Communication Tagged with: card-present product, cardholder, chip card, contactless payments, data, debit card, EBT, Electronic Benefit Transfer, EMV, mag stripe cards, mobile wallet, nfc, NFC transactions, payment network, payments, PIN pad, PIN-based transactions, smart card reader, VirtualMerchant Mobile
July 10th, 2015 by Elma Jane
Every Merchant in the country needs to upgrade their terminal. Are you ready for the October 1, 2015 Liability Shift?
Beginning October 1, 2015, all businesses that accept in-person payments must be able to take cards embedded with chips to avoid liability for fraud. The chips are more secure than magnetic stripes.
National Transaction brings the latest EMV and NFC technologies to Merchants.
NTC Clients will be able to accept contactless payment with the same NFC technology used by Apple Pay, Google Wallet and SoftCard. Additionally, the Ingenico terminals are EMV Enabled, delivering the latest in fraud prevention technology.
The new EMV enabled terminals are designed to accept EMV chip cards and magnetic stripe cards.
EMV (an acronym for Europay, MasterCard® and Visa®) is a global technology standard for payment cards.
What are the benefits of having an EMV terminal?
These next generation terminals can reduce your risk of accepting counterfeit cards, as chip and PIN transactions verify both the card and the cardholder.
Eliminate your card present fraud liability exposure associated with the October 1st, 2015* liability shift imposed by the card brands.
Improve customer service for your international cardholder customer. EMV cards are already the standard in over 80 countries.
Be on the lookout for more information about how to be chip card ready before OCTOBER.
*Businesses with Automated Fuel Dispensers (also called “Pay at the Pump”) acceptance methods have until October 2017 to comply with the new standard.
Posted in Best Practices for Merchants, Credit Card Reader Terminal, Credit Card Security, EMV EuroPay MasterCard Visa, Mobile Payments, Near Field Communication, Point of Sale Tagged with: cardholder, cards, chips, EMV, emv cards, EMV terminal, EuroPay, magnetic stripes, MasterCard, merchant, nfc, payment cards, payments, PIN transactions, terminal, visa
June 25th, 2015 by Elma Jane
A product or service using a credit card or debit card should be efficient, fast and most importantly safe. There are a lot of regulations in place to make sure that the processing of payments using a card is safe and secure. One of the way is the EMV (Europay, MasterCard and Visa) technology, where payment cards used in an ATM and POS Terminals have been embedded with microchips. This form of payment technology has long been in use and is widely accepted in many regions such as Europe, Canada and Asia Pacific. The US, which is considered to be the largest number of plastic card users is one of the countries that have not yet fully optimized this otherwise global standard.
Advantages Of EMV – EMV embedded chip is a lot more secure than the traditional magnetic stripe, especially when it comes to face-to-face credit/debit card transactions. Credit card fraud is rampant, but using this embedded chip has added another layer of protection against consumer fraud. Once the card has been inserted into a terminal, the payment will then be authenticated and processed using the EMV network. The chip within the card is hard to duplicate.
What Does This Mean For Your Business? – You will create more credibility and garner more customers in the market place by utilizing this more safe and secure payment method. There will be increased in consumer confidence.
What Happens When You Don’t Upgrade? – There is a Liability Shift. Currently, If a payment processing transaction has been approved and it turns out to be fraud, it’s the card issuer loss. With the new rule, liability shifts to merchants who has not implemented the EMV technology. When fraud happens, the responsibility falls on the business owner who makes the transaction.
How To Prepare Your Business For EMV? – Upgrade your terminal. Contact National transaction and we’ll help you prepare your business for the EMV migration.
Upgrading your current payment processing system is easy with NTC.
Give Us A Call Now! 888-996-2273
Check our website http://nationaltransaction.com click Demos and Videos to learn more!
Posted in Best Practices for Merchants, Credit card Processing, Credit Card Reader Terminal, Credit Card Security, EMV EuroPay MasterCard Visa, Point of Sale Tagged with: atm, card, chip, credit card, Credit card fraud, debit card, Debit Card transactions, EMV, EMV migration, EMV network, EuroPay, magnetic stripe, MasterCard and VISA, merchants, microchips, payment, payment cards, payment processing, payment technology, payments, POS terminals, terminal
June 18th, 2015 by Elma Jane
Every Merchant in the country needs to upgrade their terminal.
Are you ready for the October 1, 2015 Liability Shift?
Beginning October 1, 2015, all businesses that accept in-person payments must be able to take cards embedded with chips to avoid liability for fraud. The chips are more secure than magnetic stripes.
National Transaction brings the latest EMV and NFC technologies to Merchants.
NTC Clients will be able to accept contactless payment with the same NFC technology used by Apple Pay, Google Wallet and SoftCard. Additionally, the Ingenico terminals are EMV Enabled, delivering the latest in fraud prevention technology.
The new EMV enabled terminals are designed to accept EMV chip cards and magnetic stripe cards.
EMV (an acronym for Europay, MasterCard® and Visa®) is a global technology standard for payment cards.
By accepting chip cards EMV terminal, you help protect your business from card present fraud liability and prepare your business for the future of payment application technology. If your business accepts and processes a counterfeit card transaction on a non-EMV terminal, the liability for that fraudulent transaction is yours, not incurred by the card issuers.
How do you process an EMV chip card transaction?
- Insert Card. Instead of swiping, the customer will insert the card into the terminal, chip first, face up.
- Leave the Card in the Terminal. The card must remain in the terminal during the entire transaction.
- The Receipt or Enter a PIN. As prompted, the customer will sign the receipt or enter their PIN to complete the transaction.
- Remove Your Card. When the purchase is complete, remind the customer to take the card with them.
What are the benefits of having an EMV terminal?
These next generation terminals can reduce your risk of accepting counterfeit cards, as chip and PIN transactions verify both the card and the cardholder.
Eliminate your card present fraud liability exposure associated with the October 1st, 2015* liability shift imposed by the card brands.
Improve customer service for your international cardholder customer. EMV cards are already the standard in over 80 countries.
Be on the lookout for more information about how to be chip card ready before OCTOBER.
*Businesses with Automated Fuel Dispensers (also called “Pay at the Pump”) acceptance methods have until October 2017 to comply with the new standard.
Posted in Best Practices for Merchants, Credit Card Reader Terminal, Credit Card Security, EMV EuroPay MasterCard Visa, Near Field Communication Tagged with: cardholder, cards, chips cards, contactless payment, EMV, emv chip cards, EMV terminal, EuroPay, magnetic stripe cards, MasterCard, merchant, nfc, payment cards, payments, visa
May 14th, 2015 by Elma Jane
The way customers Pay In Stores Is Changing.
Chip cards are here to provide advanced security with every transaction. Accepting chip cards could be as simple as changing your payment terminal.
What do you need to know about Chip Card and EMV? Chip cards are payment cards that have an embedded chip, which offers advanced security when you use the card to pay in store. Chip cards are based on a global card payment standard called EMV (Europay, MasterCard and VISA) currently used in more than 80 countries.
Why Is it More Secured? Chip card transactions offer you advanced security for in store payments by making every transaction unique, and, more difficult to counterfeit or copy. If the card data and the one-time code are stolen, the information cannot be used to create counterfeit cards and commit fraud.
How do you know if a customer has a Chip Card? The customer’s card will have chip on the front of it, magnetic stripe remains on the back.
How to use Chip Card at the POS? Swipe the card as they normally would and follow the prompts. If the terminal is chip-enabled, it will prompt them to insert it instead. The customer should insert their card with chip toward terminal, facing up. The chip card should not be removed until the customer is prompted.
Customer will provide their signature or PIN as prompted by the terminal.
Some transactions may not require either.
When the terminal says the transaction is complete, the customer can remove their card.
Chip-enabled terminals will still accept magnetic stripe card payments for customers who do not have a chip card.
What does a chip-enabled terminal look like? They have all of the features you are used to with a payment terminal, with the addition of a slot for the customer to insert their card. The slot is typically located at the bottom or the top of the payment terminal.
How will you know if a terminal accepts chip card? During the transition to chip, customers are being told to swipe their card as they normally would and follow the prompts. If the terminal is chip-enabled, it will prompt them to insert it instead. If you have chip-enabled terminals, you can tell your customer to insert their card for a chip transaction, if a customer has a chip card.
How can you get a chip-enabled terminal? Contact your acquirer or merchant service provider.
Show your customers that you care about their information security by making the move to chip. This will ensure that your business and your customers are protected from fraud. Start accepting chip cards!
You may be liable for fraud if you don’t make the change from chip terminal. Starting October 2015, rules are changing. Merchants that accept chip will be protected from fraud losses resulting from in store counterfeit magnetic stripe card transactions just as you are today. However, liability will shift from issuers to merchants if their payment terminals are not chip-enabled for in store transactions. Fraud liability for lost or stolen cards varies by payment network. Contact your acquirer or payment services providers for more information.
Posted in Best Practices for Merchants, Credit Card Reader Terminal, Credit Card Security, EMV EuroPay MasterCard Visa, Payment Card Industry PCI Security, Point of Sale Tagged with: card data, cards, chip cards, Chip-enabled terminals, data, EMV, EuroPay, magnetic stripe, MasterCard and VISA, merchant service provider, Merchant's, payment, payment cards, payment network, payment terminal, POS, Security, terminal, transaction
April 27th, 2015 by Elma Jane
I was shopping in Kmart and didn’t understand why my Credit Card transaction was declined. My card is EMV and Kmart is EMV, but the Kmart system did not forced the transaction to run as EMV so, Citibank declined it. Kmart can loose a $600 sale can your small business afford it? If you think hiring a professional is expensive try an amatuer…
A lot of stores, specially big chain stores, have EMV capable terminals, but they haven’t turned them on yet and still force you to swipe. Some think, migration is just getting a new terminal and asking their acquirer to enable EMV on their account. Its not only about the liability shift, and the EMV equipment, It’s the lack of information for the Merchants.
There has to be training and orientation that merchants will need to invest into for their employees. As well as changing our mentality that we all need to be prepared for this upcoming transition….as both consumers and business owners.
The issuing banks can, and are starting to decline transactions when a merchant CAN use EMV but do not. EMV is coming October 2015 and if you are not ready you may loose sales, and will loose when a fraudulent card walks in your business.
Posted in Best Practices for Merchants, Credit Card Reader Terminal, Credit Card Security, EMV EuroPay MasterCard Visa, Visa MasterCard American Express Tagged with: banks, card, consumers, credit card transaction, credit-card, EMV, Merchant's, swipe, terminals
April 21st, 2015 by Elma Jane
An advanced strain of malware called “Punkey,” is capable of attacking Windows point of sale terminals, stealing cardholder data and upgrading itself while hiding in plain sight.
Researchers from Security vendor Trustwave discovered the new strain. The investigation found compromised payment card information and more than 75 infected, and active, Internet Protocol addresses for Windows POS terminals.
Punkey poses a unique threat to payment networks, particularly because it also can download updates for itself.
If the malware author has a new feature it wants to add or updates to get rid of bugs, it actually pushes the malware down from the command and control server, revealed by Trustwave’s SpiderLabs research center. Punkey operates like a typical Botnet.
The malware hides inside of the Explorer process, which exists on every Windows device and manages the opening of individual program windows. Punkey scans other processes on the terminal to find cardholder data, which it sends to the control server.
The malware performs key logging, capturing 200 keystrokes at a time. It sends the information back to its server to store passwords and other private information.
A year ago, security vendors warned retailers against using Windows XP at the point of sale, since Microsoft stopped supporting Windows XP security patches. However, even Punkey is not attacking Windows due to any vulnerability in the systems, so even merchants with newer versions of Windows are at risk.
Punkey just runs like any Windows binary would. Even if the system is upgraded or a new system is put in place, criminals are still getting malware on the POS in other ways.
Many retailers use remote desktop support software, which fraudsters take advantage of, they steal a password and install malware like a technician would install any software.
While Punkey represents a more sophisticated POS malware than Trustwave has seen previously, merchants can still protect themselves through attention to basic security best practices.
Merchants should update antivirus and firewall protections, monitor the remote access software, establish two-factor authentication and check network activity daily for anything out of the ordinary. Unfortunately, many organizations have neither the expertise nor the manpower to perform these tasks.
Posted in Best Practices for Merchants, Credit card Processing, Credit Card Reader Terminal, Credit Card Security, Mobile Point of Sale, Payment Card Industry PCI Security, Point of Sale Tagged with: card, cardholder, cardholder data, data, Malware, Merchant's, payment, payment networks, point of sale, POS terminals, retailers, terminals
March 10th, 2015 by Elma Jane
If you can’t accept credit cards for your business, you are losing out on potential revenue. Most people don’t carry more than $20 in cash with them at a time, and people who use credit cards tend to spend more than their cash-carrying counterparts.
These days you can turn your smartphone or tablet into a credit card reader, but which service should you choose? What do you need to consider when deciding?
NTC is here to help you understand all the intricacies of taking credit card payments with your smartphone or credit card.
Credit card reader or Wedge are useful in a variety of industries and for businesses of all sizes. Arts and crafts business accepting credit card payments at conventions and other events. A pub that gives its servers credit card readers rather than having to pay for everything at the bar. POS systems with a mobile integration can swipe your card on the spot rather than taking credit cards over the phone when ordering delivery.
If you work in one of these fields it might be time to think about getting a wedge:
Arts and crafts vendors: Do you sell your wares at conventions, art shows, and other big events? You could be a book reseller, an artist, a jewelry maker, a clothing retailer, or even a makeup seller.
Food Service: Food trucks were among the earliest adopters of mobile card readers, but there is no shortage of restaurants that are using them now. There are companies both offer POS systems in addition to their mobile card readers, which is perfect for delivery services.
Service providers: If you don’t have a brick-and-mortar office or base of operation where customers visit you, or if you conduct your business in your customers’ homes (carpet cleaners, plumbers, lawn care, mobile dog groomers, exterminators, etc.), a credit card reader/wedge gives you flexibility as well as credibility, as well as added security.
Understanding the Costs of Accepting Credit Card Payments
In the traditional business model, to accept credit card payments you would have to set up a merchant account. A merchant account typically entails a detailed look at your credit history and business.
Credit card companies assess a small fee to merchants for processing payments. With merchant accounts and card readers, the cost is built in and deducted automatically, so you don’t have to worry about paying it yourself. With a merchant account, you typically get lower rates because of the decreased risk.
It’s not just the standard fees that you need to worry about when you want to accept credit card payments. There are costs hidden everywhere, so let’s address some of these issues:
Internet Availability Typically, smartphone and tablet card readers need some sort of Internet connectivity, via a cellular signal or Wi-Fi. Most smartphones these days are capable of becoming Wi-Fi hotspots, so you can create your own Wi-Fi. However, this option relies on your phone’s data plan. The more transactions you make, the more data you use.
Compatibility You also need to make sure that your devices are compatible with the card reader. Check the list of compatible devices before you commit to one service over another.
Also note that you’re going to usually have to enable location services on your phone.
Card Compatibility, Manual Entry Fees, Location There are card readers that seems to work best with a specific device. You’re typically going to pay more for manually entering credit card numbers because of the greater risk – the card doesn’t have to physically be present to complete the transaction.
Likewise, you’re usually going to pay more for accepting international cards, and you’re not always going to be able to accept payments outside the U.S.
Taxes and Tips Several mobile credit card readers will let you add sales tax to the base purchase without requiring you to calculate it, which is handy if you’re not fond of math or just want the transaction to go more quickly.
As an alternative, you can build the sales tax into the listed prices, which some of your customers might appreciate.
Finally, depending on your industry, you may want to check that the credit card reader you use allows your customers to add a tip.
Time to Get Your Money The final cost to consider for credit card readers is more of a convenience fee than anything — it’s the time before you can access your money.
If you’re in a high-risk industry or have a high volume of business, you are probably better off obtaining a merchant account and using one of their mobile solutions.
You’re also going to want to worry about refunds and chargebacks. If, for whatever reason, a consumer complains to his or her credit card company and there’s a chargeback.
Features to look For in Your Credit Card Reader Features-wise, you can at least expect the basics to remain consistent across smartphone credit card readers: you can swipe cards, manually key them in, and issue receipts. It’s the little things that will ultimately set one service provider apart from the rest. Some of the things you may want to look out for include:
Record-Keeping for Cash and Checks Sure, you can manage your cash intake the old fashioned way and let your bank deal with checks. But some credit card readers, (which doesn’t actually require you to swipe cards, but more on that later) will let you create digital receipts for cash and check transactions as well.
POS Integration Depending on your needs, you might want to look for a service that has easy POS integration.
E-Commerce Integration Likewise, look for easy integration with an online store, if you have one. Easy integration is ideal for centralizing your accounts.
Accounting Integration & More Do you use an accounting service? If so, you might prefer the ability to transfer your data directly from your card swiping service to your accounting software.
Invoicing If you do custom orders, offer services, or provide goods to a business, you’re all too familiar with invoices. With some services, you can generate invoices through them and send them to clients via email. The biggest advantage to this is simply that you get your money quicker because there’s no need to cut a check and send it through snail mail.
Voids and Refunds It’s unfortunate, but you do need to make accommodations to process refunds and void transactions. Sometimes your finger slips on a key and you don’t notice until afterward, and sometimes the customer just changes their mind. Make sure that you understand how to use these features in whichever service you choose.
Card Reader Design Needless to say there is more than a bit of awkwardness trying to balance a phone with a 5.1-inch screen in your hand while also stabilizing the card reader while swiping the card. Especially when you’re working with limited table space. It’s worth looking at the card reader and the device it’s attached to and making sure that the design works for you.
Permissions for Multiple Users Do you have several employees? The ability to give permissions to multiple users comes in handy here. With it, you can enable employees (or your friends) to accept payments without giving them full access to your account. This is great if you happen to have multiple booths at events, or if you send multiple employees out on location and each one needs to be able to accept payments.
Accepting credit card payments doesn’t have to be a terrifying prospect, even if you’re running just a small-time business. You can get a mobile credit card reader for free in many cases, and while you won’t pay the lower fees associated with traditional merchant accounts, the costs are still readily manageable. What you need to consider are the hidden costs — not necessarily in the service providers, but the ones that come from using a data connection, or requiring Wi-Fi. How soon you get your money should also be a top priority.
Posted in Best Practices for Merchants, Credit Card Reader Terminal, Mobile Payments, Mobile Point of Sale, Smartphone, smartSD Cards Tagged with: (POS) systems, card reader, chargebacks, credit card reader, credit cards, e-commerce, high risk, merchant account, Merchant's, mobile card readers, mobile integration, POS, processing payments, Service providers, wedge
February 27th, 2015 by Elma Jane
Here are the Frequently Asked Questions:
You’re probably finding yourself staring at your old credit card machine and worrying about the cost of buying a new machine. The transition doesn’t have to be an expensive one, but it pays to be educated as you consider this important upgrade.
Things you need to know in the form of a brief FAQ.
Where To Buy an EMV Credit Card Terminal?
All the same places you can buy or rent a non-EMV terminal, for the most part. The vast majority of the time supported EMV machines can be reprogrammed just like their non-EMV predecessors. While credit card terminal tampering has occurred in the past, it is not common and is even less easily achieved with new EMV terminals.Terminals have built-in anti-tampering features to prevent this. Your provider is free to either charge a reprograming fee, or simply refuse to reprogram outside machines. While they can reprogram, there’s no law saying that they have to.
Is It A Must to Have an EMV-Compliant Machine?
NO BUT THERE IS RISK. NFC (Near Field Communication) is the technology used by digital wallets for contactless payments. NFC EMV terminals can be considerably more expensive than standard EMV terminals. You can buy a separate NFC reader without replacing your existing EMV terminal.
Does an EMV Chip Card Reader Cost Much?
NOT VERY MUCH! These terminals are really not more expensive that the old terminals. You can find them as cheap, especially if it’s refurbished. There’s no reason to sign on to an expensive non-cancellable lease. If you’d rather rent than own, at least look for inexpensive rental options. If you want a wireless terminal or an NFC-capable terminal, the prices will be a little bit higher. But for baseline EMV-compatible chip card readers, it’s a pretty minor investment even for a very small business.
Does EMV Terminal Upgrade Really Needed?
Technically? No, but it would be like buying a new computer and not getting a virus protection program. Worse because you have financial data on. Your CUSTOMER! Practically? You should!
If you stick with your old non-chip credit card terminal, you will still be able to run transactions. All chip cards are also equipped with the same magnetic stripe used previously, so you can still swipe them. The difference is that if one of those chip cards that you swipe is used fraudulently, you will now be liable. The rationale behind this is that if you had upgraded your terminal, the fraud could have been prevented. Therefore you are held accountable. You might be tempted to think that your small businesses is unlikely to be a victim of such fraud because it hasn’t happened in the past. But consider that all of the big retailers will be upgrading to the EMV terminals, which is likely to drive fraudsters to more vulnerable outlets (ie, small businesses). So I don’t want to be a fear-mongerer but for the fairly small business expense of a terminal upgrade you get a lot of fraud protection. If it prevents just one instance of fraud in the years to come, it has likely paid for itself many times over.
For most merchants, it’s not that expensive or difficult to switch over to EMV equipment and the insurance that the switch will provide you with is well worth the effort. So start thinking about it, and don’t wait until the last minute. The last month before the liability shift occurs in the US, equipment providers will be backed up with orders, making the transition less smooth. So there’s no time like the present to start looking into chip card machines. It might even be a good time to think about switching providers.
Posted in Best Practices for Merchants, Credit Card Reader Terminal, Credit Card Security, EMV EuroPay MasterCard Visa Tagged with: chip card readers, chip cards, contactless payments, credit card machine, credit card terminal, credit-card, Digital wallets, EMV, EMV compliant, EMV machines, EMV terminal, magnetic stripe, Merchant's, Near Field Communication, nfc, NFC reader, NFC-capable terminal, wireless terminal
January 21st, 2015 by Elma Jane
With a crucial deadline, the payments industry is starting to look at just what kind of fraud liability and how much fraud merchant acquirers will have to assume if their merchants aren’t ready to accept Europay-MasterCard-Visa (EMV) chip cards by October.
While issuers currently absorb losses under card-network rules, that burden will shift to acquirers this fall in cases where the fraud occurs at merchants unprepared for EMV.
As a result, acquirers will have to reckon with a whole new category of risk exposure.
In card-not-present transactions, acquirers have faced this, but in the overwhelming majority of cases they’ll be confronting it for the first time.
Surprisingly, for all the talk in the industry about the imminent arrival of EMV, it appears few acquiring executives have fully accounted for what the shift really means for them.
Some 24% of U.S. point-of-sale terminals are “EMV-capable,” while 9% of debit/prepaid cards issued, and 2% of credit cards have EMV chips so far. But while terminals may be technically capable, it isn’t known just how many of these merchants have the software and trained personnel to accept EMV.
Foreign issuers, especially, may be licking their chops at the prospect of offloading their consumer-fraud risk onto U.S. acquirers. For years and years, these non-U.S. issuers have invested in EMV, but the U.S. is still using the mag stripe. So non-U.S. issuers appear to be very aware of the liability shift.
To be sure, acquirers’ increased risk exposure may be relatively short-lived. Under the network rules, liability rests with the issuer in cases where both the merchant and the issuer are EMV-compliant. That could be nearly universally the case within a few years. By 2018, nearly all cards and terminals will be compliant.
But that still leaves open the question of how many of these terminals will really be running chip card transactions.
The issue isn’t so much about terminals as about software. Many mid-size merchants are using so-called integrated solutions that run payments as part of a larger business-management system. That means acquirers must work with a number of other parties to reconfigure software, and that presents a challenge when it comes to getting masses of merchants EMV-compliant.
The bigger problem is the integrated point-of-sale market.
While the liability shift may impact acquirers, not all them are convinced their exposure will rise all that much. Some argue the risk of loss from lost/stolen/counterfeit cards at the point of sale is low and not likely to rise, especially for small-ticket merchants.
Fraudsters, are much more inclined to practice their trade online, where the risk of being caught is lower, compared to face-to-face transactions.
Posted in Best Practices for Merchants, Credit card Processing, Credit Card Reader Terminal, Credit Card Security, EMV EuroPay MasterCard Visa, Visa MasterCard American Express Tagged with: card network, card-not-present, chip cards, credit cards, debit/prepaid cards, EMV, EuroPay, fraud, integrated solutions, mag stripe, MasterCard, merchant acquirers, Merchant's, payments, payments industry, point of sale, terminals, transactions, visa
