Upgrading to Chip and PIN Card Security in Your Shop

Last Updated: August 22, 2009

Upgrading

The cost of upgrading to the chip and pin system will vary considerably, and will depend on the type, size, and number of terminals and POS equipment you have.

You may need to make slight layout changes to allow disabled customers to use the pin unit, and you will also need to ensure customers have enough privacy to use the unit without their number being watched by staff, other customers or security cameras.

If you own your POS equipment, you will need to contact the supplier immediately, and if you use a computer system on your terminals, you may also need to work with the supplier of this to ensure compatibility. You could consider renting the equipment, although you will still need to change your current system to accommodate this.

If you already rent your equipment (e.g. from a supplier or bank) then you need to contact the rental company immediately, although they should do most of the work in upgrading the system.

A full upgrade can take up to 6 months, although smaller businesses can often have the system in place within 3-4 months. This increases the importance of planning and starting your changes now.

What if the Card is Not a Chip and Pin Card?

“If the customer’s card does not have a chip and pin, then you can fallback to using signatures…”

If a customer’s card does not have a chip and pin (e.g. An old or foreign card), then you can fallback to us ing signatures in the usual way to complete the sale. The sale must still be authorised either electronically or through voice authorisation.

What if the Cus tomer Forgets Their Pin Number

If a customer has forgotten their pin number, you can fallback to using signatures in the usual way. Again, the sale must still be authorised either electronically or through voice authorisation. However, this fallback is subject to change once chip and pin cards are fully in use across the country.

After the sale you should advise the customer to contact their bank to organise secure re-informing of the pin number.

Retaining Receipts

Transactions made using chip and pin systems are subject to the same rules and regulations as signature transactions. You need to keep hold of the receipts for at least three years, in case a customer has an enquiry about their transaction

Other Transactions

If your shop takes card orders in which the customer is not present (e.g. Phone or Online sales) then the chip and pin system does not apply for these transactions, although there are other forms of security check that you may need to follow. You should keep informed of legislation, as it may change once chip and pin cards are fully in use.

Chip and Pin Information Website

Downloadable PDF Leaflet you can Show to Your Customers