There are a number of compliance requirements for using a Chip and PIN machine and there are also a number of things you can do to enhance your customer’s use of your Chip and PIN machine. The following are a few tips and steps to take once you have your new debit card terminal(s) installed on your business premises.
- Always put the card into the machine, even if you suspect that it isn’t a Chip and PIN debit card. It’s always best to be sure, and the majority of Chip and PIN Machines will tell you if a signature is required; although there are not many cards that require this anymore.
- Always ensure that if the card requires a signature to accept payment that you follow the normal rules of security measures. Some people may still use a signature strip card and especially those from overseas. It is important to enable everyone to pay with as minimum fuss as possible.
- Ensure that your debit card terminal is positioned in order to help the customer enter their PIN number easily and discretely. Customers will not feel comfortable entering their PIN number if everyone around them can see the numbers they are pressing on the keypad.
- Be calm if a customer cannot remember their PIN number or enters it incorrectly. This does not mean that you have a thief in front of you, or some kind of fraudster, it is often a simple mistake. If the card locks out and won’t allow the customer to pay for their goods and services advise them to go to call their bank or credit card company on the phone in order to sort it out, and ask them if they can offer any alternative payment methods. If you have a shop procedure for this sort of thing then follow this also. Forgetting your PIN number is a common problem and you should do your best not to embarrass your customer.
What if I cannot yet accept debit cards?
If you don’t yet use a terminal with chip and pin capabilities, then your business will almost certainly still be at risk of having to pay for fraudulent transactions when they occur. In order to minimise the risk of this, simply upgrade your current hardware, to a Chip and PIN machine which will help prevent a large amount of payment fraud.
You should consider contacting your business bank for information about accepting debit cards, or alternatively contact a credit payment processing professional who can take away all the hassle in setting up your payment processing solutions. In many cases you can remain with your own business bank account and just depend on them for the payment processing. It is certainly worth getting the extra security of Chip and PIN machines and maximising payment methods for your customers.