The first step in upgrading to Visa Chip technology is to speak with your Acquirer/Payment Processor; they can help you assess the readiness of your POS system for the Chip platform, and select the solution that best meets your business needs. This evaluation should cover the following components, which may or may not need to be modified:

• POS device
• The terminal-to-retailer host interface
• The terminal-to-retail workstation interface
• In-store terminal controllers
• The retailer-to-Acquirer/Payment Processor host interface
• Infrastructure of retailers who support their own back-office systems
• Capacity planning for retail networks that process, log and back up transactions
• Placement of terminal

Using a wireless Chip-reading terminal in your restaurant can help to increase both efficiency and protection against potential card fraud. Restaurants also have the added benefit of improving the service they deliver to the growing number of guests, international and Canadian, who will be presenting Visa Chip cards at their establishment. With wireless terminals, guests do not need to leave the table or line up to pay, and their Visa Chip card remains within sight for the duration of the transaction, providing them with an added sense of security.

The ease of learning how to use Chip & PIN can help facilitate quick and seamless uptake by your staff. Not only do staff surveyed say that training on Chip & PIN was fast;¹¹ but 81% of staff members felt Chip & PIN was easier to use than cards with a magnetic stripe,¹² and they experienced fewer errors¹³ - all of which helps promote a positive experience for customers.

Processing a Chip transaction is easy. Follow these simple steps:

1. Check for the Chip on the Visa card.
2. Instruct the customer to insert the Visa Chip card into the Chip-reading terminal. (The Visa Chip card remains in the terminal for the full duration of the transaction)
3. The Chip-reading terminal prompts the customer through the transaction.
4. Ensure the customer removes the card from the terminal when prompted.^*

^* A PIN is usually entered by the cardholder, unless indicated by the terminal that a signature is required.

To download the Chip & PIN Quick Reference Card, click here.

To find out more about implementing Chip & PIN, contact your Acquirer/Payment Processor.

¹¹ The Implications of Chip & PIN Migration: A Canadian Retailer's Perspective - J.C. Williams Group, January 2007
¹² The Retailer Experience of Chip & PIN, Centre for Retail Research - The Implications of Chip & PIN Migration: A Canadian Retailer's Perspective, J.C. Williams Group, January 2007
¹³ Survey of 600 retailers across all major business categories - The Centre for Retail Research, 2005