Help, EMV is Haunting Me!

Help! I’ve read so many different things about EMV, Chip and Pin, Chip and Dip and Smart Cards, what do I actually need to know?

EMV stands for Europay, Mastercard, Visa. EMV essentially means that your credit cards will have a tiny chip in them. This chip acts as a mini computer which will help to keep your credit card secure.


Alright, I get that, but what does that mean for me as a retailer?

By not accepting EMV, there is a liability shift from the banks to the retailers.

No, you wont be fined for not accepting EMV.

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Mag Stripe cards (no chip)

Don’t expect all credit cards to ave chips by October 1st or even the end of 2015. If a customer has an older, non-chip credit card they would like to use, you will not be liable for any fraudulent charges.

Swipe: Your bank is liable for fraudulent charges
Dip: It is not possible with these cards, swipe instead!

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EMV chip cards (will also include magstripe)

EMV chip cards can be identified by their embedded chip on the front of the card. These cards will also have a magnetic stripe on the back, but in order to protect yourself, you need to dip* any chip cards presented to you.

Dip: Your bank is liable for fraudulent charges
Swipe: You are liable for fraudulent charges!

*Dipping a credit card means to insert the chip into a EMV compatible reader


What do I need to have to be able to accept EMV?

Ingenico isc250 credit card readerEven though there are lots of steps included in being able to accept EMV, the only additional piece of hardware you need is an Ingenico isc250. And remember, RCS will be there for you throughout the whole process!