Visa extends EMV deadline for fuel dispensers
Visa and along with other major card associations announced they will extend the EMV liability shift deadline for automatic fuel dispensers (AFDs) from October 2020 to April 2021. The extension is a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort relieve workplaces and supply chains which have been significantly impacted by the crisis.
The EMV liability shift will require fuel retailers to adopt gas pump chip readers. The protocol will establish stronger security for gas station credit card processing and further protect retailers from fraudulent transactions. NACS (the National Association of Convenience Stores) wrote a letter to the 4 major card associations requesting the extension.
“Our retailers’ top priority at this time is providing fuel and other products to the Americans who need it most and keeping its employees and customers safe and healthy. Given the significant impediments to many retailers getting AFDs and appropriate software that accept EMV payments developed, tested, certified, and installed, we respectfully request that you delay the AFD liability shift and set a new, achievable date for that transition once the current crisis has abated,” stated the letters.
Visa, American Express and Discover have all agreed to delay the EMV requirement. MasterCard has yet to make an announcement.
**Update: MasterCard announced on may 18th, 2020 that they will extend the deadline to April 16th, 2021.
Fuel retailers can qualify for special credit card processing rates at the pump. Visit Preferred Payments to learn more.