Visa is encouraging merchants to reduce physical contact with point of sale (POS) terminals through contactless technology. The tap to pay option is recommended following the evolving global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Tap to pay involves the use of wireless technology. Customers can make secure payments by simply tapping their cards at checkout without having to physically interact with POS terminals and employees.
Merchants who have already implemented the tap to pay option can also help reduce the risk of COVID-19 by encouraging their customers to pay by tapping their cards as well. Visa also advises that the contactless POS terminals face customers to make them easier to reach and make the transaction process as easy as possible.
For merchants who would like to have additional signage for customer health and safety, Visa is offering free materials over on its Merchant Signage website. Signage products that can be ordered include decals, mats, and terminal toppers.
Businesses should also take note that the Visa Easy Payment Service (VEPS) allows for transactions to occur without the need of a customer verification method (CVM). These methods can include signatures and PIN numbers. In addition to creating a seamless checkout process, the VEPS option reduces the need for physical contact.
Visa’s announcement outlines further actions that merchants should take to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19. This includes the transaction amount confirmations through the use of POS terminals, since it is not a requirement. Printed receipts for transactions should also be reconsidered, since they may be provided to customers electronically instead.
In terms of maintaining customer relationships and loyalty, Visa advises that phone numbers and email addresses should be captured verbally as opposed to asking customers to key in their information.
For merchants who would like further information on how to get their workplace protected against COVID-19, they can visit the World Health Organization (WHO) website.
As for businesses who have not yet implemented contactless payment methods, they can visit Visa’s website to learn more about deploying the technology.
