What’s the first word that comes to mind when you think of credit cards? If it’s fraud, you’re onto something. Hacking and identity theft are at all-time highs, especially during the pandemic. As a merchant, it’s your job to minimize the risk for your consumers in order to stay in business.
One of the best ways to do that is to switch to EMV or chip technology rather than magnetic strip credit cards. Even though it’s an added expense on your part and will require a little work, there are many reasons you should consider it.
EMV is Harder to Hack
Thieves have an easy time stealing information from a magnetic strip credit card. EMV credit card processing encrypts the data, so it’s harder to hack. EMV transactions each have a unique code that’s for that transaction only. Even if hackers got a hold of it, the code wouldn’t help them on any other transaction.
When you make it harder for thieves to hack information, customers are more likely to visit your business. They don’t want to put their information at risk and when you show you’ll minimize the risk, they’ll visit your business.
Customers Want It
By now, most customers realize the importance of the chip card. Most credit card companies have replaced consumers’ credit cards with EMV cards and consumers know it’s safer. Some customers won’t visit a business if they don’t accept chip cards because they know their information is protected.
Merchant Processors May Hold You Accountable
Some merchant processors hold their merchants liable for counterfeit transactions. If a customer’s information is stolen at your place of business and it’s because you don’t accept EMV cards, the merchant processor can hold you liable for the damages.
It’s the Standard
People everywhere, including internationally, expect to pay with a chip card. If your business doesn’t have it, they may not trust you as much. Consumers want businesses up with the times, especially when it comes to security, so it’s important to show you are with the times and willing to do whatever is necessary to keep them safe.
How to Switch to EMV
It’s not as hard as you think to switch over to EMV credit card processing. You may need new equipment and there may be set up fees, but it’s a one-time charge that will pay off in spades when your customers see you taking their safety seriously.
Take Credit Card Processing Seriously
It’s important to always take credit card processing seriously. Consumers need you to protect their information and merchant processors want you to hold up your end of the bargain, too. It’s a collective effort to keep hackers away. While no one can prevent it 100%, if everyone works together, you can minimize the risk for everyone.
Adding EMV chip cards to your credit card processing protocol is the best way to keep your customers safe today.
