April 2026 marks a key moment for many businesses. Payments NZ has confirmed that any EFTPOS terminals using the PCI 4.x security standard must be replaced by 30 April 2026. From that date, these devices will be removed from the network and stop working. This isn’t new news—Payments NZ has had this deadline in place since 2017, giving businesses and providers plenty of time to prepare.
How the EFTPOS Device Lifecycle Works
Payments NZ uses a device lifecycle framework to manage payment terminal security and network safety. It works in three stages:
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No new registrations – they stop accepting new models based on older standards.
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No new connections – they prevent any new devices of that model from joining the network.
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Sunset date – existing devices are phased out and must be removed.
For PCI 4.x terminals in New Zealand:
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No new connections allowed from 30 April 2024
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Mandatory disconnection (sunset) by 30 April 2026
Why the Deadline Matters for Your Business
1. Security and reliability
Older technology can be more vulnerable to fraud. Replacing PCI 4.x terminals helps keep payments safe and your business protected.
2. Avoiding disruption
Once the sunset date passes, your terminal may be disconnected. Businesses caught off guard may lose card payment capability until replacement.
3. Planning time is limited
With around 15,000 PCI 4.x devices still in use, competition for replacements will pick up. Acting early reduces risk of delay.
What You Can Do
The safest step? Check your terminal today, and organise your upgrade if needed. That way, you avoid disruption and can keep serving customers smoothly:
- Check your terminal’s model
- Use the Payments NZ Device Register or download our PCI 4.x checklist to see if your terminal is listed.
- If your device is PCI 4.x, arrange an upgrade early to avoid the rush and stay connected.
If you're an Eftpos NZ subscription customer, you're covered. Your terminal is already compliant.
Read our FAQs about the 2026 EFTPOS upgrade here.
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