The PCI Security Standards Council, an international organisation, establishes the security standards for payments. Payments NZ applies these standards in New Zealand by establishing deadlines for the phasing out of each new payment terminal and software version.
Removing ageing payment devices and software versions ensures that the payment system is equipped to withstand modern security threats. Non-compliant devices pose significant risks, including potential payment data breaches.
PCI 3.X devices must be upgraded by 30 June 2024. Merchants won't face penalties for non-compliance, but there is a significant risk of being disconnected from the payment network. This would render your EFTPOS terminal inoperable.
*Offer only available to new and returning Eftpos New Zealand customers upon signing up for EFTPOS device rental services on a 36 month subscription basis. The offer is for free monthly terminal rental for 12 months and free surcharging for 36 months. Additional fees will apply, including Verifone Payment Network fees. All Eftpos services are supplied under and are subject to, the terms and conditions contained in the Eftpos NZ Services Agreement. This offer is only available until 11.59 pm on April 30.
Expect delays in terminal shipments as the deadline approaches due to the high volume of businesses upgrading.
If you're going to the trouble of swapping out your EFTPOS terminal, why not take this opportunity to see how your current provider stacks up against the competition?
If your terminal provider hasn't reached out about this change, contact your bank for guidance.
Did you know that New Zealand has over 100 EFTPOS providers? Different providers offer different terminal brands. Eftpos NZ offers Verifone EFTPOS terminals, well-known for their premium quality.
It's important to understand what support options your EFTPOS provider offers. Can they support you 24/7/365?
Eftpos NZ customers can get help with everything, from installation and troubleshooting to billing enquiries on one easy-to-remember phone number.
Support services
It's essential to know what plans and policies your provider has in place for replacing a faulty terminal. How quickly can they deliver a replacement terminal to your business, and what measures do they have in place to minimise any disruptions?
We offer overnight delivery for non-rural terminal replacements. Eftpos NZ Field reps always have EFTPOS terminals on hand for immediate swaps and we also have 'Rescue Sites' nationwide where you can pick up a replacement terminal. To further reduce any impact on your business, we offer a service called Swap Box, allowing you to lease a spare terminal at a discounted rate.
Make sure you understand how your provider manages compliance upgrades. In most cases, we can upgrade our customers' payment software remotely without impacting trading. If a physical upgrade is required, we proactively upgrade the device for free.
PCI 3.x devices are approaching their sunset date. If you still have a PCI 3.x EFTPOS terminal after June 30, you risk disconnection from your payment network rendering your device inoperable.
Yes, the sunset date has been revised twice. The original date was April 2020. This was extended to 31 October 2023 and then again to 30 June 2024 to give terminal providers sufficient time to complete the removal of PCI 3.x devices from the EFTPOS networks. This was largely due to challenges in the supply chain caused by COVID-19.
If you're an Eftpos NZ customer you don't need to do anything. Your terminal is either already compliant, or we'll be in touch about upgrading you well ahead of the deadline.
It's standard practice for EFTPOS terminal providers to proactively upgrade their customers for PCI security compliance upgrades. However, there are still thousands of PCI 3.X devices in-market and many providers do not have capacity to upgrade all of their customers in time.
We recommend upgrading ASAP to avoid delays caused by high demand closer to the deadline. After June 30, your PCI 3.x device is at risk of disconnection from the payment network. Thousands of PCI 3.x devices are still connected to the payment networks and time is running out. For many terminal providers, there is simply not enough time left to upgrade all their customers.
Payments NZ is the governing body in New Zealand that establishes device lifecycle dates based on the international PCI PIN Transaction Security Point of Interaction Standard.
As fraud techniques and technology evolves rapidly, each payment security standard has a finite lifespan. PCI retires its standards when it deems them no longer sufficient, pushing the industry towards adopting newer, more robust security protocols. This system guarantees the ongoing protection of sensitive card data, keeping it safe from unauthorised breaches by ensuring that EFTPOS devices are equipped with advanced and secure technology. This proactive approach ensures that businesses stay ahead of potential threats and maintains the integrity of their payment systems.
Contact your EFTPOS terminal provider. If you haven't heard from your provider, contact your bank for advice. Our team can help too. We can check your terminal software and provide a quick and easy upgrade if you need it.