A Sky Without Limits, or Infinity and EMV

CHip-B-W-968x1024Chicken Little once said that the sky is falling.  Yet it still remains intact above us.  So while the transition from magnetic stripe to EMV might seem like a shift of cataclysmic proportions, the sky is not falling.  Your company will successfully transition from magnetic stripe to EMV (many already have), and next time you look outside your window, you’ll see the billowy clouds resting above, and not on the ground.

Yet we also understand that with anything new comes fear.  It’s normal.  So we’ve put together a few facts to calm your nerves.  We want you—the sagacious business owner that you are—to continue to make calm, smart decisions over the course of the transition.

Are you with us?  Well, here goes:

  • A transaction using EMV technology will take around 60 seconds compared to under 2 seconds with a magnetic stripe card. Magstripe cards are swiped and provide the terminal with the credit card number and expiration date, which can be easily copied by a card reader.  EMV terminals, on the other hand, require customers to “dip” the chip and verify customer data, which takes just a short while longer.  During this time, the Chip and Terminal begin a conversation.  Chip says, “Please authorize this transaction.”   Terminal replies, “I’ll need to make sure you’re valid.  I’ll also need to provide your card with a special code unique to this transaction because we can’t have any fraudsters trying to take your info.”  Chip responds, “Sounds great.”  Terminal says, “Now please sign, or enter your pin number.”  EMV takes a few more seconds than a magstripe transaction, but your data is more secure. 

 

  • Don’t panic. Although EMV has been adopted in Europe for over a decade, cards in the US still have a magnetic stripe.  Card companies have accounted for the ongoing transition by allowing terminals to still accept magnetic stripe cards. Card issuers expect the full transition to take anywhere from three to five years.

 

  • The term “liability shift” sounds pretty intense, like if you’re not prepared, the earth will shift, and you’ll fall off the edge of it. Oh, Copernicus.  Well, flat-earth jokes aside, the liability shift is not that cruel.  It is simply a method to eliminate fraud.  Starting October 2015, the party—either the business or banking institution—with the lesser technology will be responsible for the cost of fraud.  Instead of thinking of the liability shift as a way for others to make money off of your hard work, think of it instead as a way to ensure all parties are working together to eliminate fraud, which cost US consumers $16 billion last year alone.

 

In short, the sky is not falling, and EMV is not the end of the world.  Instead, it seems to be the beginning to new possibilities for business owners.  It might be an uncharted territory, but EMV will provide companies with the tools to chart their own course by allowing them to directly address fraud, a concern that leaves many involved feeling powerless.  So next time you look at the sky, we at COCARD hope that you view it with possibility, and nothing less than that.

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The Truth About EMV!

emv

True.  Bats see just fine, and in spite of the idiom “blind as a bat”, bats really have no reason to serve as the benchmark for people with less than perfect eyesight.

Popular myths aside, fall is indeed upon us, which means that the start date of October 1st for the liability shift is near.  Are you prepared?

To test your EMV preparedness, see if you can determine whether each statement is true or false.

There really is no proof that EMV is a safer way to protect data.

False, false, and false.  Let’s look at two case studies.  Since introducing EMV technology in 2004, the United Kingdom reported 62% less fraud in 2013.  Canada has also reduced fraud losses to $29.5 million since transitioning to EMV technology.  Fraud in Canada is down 79% from losses in 2009 ($142 million).  With EMV technology responsible for the significant decrease in fraud in the UK and Canada, the technology aims to also decrease fraud in the United States as well, which currently accounts for nearly half of fraud worldwide.

All businesses—small and large—should be EMV-compliant.

True.  No business is too small to adopt EMV technology.  While it might be assumed that businesses with larger sales should adopt this technology, small businesses should also be sure to protect their sales as well.  Leave it to a pesky fraudster to think ahead and target a small business because the merchant assumed that fraudsters only targeted larger companies.  Prevent being caught off guard by being one step ahead of those who want to steal from you.

Adopting EMV technology is expensive.

For the business owner that thinks long term, false.  The average cost of an EMV terminal is between $400 and $700.  The average bill on a fraudulent card is $399.  You do the math.  While one fraudulent transaction probably won’t destroy you, starting October 1st, you, and not the associated bank, will be responsible for repaying losses resulting from fraud if your business is NOT EMV compliant.  You will also be penalized for the fraud that could have been avoided by installing an EMV card terminal.  When you add it all up, $400 to $700 is a small investment compared to the possible cost of not adopting the technology.  What’s more, card processors such as COCARD often discount card readers.  So call us today, and we will work within your budget.

In addition to business owners, employees should also be trained on how to properly use EMV technology.

True.  While you are schooling yourself on the ABC’s of EMV, don’t leave your employees in the dark.  Whether through workshops, a training program, or printed manuals, employees should understand how card terminals work for both themselves and customers who need assistance.  COCARD can work with you to develop a training program that’s right for your company.

So how did you do?  Did you get the right answers?  Regardless, this information will be useful as your company prepares for the coming liability shift and transition to EMV.  With foresight, you can protect your company from fraud and ensure, to the best of your ability, an environment that maximizes both security and profits.  There’s nothing batty about it, EMV we mean.

 

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EMV FAQs

AMX-CHASE-B-W-1024x992Watch out—the future has arrived. And they call it EMV. As the target date for businesses to accept EMV payment cards draws near, make sure your business is ready to transition seamlessly from magnetic stripe cards to EMV. October 1st is upon us. Are you ready?

This list of FAQs will help you answer lingering questions and stay abreast of new developments with EMV technology.

What does EMV stand for?

It is an acronym for its developers Europay, Mastercard and Visa.

What’s the main difference between the cards we use now and EMV cards?

Magnetic stripe cards are the cards currently used in the United States and have a magnetic strip on the back. These cards are swiped through a card reader and contain static financial information that can be easily duplicated by card readers. EMV cards, on the other hand, contain a microchip that produces a new code with each transaction, preventing fraudsters from gaining access to sensitive data on the card. EMV cards are therefore more secure than magnetic stripe cards, and are responsible for a worldwide decrease in fraud.

How will switching to EMV directly benefit my business?

Great question. EMV will benefit your business threefold. First, your risk of chargebacks based on fraudulent transactions is greatly reduced. Whereas banks bore the brunt of the financial weight for fraud in the past, companies that have not adopted EMV technology will now be held accountable starting October 1st, when the liability shift starts. Adopting EMV technology will protect your business from costs associated with fraud. Second, as technology evolves faster than you can say Darwin, EMV is simply the beginning. Most of the hardware that accepts EMV will also allow your business to accept payment innovations such as mobile apps (i.e. mobile couponing and loyalty programs) and contactless payments. Third, you will be able to accept payment from visitors from other countries. Much of the world has already adopted this technology and no longer uses magnetic stripe cards. So prepare your business to increase profits by switching to a payment technology that more people can use.

I’ve been hearing the term “liability shift” a lot lately. What exactly is it?

It is when liability for card fraud switches from banking institutions to merchants. On October 1, 2015, businesses that aren’t updated to accept EMV cards will be held responsible for card swiped transactions on EMV capable cards that are found to be fraudulent. And penalties can be costly, particularly for small businesses. However, if your business is EMV-compatible, you will not be held accountable for fraudulent transactions.

As a small business owner, every penny counts. How much will it cost me to install an EMV-capable terminal?

EMV card readers cost between $400 and $700 but are often discounted through payment processors such as COCARD. Speak with us today—your EMV solution might even be free.

One thing to remember is that as the United States fully transitions to using EMV technology, cards will include both the microchip and magnetic strip. The process is expected to take anywhere between three and five years.

COCARD aims to develop our reputation as experts on EMV. We will continue to keep you posted on new developments and new ways of looking at this groundbreaking technology.

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The Basic Guide to EMV

FullSizeRenderMaybe you’ve already gotten a glimpse; a customer pulls a credit card out of his or her wallet, and as they swipe, you see a chip that’s embedded in the card. Don’t freak out. You don’t have to work at Google to get it. You just have to understand a few simple points about this new chip.

Let’s demystify the mystery, decode the data, and simplify the complexity of EMV.

Use these tips as a basic guide to bring your company into a new era of safer, more secure transactions.

 

• Update, update, update. EMV technology is new to the US, and the truth is that not all POS machines are already EMV-capable. What this means is that you should check both your hardware and software to see which components (whether some or all) should be updated, which brings us to our next point.

• Stay connected with all parties involved. No EMV machine is an island unto itself. Your POS system requires cooperation with your bank, processor, and other individuals or companies connected to your POS system. Find out what they have to say about EMV to stay current with any updates regarding the technology. It will allow for a more seamless transition.

• Think smart. Plan ahead, and stay one step ahead of the game. Once you’ve got the ball rolling on updating your POS system, consider other ways in which your system can stay smart. This includes considering a cloud-based POS or tablet solution like Revonu POS by COCARD.

• Consider COCARD. If you are considering a POS provider, we have a number of options available for POS systems and can help you decide if a new system is right for you.

• Carry an umbrella. You should always plan for a rainy day. Although it’s unlikely, there is always the slight possibility that your POS will break down. It isn’t fair, we know; but stuff happens. You should make a back-up plan to prepare for the off chance of the unexpected. Did you know that the Revonu package by COCARD includes a FREE EMV terminal?

• Teach your employees to fish. We promise, this is the last metaphor. Here at COCARD, we believe that employees should be trained in the ways of EMV. That means that they should understand the technology and know how to use it. After all, having truly knowledgeable employees makes the company look good.

So that’s it, six key points to remember about EMV. As you continue to learn more about this new technology, use this as a basic guide during your company’s transition to EMV.

The EMV experts at COCARD are available to answer any questions you may have!
800-317-1819 or support@cocard.info

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Revonu Point-of-Sale system.

Say goodbye to a one-size-fits-all solution for your business and say hello to Revonu!

A white revonu point-of-sale system showing android tablet with restaurant pos software running.Integrated hardware,cloud software & payment solutions.

Spend more time on the front-end of your business with our simple and cost-effective combined point of sale solution. By pairing state-of-the-art hardware with reliable cloud software and PCI compliant merchant processing, we’ve eliminated the hassle of dealing with multiple providers while allowing access to your business 24/7.

For more information about Revonu call 1-800-317-1819, email revonu@cocard.info or visit Revonu at http://cocard.info/products/revonu/

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What EMV Means to You, The Business Owner

FullSizeRenderDid you know that nearly half of all credit card fraud worldwide occurs in the United States? Considering that only 24% of credit card sales are made in the US, this number is surprisingly high. To combat fraud, the United States is currently transitioning to credit cards that use EMV technology, which will increase security and reduce fraud for all credit card transactions. The technology is slated to revolutionize the way you do business by allowing merchants to transition to a safer standard of payment processing.

What exactly is EMV, you might ask? Taken from the name of its original developers Europay, Mastercard, and Visa, the technology includes a microchip embedded into a credit card that produces a one-time code each time it is used. A customer will still verify the transaction with either a signature, pin number or both. Small transactions, however, may not require either.

Because a new code is produced with each transaction, the cardholder’s personal information remains secure. Here’s why.

If a hacker does in fact steal information from a specific point of sale and replicates the card, the new card will be denied since the information on the original card changes with each new transaction. The stolen information is invalid—it was only valid with the cardholder at the time of purchase.

Cards with magnetic stripes, on the other hand, can be duplicated easily with a card-reading device. This device skims card information allowing criminals to create counterfeit cards.

Eighty countries have already adopted EMV chip technology. The United States will be one of the last countries to adopt this technology. By the end of 2015, the United States will have issued 70% of credit cards and 40% of debit cards as EMV cards.

What this means for merchants is that your business will need to soon become EMV-compliant, if it isn’t already.

The target date to acquire this technology will be October 1st of this year, at which point the Liability Shift starts. Merchants who are EMV-compliant will not be liable for losses due to card fraud; but if a merchant is not EMV-compliant, he or she will bear the cost of fraudulent activity. Prior to, banks were responsible for bearing the costs associated with card fraud.

To ease the transition, which is estimated to take three to five years, credit and debit cards issued in the United States will include both microchips and magnetic stripes.

The future of payment processing is upon us. Prepare your business to succeed by working with COCARD to transition to EMV technology today.

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How to Have Your Best Business Vacation Ever

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A recent survey done by American Express OPEN shows that small business owners are more comfortable taking summer vacations this year than any other year during the recession.

According to the survey, a reported 60% of respondents (small business owners) are planning a week-long vacation for this summer. This is a tremendous leap from last year’s record low 49%, and the highest percentage since 2006. The Small Business Monitor is crediting this increase to a rise in economic confidence on behalf of business owners, as well as in general optimism for sales.

Because so many small business owners are going on vacation this summer, it may be hard to keep the balance in the workplace. Here are a few tips to help you keep your business on track, so you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

Stop waiting for the perfect trip

For many business owners, the only reason they don’t actually take a vacation is because they don’t believe any options are convenient. Constantly looking for the perfect week in Paris, or that extended stay in Hawaii, business owners can miss simple opportunities to just get away. It doesn’t have to be fancy or extravagant, just somewhere that‘s unfamiliar and keeps your mind away from your office. A trip to the mountains can provide you solitude that promotes both productivity and relaxation. Wherever you decide to go, just go somewhere.

Plan for your return

Although you’re leaving your office for a period of time, you’re probably still thinking about everything that’s still left to be done in your absence. Instead of beating yourself up about what needs to get done, make a list of everything you want to accomplish on your return, and leave it at that. Make a few quick edits or additions to the list when an idea hits you, but other than that, make the list and leave it alone.

Sleep in

This can be a very hard concept to grasp when you actually have the time to do it. A lot of us get so caught up in the daily grind of waking up early and going to bed late, when we actually have the time to rest, it almost feels wrong. Catch up on all the sleep you’ve missed in recent weeks, and make it a point to do EVERYTHING on your own time. You spend every waking moment living on a schedule, how about you just take the day on as it comes?

Check in when YOU feel like it

Many small business owners tend to forget that the purpose of a vacation is to actually get away from work. Often times, owners will get sucked into making sure things are still on track while they’re away from the office. A true vacation means unplugging completely from work and only providing contact for emergency situations. Obviously, it’s not recommended that you abandon your staff in entirety, so putting a little time aside each day to check emails and voice messages is a good strategy. Maybe thirty minutes here or there, just don’t let staying in the loop dictate your vacation.

Bring your family

Working with your own business can have you so consumed in your office culture that you lose touch with the whole reason you’re even there; make sure to include your close friends and family on your vacation to restore balance to your life. Catch up with friends, see how your kid is feeling, give your significant other a day of attention. Don’t lose the queen trying to protect the castle.

Give your employees the reins, see who steps up

In any business, there are employees beneath the managers who have high potential to lead in the future. When you take your leave, make sure you let these people know the responsibilities and expectations you have set for them. They should be the ones that you know can keep your business moving seamlessly in your absence. Who works the fastest? Who gets the most done each day? Who understands your vision? These are important questions to ask, and the answers that you get will ultimately decide who is next in line to run your business.

Enjoy the moment

This may sound like a cut-and-dry statement, but always take time to actually appreciate your vacation. Stop and look, try some food you’ve never had before, take a lot of pictures; do everything in your power to make the trip as memorable as possible. Often times, moments of inspiration and epiphanies hit us when we are at the peak of positive thought. You may become inspired with an ingenious business idea while enjoying your time off, and who knows, it could make all the difference for your next quarter.

Get excited!

Although planning a vacation somewhere can be stressful for a multitude of reasons, that’s still not a good enough reason to dread the process. Sure, packing, booking, and the actual traveling process can be a tax, but once all of that is out of the way, you feel great! Often times, just anticipating a new adventure can be enough to get you through a tough day you’re having. Use the potential for a great, memorable experience to motivate you through your last few days of work. Having something to look forward to boosts your morale, happiness, and promotes positive thought.

 

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Meet Rex, Weekend Support Specialist

rex

Take some time getting to know one of CoCard’s most promising employees, Technical Support Specialist, Rex Peterson!

Currently a Computer Science major at Georgia State University, Rex’s love for coding, mobile applications, and all things tech has led him to CoCard’s headquarters in Decatur. His strong knowledge of Mandarin Chinese and program development makes him a fully qualified member of CoCard’s bilingual support team.

Rex is the newest member of our weekend support team, available to assist you when nobody else can. Rex is in place and on call to answer any questions regarding technical support, customer transaction services, and terminal download assistance.

Aren’t you tired of constantly dealing with automated voices and answering machines? Stop wasting time and money sitting on hold, and start receiving intelligent, insightful tech assistance from our 24/7 support staff! Call us for support today!

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