Learn the ins and outs of processing EMV chip cards, including what that means and how to set it up with Lightspeed Retail. Not processing credit cards yet with Lightspeed Retail? Learn how to get started here.
Table of Contents
EMV is currently available to merchants who process credit cards with ShopKeep Payments by Lightspeed and use an eligible EMV reader. Stay tuned for future communications.
What is EMV?
EMV (Europay, Mastercard, Visa) refers to a secure way of processing credit payments using smart chip cards. When you process an EMV sale, the card creates a unique payment code that can only be used once. This ever-changing code makes it nearly impossible for someone to steal payment details. Magstripe cards, on the other hand, store information on a magnetic strip that stays the same for every transaction.
The push for EMV processing comes from credit card companies aiming to reduce fraud and shift liability when fraud does occur. This “shift” means that liability for a fraudulent sale lies with the party who is least EMV-compliant.
As a merchant, there are a few things to consider when choosing whether to use EMV. We encourage you to educate yourself and decide whether accepting EMV payments is right for your business.
EMV Hardware Setup
Once you decide to accept EMV payments, there are a few steps to getting things set up. Follow the sections below to learn how to set up an EMV-capable card reader and connect it to the register.
Card Reader Setup
Before doing anything else, you must purchase and set up an EMV-capable card reader. Visit the relevant link below to set up your reader.
iPP Series Ethernet Credit Card Reader
The iPP320 and iPP350 plug into a router and connect to the register either wirelessly over WiFi or with the register connected to the router by ethernet adapter.
With a card reader set up and EMV enabled, your register is ready to run sales with EMV chip cards. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough of the process.
Using a Clover All-in-One Credit Card Reader and Printer? Your process will be different than the steps below. Visit our Using the Clover Mini article for help running an EMV transaction.
If prompted, the customer selects a gratuity option or ‘No Tip’.
If your customers sign and tip on paper receipts, enter the tip from the signed receipt or tap ‘Adjust/Add Tip Later’ to enter the tip at a later time.
To prompt for tip entry later in the sale after inserting a credit card, toggle the BackOffice setting found in step 4c of the Enable Gratuity Settings section here.
Let’s take a look at some questions that might come up when setting up and using EMV.
How do customers use EMV chip cards?
Customers insert their EMV chip card into the card reader (as opposed to swiping it). After approval, the customer removes their card.
Am I required to accept EMV payments?
No, you are not required to accept EMV payments, but you may be held liable for fraudulent sales if you choose not to.
Will my current credit card reader continue to function after EMV is enabled for my account?
Credit card readers that are not EMV-capable, such as the iDynamo, cannot be used after EMV is enabled. Merchants who attempt to use both EMV-capable and non-capable readers at the same time risk receiving fines or being held liable for chargebacks.
What if I swipe an EMV chip card through an EMV compatible card reader?
If you swipe a card that has a chip, the register will prompt you to insert it.
Where can I buy an EMV-capable credit card reader?
EMV compatible card readers for use with Lightspeed Retail must be purchased from our online store.
Can I still run sales by swiping?
You can continue swiping cards that do not contain chips, but EMV chip cards must be inserted into the credit card reader.
Can I disable EMV payments?
EMV payments cannot be turned off or on in BackOffice. If you would like to permanently disable EMV, making your account swipe-only, contact us.
How do I add a tip or gratuity?
When running EMV sales with the store set to tips and signature on screen, gratuity is added before the card is charged (as seen above).
If the store is set for tip and signature on paper receipt, tip is added after the card is charged. There is also the option to save the sale and add the tip later.
Learn more about setting up tip and signature options here.
If you have more questions about EMV and the EMV liability shift, visit our full EMV FAQ page.
Help us improve Lightspeed Support. Was this article helpful?
