Governor Issues Guidance on Points of Purchase Best Practices

Governor Brian P. Kemp joined the American Transaction Processors Coalition, Georgia Retail Association, and Georgia Food Industry Association Sunday in issuing guidance regarding the use of PIN numbers and other best practices at points of purchase as Georgia continues to fight the spread of COVID-19.

Under Consumer Tips, Kemp advises using payment options such as Apple Pay or Tap and Pay.

Clean your credit and debit cards using soap, hand sanitizer, or alcohol after each use.

Maintain control of your card, whenever possible, rather than handing it to the merchant.

If asked for a signature, PIN, or other information at the payment terminal, use your own pen (for signing) or a personal stylus (for touchscreens) if you can.

If using home delivery services, pay in advance through a website, app, or telephone.

Meanwhile, merchants and ATM owners are encouraged to clean and disinfect terminals frequently and implement some changes to the payment process to reduce consumer interaction with equipment.

Also, they should use 60% or higher alcohol-based hand sanitizer, card reader cleaners, and alcohol-based disinfectant wipes, or glass cleaner.

Merchants are also advised to clean checkout and payment terminal area frequently (or after each transaction, if possible).

Governor Kemp’s shelter in place order allows for the suspension of the use of PIN pads, PIN entry devices, electronic capture signature, and any other credit card receipt signature requirements if it is permitted by underlying credit card agency and company agreements.

Retailers should ensure EBT card users can continue to access PIN pads to enter this information during transactions.