MasterCard, Visa Push Gas Pump EMV Migration Deadline To 2020

MasterCard and Visa have announced they are pushing back the EMV activation deadline at US automatic fuel dispensers (AFD) from October 2017 to October 2020. The EMV liability shift at ATMs will take place as planned, on Oct. 1, 2017.

The fuel industry has struggled to upgrade to EMV chip technology, because of complications in infrastructure and technology specific to fuel pumps. According to the payment card companies, AFDs’ conformity with EMV is more complicated than previously thought, because there are regulatory and implementation challenges that need more planning and time.

“During this interim period, Visa will monitor AFD fraud trends closely and work with merchants, acquirers and issuers to help mitigate any potential counterfeit fraud exposure at AFDs,” says Visa in a release on its site.  

The postponement decision was taken by both MasterCard and Visa after detailed discussions with fuel merchants, stakeholders, issuers, and acquirers.

A news update by MasterCard has reaffirmed its commitment to work “closely with our fuel partners, station owners, industry associations and third-party vendors to ensure a smooth transition to EMV.”