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Frequently Asked Questions on Account Truncation |
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Account number suppression is a requirement from Visa, MasterCard, the federal government and in many states |
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What does "account number truncation" mean?
Although individual states' requirements may vary, Chase Paymentech's products have been designed to comply with the following
definition. Account number truncation is the suppression of the expiration date and all but the last four digits of the
cardholder's account number on electronically printed transaction receipts provided to the cardholder.
Do I have to provide account number truncation on every single receipt?
No. Visa/MasterCard account number truncation rules do not apply to handwritten or manually imprinted receipts, nor do they
apply to the merchant's copy of the receipt. In some point of sale product configurations (i.e: restaurant applications), the
merchant's copy of the receipt may be needed to re-enter transactions that may be lost during a power outage or equipment
failure.
Why is account number truncation necessary?
In an age of increasing awareness and concerns over protecting private information and reducing fraud, the credit card industry
and many states have enacted laws and regulations to protect personal account information.
How do I know if my POS terminal is compliant or not?
To be compliant with card association rules, you should not see more than the last four digits of the cardholder number on the
receipt, nor should you see the card expiration date.
When do the new requirements go into effect?
For newly deployed terminals - immediately. Visa required that all terminals deployed after July 1, 2003 be in compliance
immediately. Terminals that were in use prior to July 1, 2003 must comply by July 1, 2006. MasterCard has set its new and
existing terminal deadline at April 1, 2005. Meeting the Visa/MasterCard deadlines will meet federal deadlines. Individual
state deadlines will vary, and in many cases the deadline for compliance has passed. To read about the state rules and regulations,
you can link to your state website on the account truncation information
page, or for a discussion of the federal FCRA deadlines download
this pdf document from the FTC.
What do I do if I am not in compliance?
If your terminal prints a full cardholder account number and/or the card expiration date on the customer receipt, contact your
account representative to ask for upgrade assistance.
What are the penalties if I am not compliant?
Penalties for non-compliance vary. We encourage you to visit your state's legislative website and the website of the Federal
Trade Commission for information and to learn the specific penalties.
How much will this cost me to upgrade and comply?
Chase Paymentech offers a broad array of compliant equipment and application software choices. Some customers will only require a new
application - which we will download for you at no cost. Other customers may need to purchase an upgraded terminal. Please call
your account manager to learn more about your business' requirements.
If you need further assistance please contact your account representative.
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