Chip and Pin delays

Hominu

I don't know if there's any truth in this, but I was once told:

a) Big chains normally don't all connect to the payment providers, but instead connect to the chains processing centre, which then queues up the transactions to the payment provider, so a global increase in demand can increase the time taken to authorise a transaction.

b) Floor limits can be reduced over the Christmas period as it's far more likely for attempted fraud, with the effect that more transactions require an answer, rather than just being accepted and processed later.

c) Most contact less transactions are not affected by the above, due to guidelines and guarantees set by the issuing bank. (It's possible that some pre-pay contact less cards may be slower)

So it seems to be that the fastest way to use your card around Christmas time is to use Contact less (assuming the shop supports it and your transaction is <= £20)

Bloomberg

Dank1984 wrote: »

Thanks for the response. I would be interested I hear if anyone else has experienced the same and whether the "busy at Christmas" thing has any truth, I suppose it all connects a very busy network.

Sometimes there is a delay when the card terminal is wireless. Someone did once tell me that the speed of the Internet in that area affects how quickly the transaction is processed. The explanation about the increased volumes at Christmas also sounds quite plausible.

agrinnall

OhReally wrote: »

Well, bsms1147, I know the outragous allegation and resultant slur on my good character in you assuming I was in any way making any assumption about the OP being a troll is definitely uncalled for.

In that case your post makes no sensible contribution to this thread so you may as well delete it.

nwc389

I worked in a high street bank and every Christmas we used to get worried customers querying their balance and payments they had made so yes the card traffic slows up with the sheer volume of transactions. I have also noticed this with my own account so don't worry :beer:

colsten

Some Amex card payments in House Of Fraser took ages today but eventually went through alright.

Some Mastercard payments in other shops had no delays.