TMG Clients Issue 'Tap And Go' EMV Debit Cards

More than half of TMG’s credit and debit EMV portfolio is composed of dual-interface chip cards

(Des Moines, Iowa – August 31, 2016) – In partnership with payments processor TMG, community financial institution issuers have begun issuing dual-interface EMV chip debit cards. Among those issuers moving forward with the migration of their debit cards to this “tap and go” configuration is Vermont State Employees Credit Union (VSECU). 

For VSECU, which completed the dual-interface EMV migration of its credit card portfolio in early summer 2015, continuity between its debit and credit card programs is important. “Many of our members have both credit cards and debit cards with the credit union, so providing a similar experience across platforms was a key factor in our decision to move forward on the debit side,” said Victoria Boudreault, VSECU vice president of operations. “Consumers across the board are much more educated today on the value of EMV chip cards in the fight against card fraud, and that includes our membership base. We anticipate that higher level of understanding will have a positive impact on the transition to EMV debit cards.”

The dual interface configuration allows debit cardholders to transact three ways at the point of sale: 1) inserting into an EMV terminal; 2) tapping at an EMV terminal; or 3) swiping at a non-EMV terminal. 

According to the Smart Card Alliance, “tap and go,” or contactless, functionality may lead to increased volumes because the transactions replace those typically made using cash. In a June 2016 white paper, the alliance wrote: 

“More frequent use creates a top-of-wallet card for everyday purchases. Industry studies have found a clear correlation between contactless adoption and preference for a particular card, illustrating that a contactless payments solution may help drive top-of-wallet behavior.” 

Additionally, several of the largest issuers in the U.S. have studied contactless transaction times and reported speeds up to 63 percent faster than a traditional card.

More than half of TMG’s credit and debit EMV portfolio is composed of dual-interface chip cards. In a July 2016 survey of TMG clients, 30 percent of participants indicated they will issue dual-interface EMV debit cards. Another 30 percent said they would not. The remaining survey participants were unsure. 

“’Tap and go’ transactions are about speeding up the check-out process, as well as grooming consumers and merchants for future mobile payments experiences,” said Chole Casber, TMG product manager and a member of the U.S. Payments Forum workgroup to support EMV instant issuance. “There are going to be bumps in the road as more merchants turn on their EMV terminals’ contactless functions. However, in the tests we’ve conducted with TMG clients, contactless transactions have been largely error free.” Casber added TMG has consulted with both local and national merchants on behalf of its issuing clients to adjust terminal programming for effective dual-interface acceptance.  

TMG began assisting credit-card issuing clients with EMV conversions in 2010 and rolled out its first EMV chip credit card alongside a client that same year. In August of 2015, TMG was among the first group service providers in the U.S. to issue EMV chip debit cards. Today, 99 percent of TMG’s credit clients are enabled for EMV, and EMV now accounts for 45 percent of TMG’s entire card portfolio.

 
About TMG

TMG is dedicated to creating customized, technology-driven card processing and payment solutions for credit unions and community-based financial institutions across North America. Innovations in fraud management, loyalty programs, alternative payment systems and analytic reporting, and the competitive advantages they create, have helped TMG forge a new standard in offering cutting-edge credit, debit, ATM, prepaid card products and a P2P payment solution. For more information, visit www.tmg.global.

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