Start Accepting MasterCard® PayPass™

Putting PayPass to Work

If you have followed all the steps outlined in the previous phases, you’re just about ready to start offering the speed and convenience of PayPass to your customers. This section offers information on conducting a pilot, along with suggestions and best practices for implementation and beyond.

Final Pilot Checklist

You're ready to pilot PayPass if you have addressed all of the following questions:

• Is the merchant authorization terminal connected to high-speed lines (highly recommended)?


• Do terminal capabilities records indicate that the terminal can accept PayPass transactions?


• Have you checked your ability to populate the POS entry mode identifier (by passing entry mode information from the POS terminal/ECR to processing systems)?


• Have you coded the correct POS entry mode and POS Card Data Terminal Input Capability (DE 22 and DE 61) in the authorization and clearing records that are transmitted to MasterCard?


• Have you fully tested to ensure that PayPass transactions are processed correctly?


• Have you asked your acquirer for reports that specifically identify PayPass transactions?


• Have you taught your cashiers to identify PayPass cards and devices, and explained that some devices may not have a signature panel?


• Have you completed all necessary testing?

Conduct a Pilot

A pilot will help ensure that cashiers are adequately trained, software and hardware are working correctly, and your site is set up correctly before you move to wider deployment. Here are the key steps:

• Install Pilot Locations
• Ensure the terminal/reader is permanently mounted to avoid damage.
• If using a standalone reader, ensure it is permanently mounted and not mounted directly on metal as this could reduce read range.
• Make sure the terminal/reader is installed where it is visible to the customer and not adversely affected by other factors, such as direct sunlight.
• Ensure your cabling and wiring is installed securely and tightly to avoid disconnection.
• Once the Equipment is Installed
• Confirm that the terminal/reader is set up correctly.
• Check to make sure the power is on for both the terminal and the reader.
• Make sure the reader can communicate to the terminal.
• Validate transactions as appropriate for magnetic stripe and MasterCard PayPass (credit, signature debit, PIN debit/ PIN suppression).
• Make sure all point-of-purchase materials are in place.
• Perform Training

Perform training so all managers and workers understand the new terminal/reader, how contactless transactions work, which brands are accepted, and what to do if there is a problem.

• Perform an Audit of the Pilot Site

Verify:

• A PayPass decal has been placed on the door
• Staff members are fully knowledgeable
• The reader is set up and facing the customer
• Reader functions are audible and visible
• Validate Transaction Processing and Data Integrity, (Both Credit and Debit)
• Observe and Record Problems, Solutions, and Opportunities at the Pilot Location(s)

Make recommendations accordingly, such as:

• Installation best practices
• Point-of-purchase materials that encourage trial and adoption
• Ways to enhance employee understanding
• How to address problems using contactless devices
• Adjust Processes as Necessary and Integrate Key “Lessons Learned” Before Initiating a Full Roll-Out

Implement and Monitor Roll-out

After a successful pilot, you’ll be able to confidently roll out your software and hardware to all designated locations. To help ensure that your customers have a positive PayPass experience at your stores, you need to continuously monitor and actively address any issues that arise during and after implementation.

The following steps will help to ensure the success of your rollout:

• Determine the rollout schedule. The schedule should correspond appropriately with sales cycles to avoid disruptions at peak periods such as the holiday season.
• Validate data element compliance as locations come online.
• Maintain PayPass awareness among your staff through continuous education and reinforcement-especially as any changes are made.
• Conduct random testing and mystery shopping of the sites to ensure quality and completeness of implementation. Ongoing monitoring should be done on a regular basis.
• Display PayPass POS signage to let customers know MasterCard PayPass is accepted.

Ensure Ongoing Success

You and your customers are most likely to benefit from PayPass if you make an ongoing effort to ensure success by taking the following steps:

• Create a team responsible for ongoing maintenance and support of the contactless infrastructure. Among other things, the team should make sure that POS software upgrades do not affect acceptance or Data Element compliance.
• Identify all ongoing support needs-from technical specifications to documentation, from test facilities to telephones.
• Remember to schedule future implementations to account for your sales cycle and avoid disruptions at peak periods, such as the holiday season.
• Make sure any and all program changes are fully planned and documented. 
• Prominently display PayPass POS signage to let consumers know that MasterCard PayPass is proudly accepted.

Tap & Go Troubleshooting Guide (PDF - Size: 284 kb)

Congratulations, and welcome to the speed and convenience of PayPass!