Contactless Card PIN Limit Increase for COVID-19

With physical distancing and contactless payments top of mind, card networks are increasing CVM (card verification method) limits for contactless card payments. To help combat COVID-19 and help sellers promote physical distancing, Square has increased the limit on contactless card transactions in line with these changes. This applies to all Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB branded cards or mobile wallets.

Note: Card networks may change the CVM limit at any time.

Square hardware

These updates will be automatically included through firmware updates and apply to the Square Reader, Square Terminal, Square Register, and Square Stand.

Contactless card limits

In April 2020, card networks—including Visa, American Express, and JCB—announced their support for raising contactless card payment limits from $100 to $200 across Australia. This change reduces the need for physical contact with Square hardware, as a customer's PIN will only be required on contactless card payments over $200.

Note: Mastercard has resumed a CVM (cardholder verification method) limit of $100 per contactless card payment. From 2 Feb 2023, customers paying via Mastercard must enter a PIN for contactless card payments over $100. Alternatively, customers can use a different payment card—with a Visa, American Express or JCB logo—to process contactless transactions up to $200.