Contactless Card Signature Limit Increase for COVID-19

With physical distancing and contactless payments being top of mind, card networks are increasing CVM (card verification method) limits for contactless card payments. To help combat COVID-19, Square is increasing the limit on contactless card transactions in step with these changes. These updates will be delivered through firmware updates, and apply to the Square Reader, Square Terminal and Square Stand for Contactless and Chip and PIN.

What’s changing?

Physical distancing and contactless payments are the priority for consumers and sellers. The United Kingdom is increasing limits for contactless card payments to £45, up from £30 prior.

What’s changing for Square sellers?

Square is increasing contactless card payment limits. Customers will be able to make contactless payments up to £45 before being prompted to enter a PIN with Visa, Mastercard or American Express branded cards.

When will this change be in place?

Contactless limit increases were included as part of regular firmware updates. All hardware was updated by 16th April 2020. There’s no action sellers need to take to enable these new limits.

What payment methods does this apply to?

The new £45 limit applies to Visa, Mastercard and American Express branded contactless cards.

Note: This limit does not apply to contactless mobile payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, when verified via biometric technologies (e.g. fingerprint, face ID).