To make transactions with cards on a POS, the POS must be certified for the relevant card brand (Mastercard, Visa, etc.).
For example, if the bank wants only Visa cards to be accepted on its POS, Visa certification alone is enough. In this case, transactions cannot be made on that bank's POS with Mastercard-branded cards.
Which brands can be used on POS terminals is the bank's decision.
What does card brand certification mean?
Each card brand (Visa, Mastercard, Troy, American Express, etc.) has its own technical rules. For a POS device to accept these cards, both the device software and the acquiring bank's systems must be tested and approved for compliance with the relevant brand's rules. The certification process is carried out separately for contact and contactless transactions.
What else matters besides the card brand?
- Membership between the bank and the card brand: The acquiring bank must be a member of the relevant card brand and be authorized to accept that brand's cards.
- POS parameters: The parameters loaded on the POS define which card applications (AIDs) will be accepted. If a brand's application is not in the parameters, transactions cannot be made with that card even if certification has been completed.
- Transaction type restrictions: Even if a card brand is accepted, some transaction types, such as installments or using points, can only be made with certain cards.
What can the cardholder do?
The logos of accepted card brands are usually displayed visibly at merchants' entrances and checkouts. Before paying, you can look at these logos to see whether your card will be accepted. If your card does not go through on a POS, using another bank's POS at the same merchant, if there is one, or using a card of a different brand may be the solution.
