Small Ticket Transactions
10 March 2010
Visa Small Ticket Transactions
Visa's small ticket transaction service allows merchants to accept Visa debit, credit and prepaid cards without obtaining the cardholder's signature or PIN, for transactions under $35.
The service is designed to increase transaction speed and cardholder convenience, while reducing cash handing and operating costs for merchants.
A total of 18 merchant categories are eligible to participate in the program. These are:
- Restaurants
- Fast food outlets
- Variety stores
- Convenience stores
- Pharmacies
- News stands
- Laundries and dry cleaners
- Video rental stores
- Quick copy services
- Cinemas
- Parking stations
- Car washes
- Taxicabs
- Bus Lines
- Tolls
and more.
Visa's small ticket service has been available in the United States and parts of Asia for several years, including Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong.
Small ticket transactions are associated with minimal fraud because of their low value and the face-to-face environment.
General Questions and Answers
Q. If you don't have to sign or enter a PIN, how secure is it?
A. Small ticket transactions are subject to the same Visa card security measures as other higher value transactions. The small transactions are still processed electronically by the cardholder's financial institution.
Q. What if I lose my card or someone else uses it?
A. Every cardholder should take care of their Visa card. If you lose your card or suspect it may have been stolen, you should report this to the Lost or Stolen Hotline as soon as possible. Call 1800 224 004.
Q. Can I choose not to use this (and thereby sign or enter my PIN) for transactions under A$35?
A. Not if the merchant is participating in the service. You will not be prompted to sign or enter your PIN.
Q. Will the merchant give me a receipt?
A. No. The merchant will not provide a receipt unless you request one.