Preparing Your Gas Station and C-store for

Summer is a busy season for many gas stations and convenience stores. During the warmer weather, people plan road trips and travel more, which results in a higher demand for fuel and snacks. While some patrons make random stops, others are picky about the gas stations and c-stores they go to. It’s important to prepare your gas station and c-store to improve your summer potential. Here are some tips for setting you up for a busy, profitable season:

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The EMV Deadline Has Passed: What Should You Expect?

The April 17, 2021 EMV deadline is finally over. What does it mean for your gas station business? Let’s find out!

The deadline for gas stations and c-stores in the United States to become EMV-compliant has finally passed. The first deadline was proposed in 2015, which was revised multiple times until October 1, 2020. This was supposed to be the final deadline, but the outbreak of COVID-19 gave another lifeline to gas stations as it was further delayed to April 17, 2021. Now that we’re past the deadline, the liability for fraudulent transactions will be shifted to merchants.

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Why Do EMV Compliance Deadlines Keep Changing?

Gas station owners have had a big deadline looming over their heads for many years. By April 2021, the liability for fraudulent transactions perpetrated at fuel pumps and convenience stores will fall on merchants who don’t use EMV-compliant systems for card transactions.

The date was recently shifted from October 2020, providing merchants more time to become EMV-compliant. Gas station owners must protect themselves. Why do EMV compliance deadlines keep changing? Let’s find out.

Why Do EMV Compliance Deadlines Keep Changing?

The first EMV deadline for gas stations and convenience stores was 2015. More precisely, card issues put a liability shift deadline in place for October 1, 2015. However, many merchants experienced difficulty in shifting to EMV-compliant systems due to financial constraints and many technical factors.

The new deadline was shifted to October 1, 2017. However, as the deadline date approached, many gas station and c-store owners continued to face difficulties meeting it for various reasons. Therefore, they extended the deadline for three additional years.

The revised deadline was October 1, 2020, which was supposed to be the final deadline. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 presented numerous financial and logistical issues, making it extremely challenging for gas station owners to meet the deadline. After several weeks of consideration, VIAS reset the deadline to April 17, 2021.

To avoid any confusion, the timeline of the EMV deadline is as follows:

  • October 1, 2015: First deadline
  • October 1, 2017: Delayed deadline
  • October 1, 2020: Delayed deadline
  • April 17, 2021: Current Deadline

EMV Security Features

The EMV technology makes it virtually impossible for scammers to carry out fraudulent transactions. The EMV chip encrypts the card information sent to the issuer and automates card verification. Unlike magnetic-stripe cards, EMV cards don’t contain static data that can be stolen through card skimming devices.

As EMV chips uniquely encrypt the data at every transaction, the chances of fraudulent transactions drop significantly, protecting customers and financial institutions that suffered billions in losses due to card fraud.

Non-compliance can be costly

Gas station and c-store owners have the final opportunity to upgrade to an EMV-enabled system to avoid exposing themselves to financial liability. Merchants that continue using old systems will be responsible for fraudulent transactions that take place in their facility, which could seriously hurt their profitability.

READ: EMV – What Happens When A Station Isn’t Updated

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any of your EMV questions, concerns or to place an order. Calling 1.800.451.4021 or visit us online at www.johnwkennedyco.com for all your petroleum equipment needs. The John W. Kennedy Company appreciates your business and continued support!

ALSO READ: “Think Beyond the Deadline”: 5 Tips for Retailers Navigating the New EMV Deadline

Trends Changing the Gas Station Industry: 2021 Edition

A modern gas station.

Do you know what separates a successful gas station from an unsuccessful one? A lot of things, to be honest. But the biggest factor that comes into play is adaptability. In light of uncertain times, changes to the gas station industry are already in motion, mainly driven by consumer expectations and technology. It’s crucial for businesses to adapt and evolve to find success.

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