Self-preparedness for recieving payments at points of sale
The payment system in Norway is efficient and secure, and serious disruptions are rarely experienced at points of sale in Norway. Even though solutions are secure and business continuity arrangements are in place, problems may nevertheless arise. To ensure that points of sale can receive customer payments even during disruptions to regular payment solutions, Norges Bank recommends that points of sale consider the following self-preparedness measures:
Multiple card solutions
As a backup, when one specific card solution does not function, payment terminals should support multiple card solutions via both physical cards and mobile phone digital cards.
Payment terminal alternatives
Alternative payment channels provide a backup solution when customers cannot make terminal-based card payments. Examples include the generation of payment requests using QR codes and mobile apps.
Offline payments
Offline payments provide a backup solution when the payment terminal has no connection with the central payment infrastructure. Payments will be sent from the terminal once connection is re-established.
Backup cash register systems
Access to an independent backup solution for both cash register systems and payment terminals provides support when regular cash register systems do not work.
Cash
Cash payments provide backup when other payment solutions are unavailable, and consumers have a statutory right to pay with cash at points of sale. Both regular cash register systems and backup cash register systems must therefore support cash payments. Points of sale should also have some change available for both types of system.
General self-preparedness supports payment preparedness
In some scenarios, the effect of the aforementioned preparedness measures also depends on more general preparedness measures being in place. In line with general recommendations from Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB - in Norwegian only), the following contingency measures should also be considered:
Alternative lines of communication
Access to multiple lines of communication for cash register systems and payment terminals provides a point of sale with backup solutions if the primary line of communication is disrupted.
Emergency power supply
Although backup solutions for communication, cash register systems and payment terminals can be powered by batteries for a limited time, other functions may require an emergency power supply.
Contingency plans and exercises
Well-functioning contingency solutions depend on points of sale staff knowing how to use them, and a regularly rehearsed contingency plan is an important tool in this regard.
