EMVcompliant

EMVcompliant refers to devices or software that conform to the EMVCo specifications for processing payments using chip-based cards and mobile wallets, enabling interoperable card-present transactions worldwide. It denotes that a terminal, payment device, or software aligns with the standardized methods used by major card brands and issuers to authorize and settle transactions.

The EMV standards cover both contact and contactless interfaces and define two major testing levels: Level 1 covers the physical electrical interface and hardware characteristics of the reader, while Level 2 covers software integration and application data flows within the terminal. The specifications also address features such as offline data authentication (SDA, DDA, CDA), cryptograms (ARQC, ARPC), offline PIN verification, and terminal risk management, including support for mobile wallets and tokenization where applicable.

Certification is performed by EMVCo-licensed laboratories and the major card networks. A device or payment application must pass a suite of tests for Level 1 and Level 2, along with any network-specific requirements, before it is deemed EMVcompliant and allowed to process EMV transactions. Certification is typically updated or renewed when standards evolve, and devices may require periodic re-testing to maintain compliance.

Adopting EMVcompliant solutions improves global acceptance and reduces counterfeit fraud potential. However, EMV compliance is separate from PCI DSS and does not, by itself, guarantee security; merchants should maintain secure environments, keep software up to date, and support ongoing updates for new card types and mobile wallet technologies.