NFC World

Metlink, the transportation agency for the Greater Wellington region of New Zealand, has ceased accepting cash payments on all buses, trains, ferries and stations “to stay one step ahead of Covid-19 and give our passengers and staff more peace of mind”. The move forms part of a package of measures Metlink is introducing. “To encourage […]

Norway is increasing the transaction limit for BankAxept domestic contactless debit card payments from 400 kr (US$34.28) to 500 kr (US$42.84) “in order to minimise the number of physical touch points where infection can be transmitted”. “The change comes into effect as of today, and is out in the biggest chains and pharmacies over the

Contactless transaction limits are to more than double from 120 Turkish lira (US$18.29) to 250 lira ($38.11), Soner Canko, chair of the Turkish Interbank Card Center (BKM) has announced. “In the first 11 days of March, when the coronavirus outbreak knocked on Turkey’s door, the rate of using contactless payment methods via cards and smartphones

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has issued a statement strongly encouraging banking customers “to take advantage of digital and online banking services as a measure to protect the health and safety for UAE residents.” CBUAE also recommends that residents use contactless and mobile payments wherever possible. “You should be able to use a

Poland has doubled the country’s contactless card transaction limit from 50 zloty (US$11.85) to 100 zloty ($23.71). The move follows a request made by Minister of Finance Tadeusz Kościński to Visa and Mastercard on 18 March. “In response to the expectations of the regulator, traders and consumers, on March 19, 2020, the limit applicable in

Canadian financial services group Desjardins has increased the contactless transaction limit from C$100 (US$69.72) to C$250 ($174.31) “on Desjardins terminals for Desjardins credit cardholders.” “Desjardins credit cardholders can take advantage of the temporary increase in pharmacies, grocery stores and convenience stores,” the company says. “The change will affect a total of 6,000 merchants.” “Depending on

“Whenever possible, use cashless payments, contactless and mobile payments,” Georgia’s central bank has urged the country’s citizens. “Since any item, including money, can be contaminated with bacteria or viruses, the National Bank of Georgia urges residents to follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the National Center for Disease Control of Georgia when

ANZ is to provide free contactless debit transactions “for eligible small business customers” in New Zealand until 30 June, the bank has announced. The move is part of a package of measures to support small businesses and promote contactless payments during the Covid-19 crisis. There is “more support for small businesses to come,” the bank

Banks in Ireland have agreed to increase the contactless transaction limit from €30 (US$32.17) to €50 (US$53.54) “to minimise the handling of cash amid Covid-19”, The Irish Times reports. The increase has been requested by Ireland’s Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, and is expected to take until 1 April to be fully in place. “Sources

The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) has increased the purchase limit for Atheer contactless domestic debit card transactions from SAR 100 (US$26.61) to SAR 300 (US$79.84), in a bid to reduce the spread of novel coronavirus. SAMA announced the plan on 18 March — and set a deadline of 20 March for the change to