What Does PCI Compliance Mean for Merchants that Own Their ATMs?
BFC Enterprises • November 19, 2023

If you own your own ATMs, Payment Card Industry (PCI) Compliance is essential for ensuring ongoing security – not just for your customers but also for your bottom line. However, with an upcoming compliance deadline of January 1, 2025, many merchant ATM owners are unsure how this impacts them directly. 

While the 2025 deadline largely applies to ATM manufacturers and processors, taking proactive steps now to meet compliance can significantly reduce your risk exposure. 

Here’s what merchants need to know.

Looming Compliance Deadlines 
According to experts at the recent at the recent National ATM Council conference in Las Vegas, NV, the 2025 PCI compliance standards require:
  • ATM manufacturers to have upgrade paths outlined and new, compliant equipment and software available.
  • Processors to accept and encrypt transactions using the latest secure key block standards.
While merchants may think this buys them time, failing to upgrade non-compliant machines can leave merchant owners and operators highly vulnerable.

Exposure from Older, Non-Compliant ATMs
Criminals actively target older ATMs that have potential vulnerabilities. This concept has been consistently proven as bad actors go after machines that have failed to block off access points, lockdown software entry points, update operating systems, or upgrade to EMV. These machines are the ones most likely to lack:
  • Encrypted PINs and data
  • Anti-skimming and tampering protections
  • Updated software security
But it’s more than attracting ATM crime. Come 2025, non-compliant ATMs will face:  
  • Supply delays if seeking last-minute upgrades or even newer ATMs, as demand spikes.
  • Greater liability if breached, as older ATMs lack security.
Though risks today appear minimal, merchants - even one ATM upgrade behind - compound their vulnerabilities. Machines that are several updates behind are just increasing their risk. More importantly, ATMs that are not fully compliant face a real possibility of taking on the liability should their machine become the target of an attack.

Partnering With a Reliable ATM Provider Can Help
Rather than shoulder the weight of liability or the ATM upgrade costs now and down the road when the inevitable mandatory security upgrade arises, merchants should consider partnering with a reliable ATM provider. BFC Enterprises, which has been in business more than three-quarters of a century, partner can take on the ownership and capital costs of maintaining upgrades and compliance of merchant machines. This includes passing off the liability associated with potentially out-of-date equipment or software.

By taking a proactive approach to ATM compliance now, merchants can focus on their business operations and making money – rather than potential risks and losses. Partnering with BFC Enterprises is an effective way to cost-effectively provide customers with secure, compliant ATMs while reducing your long-term risk exposure. 

Don’t wait until the last minute – make the smart choice for your business before January 2025. 
Contact BFC Enterprises today to see how your business can continue to provide safe and secure cash access while still benefiting from ATM surcharge income.

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