HSBC and the BHA are pleased to announce that the process of swapping existing ‘static’ terminals for portable units has now commenced.

We know that many of you have expressed a need for portable terminals and we are endeavouring to satisfy all requests as quickly as possible. We express sincere regret that it has taken this long.

If you have informed the BHA or HSBC that you need a portable terminal, you don’t need to take any immediate action. HSBC will be writing to you when we are ready to arrange the installation, which will be carried out by an engineer who will also provide you and your staff with training on how the terminal works.

If you have not already informed HSBC of your requirements, please call Card Processing Services on 0845 702 33 44.

All portable and mobile terminals use new wireless technology and, by their nature, can be sensitive to certain environmental factors which can affect operation. Examples of this could be thick internal walls or if a terminal is to be used over multiple floors.

If you think that these types of factors might apply to your premises, please let HSBC know when they contact you. In the majority of cases, HSBC should be able to identify a working solution for you.

Members may find the following tips helpful:

– Arrange an installation time that is convenient; you might want to avoid your busiest trading times. – Ensure that your staff (maximum of five) are on hand to receive training. – Installation and training should take approximately one hour. – Let HSBC know if you think any environmental factors at your premises might affect operation of the terminal. – Once installed, the terminal battery will usually need to be charged for 3.5 hours to ensure maximum operating efficiency – bear this in mind when arranging an installation time. – It is very important that the terminal handset is returned to its charging cradle overnight to ensure that HSBC can collect funds from it.

Some of you may operate your own point of sale equipment and you may recall previous correspondence from HSBC highlighting the need to consider upgrading for chip and PIN.

With the majority of businesses now accepting chip and PIN, the chances of fraud migrating to non-chip and PIN merchants is much increased. This exposure is likely to increase over the next six months as the ability for cardholders to ‘by-pass’ the use of PIN may be removed. HSBC urge you to discuss upgrade options with your equipment supplier if you have not already done so.

HSBC and the BHA will keep you advised on the status of portable terminals and other relevant news in future editions of the e-zine.