First Data's Unified Network Payment Solutions Certified for Chip

Chip card technology offers the latest development in improved security for electronic payments in Canada and is set to become the industry standard for credit and debit card payments in the country. UNPS will work closely with new and existing merchants to determine plans for migration to chip terminals.

“We are committed to offering our customers security, reliability and quality solutions, and we feel that chip technology embodies each of these key areas,” said Peter Harrington, President, Latin America and Canada, First Data. “First Data has been able to leverage its extensive chip technology experience around the world where we have successfully launched chip card products and services to customers in Europe and Australia.”

With the completion of the certification process, UNPS will participate in the chip technology trial in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. This trial allows members of the payment card industry to test the infrastructure and devices in a controlled manner prior to a national roll-out.

“MasterCard is pleased to see that First Data and UNPS continue to expand their service offering to meet the growing needs of their customers,” said Kevin Stanton, President, MasterCard Canada. “We look forward to continuing to work together supporting merchants as they transition to chip in the coming months and years.”

"Chip technology will better protect merchants and consumers from counterfeit fraud," said Derek Fry, President, Visa Canada. "On behalf of Visa, congratulations to First Data and UNPS for achieving the certification standard and moving forward with the launch of chip technology."