According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the spread of COVID-19 occurs when people are in close contact (less than 6 feet) with an infected person. CHS is committed to maintaining cleanliness and sanitation, especially in high-traffic areas, as we continue to navigate in the coming weeks. Please see below for two actions retailers should be aware of to help reduce the spread of COVID-19:

Last week, CHS released a statement to our retailers regarding the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic.

1. No Signatures Required for In-Store Transactions

In an effort to promote social distancing and reduce in-store wait times, CHS has modified the signature requirement for most in-store transactions.*

Effective immediately, retailers processing through CHS Payment Solutions are no longer required to seek cardholder signatures for inside sales, regardless of the amount, until further notice. The Point of Sale (POS) may still print a signature line or prompt for an electronic signature, but no signature is required in order to complete the transaction.

*When there are additional terms or conditions of the sale (e.g., a car rental agreement or an installment payment agreement), or if the merchant has a restricted refund policy (e.g., all sales final, store credit only, etc.), merchants would still want to obtain a signature from the cardholder agreeing to the terms.

2. Cleaning and Disinfecting of POS PIN Pads and Dispensers

While equipment must be disinfected, it is important to follow proper sanitation steps to ensure equipment is not damaged in the process. Please see below for sanitation tips for POS equipment:

• Cleaning: POS equipment should be gently cleaned with water using a lightly damp microfiber cloth. Do not spray water directly onto equipment. Do not use solvents, detergents, brushes with hard bristles, or abrasive cleaners.*
• Disinfecting: After cleaning, equipment may be disinfected using a wipe or cleaner applied to a microfiber cloth. Do not spray, coat or pour any disinfectant or other liquid directly onto equipment. Recommended disinfecting agents:
  • Simple Green^® All Purpose Cleaner
  • CAF^® OTIS Super Concentrate Multi Surface Cleaner
  • Windex^® Ammonia-Free
  • Dawn^® Ultra Platinum Dishwashing Liquid
  • Simoniz^® Tru Blue Liquid Cleaner

*The use of bleach, thinner, trichloroethylene, or ketone-based solvents can deteriorate plastic, rubber, and dispensers. Damage caused due to the use of improper disinfecting agents or practices will not be covered under warranties.

During unprecedented times like this, it is important to also ensure you are taking precautionary measures to protect your customers, employees and vendors. Be on the lookout for fraudsters attempting to take advantage of the current pandemic to gain financial or cardholder information. Please keep in mind CHS will never ask you for financial information or statements. If you receive a request of this nature, please contact CHSPayment Solutions immediately.

If you have any questions, please contact CHS Payment Solutions at 800-852-5301.