How to keep your EFTPOS terminal running during an outage
Everything you need to know about keeping your business running during a service disruption or an outage.
What happens during a service interruption?
If your terminal is unable to communicate with the bank, the terminal will automatically switch to Electronic Fall Back (EFB) Mode.
Is the Bank of Melbourne EFTPOS Network down?
What is Electronic Fall Back (EFB) mode?
Electronic Fall Back (EFB) mode allows the EFTPOS terminal to continue to process transactions even when the network is unavailable.1 Transactions are stored offline by the terminal, and once service has been restored, the terminal will forward the transactions to the bank for processing. This helps minimise the impact of major service disruptions on your business.
Do I need to get an Authorisation for transactions processed in Electronic Fall Back (EFB) mode?
There are limits in place for EFB, which is the total transaction value you will be able to process when your terminal cannot connect to the bank. If your transaction exceeds this limit, your EFTPOS terminal will prompt the operator to take appropriate action in Electronic Fall Back mode.
- For credit card transactions that are over your credit card EFB limit, you’ll need to call 1300 301 831 to obtain an authorisation number.
- Debit card transactions for eftpos cheque and savings that are over your debit card EFB limit cannot be processed. Please ask your customer for an alternative means of payment.
Remember: You will be required to enter your 7 digit Merchant number when prompted. This number can be found on any of the following:
- A receipt printed on your terminal.
- Your Merchant Statement.
How does Electronic Fall Back (EFB) mode work?
EFB mode is automatically enabled on your terminal once it meets the following criteria:
EFTPOS Connect
- The terminal must be switched ON and placed on the base (where applicable) when processing. (If the terminal is turned OFF, restart by performing your Bank Logon).
- The transaction should be below the set EFB limits. Debit and credit cards may have different EFB limits in place.
- The transactions can’t be contactless or through other payment-enabled devices. You’ll need to ask your customers to insert or swipe their card so they can be processed.
- Some card issuers may restrict EFB on certain credit and debit card transactions.
EFTPOS Now
- The transaction should be below the set EFB limits. Debit and credit cards may have different EFB limits in place.
- The transactions may be contactless however payment-enabled devices may not be used.
- Some card issuers may restrict EFB on certain credit and debit card transactions.
Remember: You’ll need to ask for a signature on each transaction, even if the customer enters a PIN.
How does my terminal connect during outage?
We recommend you have Wi-Fi set-up on your terminal, at all times, so it is ready during a service interruption. Your terminal will automatically switch to Wi-Fi, if it's already setup.
Your EFTPOS Connect terminal automatically connects to the bank via the Linkly IP Gateway. If your main communication method is down, the terminal will automatically switch to the 4G mobile network as back-up.1
Alternatively, if your terminal is unable to communicate with the bank, the terminal will automatically switch to Electronic Fall Back (EFB) mode.
The Detail
1. Subject to network availability. 4G backup is not available for Linkly Cloud connectivity. Refer to Quick Reference Guide (PDF 538KB) & User Guide (PDF 1MB) for details.
2. Wi-Fi/Hotspot availability is dependent on your network provider and may be unavailable if your network provider is down.