Kiosk EMV Certification: Shortcuts to a Painless Process

Close-up of a credit card chip with embossed numbers partially visible, showcasing its EMV compliance. The card features a red and gold color scheme, focusing on the metallic chips detailed grid-like pattern.

Last Updated on July 6, 2026 by Craig Allen Keefner

Quick Answer

To expedite EMV certification for kiosks, businesses can first assess if existing hardware supports chip reading or opt for new chip-ready devices from providers like UCP. Leveraging current applications with minimal modifications and utilizing pre-configured payment communication options, such as Credit Call's ChipDNA integrated with KioWare kiosk software (Version 7.3.0 and higher), can significantly reduce implementation time. Additionally, choosing EMV pre-certified solutions helps bypass extensive paperwork and processing delays, accelerating overall compliance.

If you are still in the early stages of converting your hardware and systems to an EMV compliant solution, you will want to consider the following shortcuts and hints to a painless EMV solution.

For those that have relatively new hardware. . . Find out if your existing hardware will be updated or supplemented to provide chip reading capabilities. Depending on the age of your hardware, you may find that vendors are offering updates to allow your device to read “chip” technology. If your hardware vendor will not be providing hardware updates, you will need to select a hardware option that is chip ready. Chip ready hardware can be purchased via companies like UCP (Unattended Card Payments).

Use your existing application or website. While you may find that this is an opportune time for an update, you may find time savings by using your existing application with a few modifications to hardware and payment processing. There is no need to reinvent something that works effectively and is not in need of an update. There are simple hardware and software solutions that do not require a complete system redesign.

Upgrade your hardware (if necessary) & use pre-configured payment communication options. Certainly, your hardware needs to not only be chip ready, but it must also accommodate secure data transfer via software and payment gateway. By selecting hardware and software that can become compliant with the flip of the proverbial switch, you can upgrade your system without the need to make complex changes later, to finalize the update. It may be a challenge to identify companies that are prepared to go live with EMV via the flip of the proverbial switch. Finding those that are already integrated can be an enormous time saving from implementation to certification. Payment gateway Credit Call offers ChipDNA, which allows hardware to communicate financial information to Credit Call via KioWare kiosk software using the ChipDNA API. KioWare’s configuration (available in Version 7.3.0 and higher) offers a simple drop down with no programming required.

Take advantage of EMV pre-certified solutions. EMV compliance is not just the act of making a system secure, but also obtaining the official certification that verifies that your system is secure. the entire system Credit Call ChipDNA/KioWare system is EMV certified without requiring the paperwork and processing time that other solutions may require.

Other systems may also come with EMV pre-certification. Additional information can be found here:

Six Tips for becoming EMV Compliant

What Can US Retailers Learn from UK about Chip & Pin

KioWare’s ChipDNA Solution

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What are the Frequently Asked Questions about EMV Certification for Kiosks?

1 What are the initial steps to make existing kiosk hardware EMV compliant?

Begin by determining if your current hardware can be updated to support chip reading technology. If not, you'll need to select new chip-ready hardware, potentially from companies like UCP. The article also suggests leveraging your existing application with minimal modifications to save time.

2 How can kiosk software facilitate a smoother EMV certification process?

Kiosk software can significantly simplify EMV certification by providing pre-configured payment communication options. For example, KioWare (Version 7.3.0 and higher) integrates with Credit Call's ChipDNA API, offering a simple dropdown configuration that requires no programming. This allows hardware to securely communicate financial information.

3 Are there specific vendor solutions that streamline EMV integration for kiosks?

Yes, the article points to vendors that can help streamline EMV integration. UCP (Unattended Card Payments) is mentioned for providing chip-ready hardware. Additionally, the integration between KioWare kiosk software and Credit Call's ChipDNA API is highlighted as a solution that simplifies secure data transfer and can expedite the certification process.

4 What strategies can minimize system redesigns during an EMV upgrade?

To minimize system redesigns, consider using your existing application with only necessary hardware and payment processing modifications. Prioritize selecting hardware and software solutions that are already designed for EMV compliance, allowing for simpler upgrades without extensive future changes. This approach helps avoid reinventing effective existing systems.