As Cyclone Alfred approaches, it's crucial to prepare not just your home and business, but also your ability to make and accept payments. Severe weather events like cyclones can lead to widespread power outages and disrupted communication networks, making it difficult to process transactions. To help you stay ready, here’s what consumers and merchants need to know about payments during this time.
Card Payments During Power Outages
Most card payments rely on power and internet connectivity. If either goes down, transactions can be interrupted. Here's how it works during a power outage:
- Limited functionality – Without power or internet, many EFTPOS terminals and mobile payment systems won't work.
- Offline processing – Some businesses can process transactions offline and complete them when service is restored. However, there’s a risk that payments might later decline, leading to potential chargebacks.
- Manual processing – While rare these days, some businesses still have manual card imprinters to capture card details for later processing.
If you’re a business owner, now is the time to check whether your payment systems support offline modes and review any limitations, such as transaction value caps.
Alternative Payment Methods
When standard card payments aren't an option, having backups is key.
For consumers:
- Cash – Always keep some cash on hand. ATMs may be down, and cash never relies on the internet.
- Mobile payment apps – If mobile networks are still operational, services like Apple Pay or Google Pay may continue to work.
- Peer-to-peer payments – Apps like Beem It can allow you to transfer funds directly if mobile data is active.
For businesses:
- Mobile payment solutions – Many merchant services, like Nexxtap, can operate using ethernet, wifi or cellular data. If your phone is charged and mobile networks are active, you can keep taking payments without relying on hardware.
- Cash – Encourage cash payments if it’s safe to do so, and consider directing customers to nearby working ATMs ahead of time.
Emergency Assistance
Financial support is often available in disaster situations:
- Government relief payments – Check with local authorities for emergency payments to assist residents.
- Bank support – Many banks offer emergency relief, like fee waivers or payment holidays during crises.
- Energy assistance – Schemes such as the Home Energy Emergency Assistance Program may be available to help cover utility costs.
Keep important contact details handy, including your bank, local council, and emergency services, in case you need to access these resources.
Tips for Secure Payments During Extreme Weather Events
Whether you’re making or taking payments, security should remain a priority:
- Confirm the identity of payees and customers, particularly when using manual processes or offline methods.
- Protect card details and avoid storing sensitive payment information insecurely.
- For businesses using offline modes, reconcile transactions as soon as systems are restored to avoid errors or fraudulent activity.
What Business Owners Can Do to Prepare
With a little planning, businesses can maintain operations and support their customers during a cyclone:
Invest in Backup Systems
- Backup power – If possible, use generators or portable chargers to keep devices powered.
- Secondary communications – Ensure your payment system can switch to a mobile network if the primary connection fails.
Adjust Operational Procedures
- Communicate clearly – Let customers know upfront if you're experiencing issues and what payment options you can accept.
- Organise your team – Allocate roles to staff to manage payments, monitor communications, and keep things moving.
Test Your Systems
Before the weather hits, test your payment terminals in offline mode and confirm that staff know how to use them. Also, double-check that your mobile payment apps are updated and ready to go.
Stay Safe and Prepared
At Nexxtap, we know that running a business doesn't stop just because the power does. By planning ahead and knowing your options, you can keep transactions flowing, support your customers, and protect your livelihood – no matter what the weather brings.
Stay safe, stay informed, and only operate your business if safe to do so.