Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) at the Till
DCC lets a foreign cardholder pay in their home currency at the point of sale, with an exchange rate set by the DCC provider rather than the card issuer. For UK shops, hotels and attractions serving tourists, clear processes reduce complaints, chargebacks and reputational risk.
Next step: Review terminals and acquiring if you process many non-GBP cards. Contact us for a quick checklist tailored to your footfall.
What the cardholder sees
The terminal or PIN pad prompts a currency choice: pay in sterling (currency of the merchant / acquirer) or in the cardholder’s billing currency. The screen should show the rate, fees and final amount in both currencies where required. Staff should never press buttons on behalf of the customer unless the customer has stated their choice — ambiguity here drives disputes.
Who earns what
DCC revenue is shared between the DCC platform, acquirer and sometimes the merchant. Your contract may include a revenue share or rebate — understand whether that creates an incentive for staff to steer customers. Regulators and card schemes care about fair presentation; “helpful” upselling that obscures a poor FX rate is a liability.
Operational training
Script simple language: “The terminal is asking whether you want to pay in pounds or in your bank’s currency — your bank may use its own rate if you choose pounds.” Keep a FAQ at the till for busy periods. Link DCC training to wider topics: international card fees and chargebacks when guests dispute FX.
Refunds and reporting
Refunds must follow the original currency path; partial refunds need care so accounting matches the guest expectation. Finance should reconcile DCC reports against EPOS Z-reads — see receipts and VAT reporting for alignment tips.
Related guides
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