Desjardins Increases Tap Payment Limit on Desjardins Terminals Due to COVID-19

Montreal-based Desjardins has announced an increase to contactless payment limits on its terminals for customers, as part of “preventive measures to help limit the spread of coronavirus.”

The cooperative financial group says the measure is in response to the federal government’s recommendations to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Desjardins terminals will see tap payments now work for purchases up to $250, up from the previous $100 limit. The changes start today, Friday, March 20, at over 6,000 merchants and will apply to all Desjardins credit cardholders.

“Desjardins is aware that its members and clients are concerned, and we’re actively helping to limit the spread and overall impact of COVID-19. Increasing the contactless payment limit is just another way for us to help improve the well-being of people and communities,” said Desjardins CEO and President Guy Cormier, in a statement.

The temporary increase on tap payments at pharmacies, grocery stores and convenience stores aims to reduce lines and wait times, as these services are seeing increased demands during the COVID-19 outbreak.



While the tap limit increase only applies to Desjardins credit cardholders, the company says it is considering offering a limit increase for debit cardholders in the future.

Back in December 2016, Desjardins launched support for Apple Pay for its customers, enabling them to use their iPhone or Apple Watch as a mobile wallet. For those paying with Apple Pay at Desjardins terminals, shopping just got a bit more convenient as you no longer need to take out your physical credit card for transactions above $100.