How does offline payment work in stores during a blackout?

The payment terminal records the transaction locally when the internet or power is interrupted. Once the network is restored, the terminal automatically transmits the transaction data to the bank for processing and debiting the account. For offline payment, a physical credit or debit card and pin are required. The card reader must remain powered (with external battery or generator in the event of a total blackout).

When will the offline payment system be available in Swiss stores?

The DEFR adopted a statement of intent for a gradual introduction of the solution. The goal is to achieve wide dissemination by the end of 2027. However, not all stores will be operational at the same time. Merchants should contact their payment terminal providers for specific reconfiguration times in their stores.

Will I have to replace my credit or debit card?

No. Existing cards in circulation should not be replaced. Only payment terminals in stores will need to be reconfigured by technicians to enable offline mode. If you have a physical credit or debit card with a chip, it will be compatible with the new offline payment system without any replacement.

What makes Switzerland special in the field of offline payments?

Switzerland is the first Central European country to adopt a widely shared solution to strengthen the resilience of electronic payments. While Sweden, Finland, Norway and Estonia use or are introducing similar systems, the Swiss approach is distinguished by the consensus reached between the public sector (Federal Council, SNB) and business representations. The declaration of intent signed in Bern represents a coordinated and national commitment.

Will contactless or smartphone payments work offline?

No. The offline payment system only works with physical credit or debit cards accompanied by the entry of the pin. Contactless payments without a pin and payments via digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) remain blocked when the internet is absent. This compromise ensures greater security against fraud during offline transactions.

Offline payments in stores: here comes the solution (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 24 August 2026

Payment terminal in retail shop during contactless card transaction, symbol of offline payment technology

From 2027 you can pay by card even without internet in Swiss stores. The DEFR adopts a new offline system to ensure continuity during blackouts.

Context

In a nutshell

Offline card payments from 2027: they also work without internet
The terminal records the transaction and transmits it to the network restore
Switzerland is the first Central European country; Sweden already uses this technology
Cards should not be replaced, just reconfigure the readers

Key facts

What: Measure for offline payments in stores with credit/debit cards
When: By the end of 2027, widespread
Where: Switzerland, announced in Bern
Who: DEFR, business representatives, Guy Parmelin (Federal Council), Martin Schlegel (SNB), Roland Pfister (Economic Supply Delegate)
Mode: Payment with PIN on physical card; terminal records and transmits when the network is restored
Power supply: Card reader must be powered (battery/generator in case of blackout)

A Statement of Intent for Payment Resilience

The Federal Department of the Economy has announced a statement of intent that will ensure the continuity of electronic payments even during internet blackouts or outages. The goal is to allow customers in Swiss stores to pay by credit or debit card even without a connection, by the end of 2027.

The event held in Bern was attended by the President of the Confederation Guy Parmelin, the President of the Swiss National Bank Martin Schlegel, the Delegate for Economic Supply Roland Pfister and representatives of companies.

Operational details

Switzerland follows the Nordic model

The offline payment system is not an absolute novelty. Sweden has been using it for years, responding to concerns about the resilience of digital infrastructure during critical outages. Countries such as Finland, Norway and Estonia are introducing similar measures.

With this mission statement, Switzerland becomes the first Central European country to adopt a widely shared and coordinated solution to strengthen the resilience of electronic payments. According to the Federal Department of Economics, the Swiss approach is distinguished by the consensus reached between the public sector (Federal Council, SNB) and the private sector (business representatives).

Concrete implications for merchants and customers

Owners of small and medium-sized Swiss stores will be able to continue to cash out even when the telecommunications network is interrupted — a guarantee of sales continuity in the event of an emergency. Customers will not have to fear being cut off from their payments during a blackout.

However, the diffusion of the solution requires a double effort. On the one hand, payment terminals must be reconfigured. On the other hand, card readers must have an alternative power source (battery or generator) to operate during power outages. For those who do not have backup batteries, the solution is not automatic and requires investment.

Offline mode works only with cards

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Key points

What merchants and customers must do

Store owners who wish to adopt the offline payment system must begin evaluating their current payment terminals. Reconfiguring the card readers is the first step. It is not necessary to purchase new devices (in most cases), but it is essential for specialized technicians to reconfigure the firmware and security systems to enable offline mode.

The second step concerns backup power. Every terminal must have access to an external battery or a generator during blackouts. Merchants will therefore need to plan for:

The purchase of UPS (uninterruptible power supply systems) or portable batteries for the terminals
Periodic maintenance of these devices
Staff training on how to handle offline payments manually if necessary

For customers, communication is crucial. Store owners should signal on social media, websites, and with in-store signs that offline payments will be available. Many customers are unaware of this option and might fear being unable to pay during a blackout. A clear communication campaign will reduce anxiety and increase trust in the system.

Timeline and available resources

By the end of 2027, the EAER estimates that the solution will see 'widespread adoption' in Switzerland. However, not all stores will be ready at the same time. Small businesses may proceed more slowly than large chains, which have dedicated IT resources.

It is advisable for merchants to inquire with their payment terminal providers about the timing and costs of reconfiguration. Local trade associations will be able to provide sector-specific guidelines and technical support during the transition.

…

Frequently Asked Questions

How does offline payment work in stores during a blackout?: The payment terminal records the transaction locally when the internet or power is interrupted. Once the network is restored, the terminal automatically transmits the transaction data to the bank for processing and debiting the account. For offline payment, a physical credit or debit card and pin are required. The card reader must remain powered (with external battery or generator in the event of a total blackout).
When will the offline payment system be available in Swiss stores?: The DEFR adopted a statement of intent for a gradual introduction of the solution. The goal is to achieve wide dissemination by the end of 2027. However, not all stores will be operational at the same time. Merchants should contact their payment terminal providers for specific reconfiguration times in their stores.
Will I have to replace my credit or debit card?: No. Existing cards in circulation should not be replaced. Only payment terminals in stores will need to be reconfigured by technicians to enable offline mode. If you have a physical credit or debit card with a chip, it will be compatible with the new offline payment system without any replacement.
What makes Switzerland special in the field of offline payments?: Switzerland is the first Central European country to adopt a widely shared solution to strengthen the resilience of electronic payments. While Sweden, Finland, Norway and Estonia use or are introducing similar systems, the Swiss approach is distinguished by the consensus reached between the public sector (Federal Council, SNB) and business representations. The declaration of intent signed in Bern represents a coordinated and national commitment.
Will contactless or smartphone payments work offline?: No. The offline payment system only works with physical credit or debit cards accompanied by the entry of the pin. Contactless payments without a pin and payments via digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) remain blocked when the internet is absent. This compromise ensures greater security against fraud during offline transactions.