Payment options are limited at BC Ferries terminals and many retail outlets due to an issue with a third party payment processor on Friday, Dec. 22. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

poor timing

UPDATE: Payment issues resolved for holiday shoppers and travellers

Dec 22, 2023 | 1:03 PM

UPDATE — Moneris have announced issues earlier impacting customers from using debit and credit cards have been resolved.

– – –

EARLIER — NANAIMO — Just in time for one of the busiest shopping and travel days of the year, issues have arisen with credit and debit card payments.

BC Ferries is among many service providers and retailers reporting issues accepting payment via debit or credit cards on Friday, Dec. 22.

“Due to a service outage with our third party payment processing vendor, BC Ferries is experiencing fleetwide service disruptions related to debit and credit card transactions at terminals and on board vessels,” a statement from the company reads.

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The company said there will be delays, noting payments for travel or on-board purchases will have to be made manually.

Bringing cash to BC Ferries terminals is advised for the time being.

Moneris, one of Canada’s largest payment processors tweeted Friday afternoon they were having some issues.

The payment disruption comes as over 150 addition sailings are scheduled for the holiday period, beginning Thursday, Dec. 21 and running through Jan. 2.

Thirty-four crossings have been added between Nanaimo’s Departure Bay terminal and Horseshoe Bay.

A further 112 will go between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay.

“Typically, the most popular travel time over the holidays before Christmas Day is December 23 for traffic moving from the Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay terminals to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.”

Payment challenges are also affecting some retailers in the Nanaimo area, with Mastercard reportedly not able to be processed while Visa payments were seemingly unaffected.

The situation may change from retailer to retailer.

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