Terminal action codes

Terminal action codes (TAC)s are EMV data objects. EMV terminals store three terminal action codes: Denial, Online, and Default.

Each TAC contains a series of bits, set by the Acquirer, which correspond to the bits in the Terminal verification results (TVR). This data object is used in the terminal's decision whether to accept, decline or go on-line for a payment transaction. TACs are a means for the card acquirer to decide under what circumstances a card should be rejected. In practice card schemes advise the TAC settings that should be used for a particular terminal type depending on its capabilities.