If your business uses NCR Counterpoint integrated credit card processing, there’s an important change on the horizon that deserves your attention.
NCR has announced that NCR Secure Pay will be retired in October 2026 and replaced by NCR Voyix Connect, its newer payment-processing platform. For retailers using integrated payment terminals, this isn’t simply another software update; it’s a required transition that will directly impact your ability to process credit card transactions through Counterpoint.
What’s Changing?
For years, NCR Secure Pay has served as the payment gateway connecting Counterpoint to payment processors and integrated credit card devices. As NCR continues to modernize its technology platform under the NCR Voyix brand, the company is migrating customers to NCR Voyix Connect (also known as Connected Payments).
According to NCR and partner documentation, the new platform is designed to provide:
- Enhanced payment security
- Support for newer payment technologies
- Compatibility with modern payment devices
- A more scalable cloud-based payment environment
- Expanded functionality for future payment features and services
While the underlying payment experience may feel similar to cashiers and customers, the technology behind it is changing significantly.
Why This Matters
The most important thing to understand is simple:
When NCR Secure Pay is retired, businesses that have not transitioned will no longer be able to process integrated credit card transactions through Counterpoint.
For most retailers, payment processing is mission-critical. A disruption doesn’t just create inconvenience; it can impact sales, customer service, and daily operations. That’s why planning is so important.
Is Your System Ready?
To support NCR Voyix Connect, NCR required Counterpoint version 8.6.5.5. Retailers running older versions will need to upgrade before the October 2026 deadline. In addition to the software upgrade, businesses should also review:
- Current payment hardware
- Payment processor configurations
- Multi-store environments
- Offline processing requirements
- Any custom payment-related integrations
The sooner these conversations happen, the smoother the transition will be.
Why Waiting Could Create Problems
October 2026 may seem like a long way off, but every Counterpoint retailer will be facing the same deadline. Historically, major required upgrades create a surge in demand as deadlines approach. Waiting until the last minute can lead to:
- Limited scheduling availability
- Increased project bottlenecks
- Greater risk of business disruption
By upgrading early, you gain flexibility and ensure your system is ready well before the deadline arrives.
Additional Benefits of Upgrading
Beyond payment-processing requirements, new Counterpoint releases include enhancements to streamline daily operations. Recent versions have introduced improvements such as:
- QR code loyalty support
- Enhanced pricing capabilities
- User interface improvements
- QuickBooks Online enhancements
- Continued updates to NCR Voyix payment integration features
For many retailers, the payment migration becomes a good opportunity to take advantage of these additional improvements at the same time.
How Mainspring Can Help
At Mainspring, we’re already helping retailers prepare for the Secure Pay retirement and the move to NCR Voyix Connect. Our team can help you:
- Determine whether your system requires an upgrade
- Review your current payment environment
- Identify any hardware considerations
- Plan a timeline that works for your business
- Complete the upgrade process with minimal disruption
The goal is simple: make sure your business is ready well before October 2026.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Urgent
Technology deadlines have a way of sneaking up on busy retailers. While October 2026 may feel distant today, now is the ideal time to start planning.
If you’re unsure which version of Counterpoint you’re running or whether your environment is ready for NCR Voyix Connect, contact Mainspring. We’ll help you evaluate your options and create a plan that keeps your payment processing running smoothly for years to come.
