In Harvey’s Wake, First Data Offers Free Clovers To Aid Impacted Businesses

First Data said Saturday that in the wake of the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, the company will send thousands of its Clover Go mobile credit and debit card readers to small businesses (SMBs) in Houston and the surrounding area.

The devices are being offered free of charge to business owners who were hit by the hurricane, and service offerings, also free of charge, include free device installation and discounted pricing.

Clover Go is, as First Data has described it, an EMV-enabled mobile card reader that works with mobile devices spanning iOS, smartphones and Android tablets and allows for secure payments. The device is battery-powered and enables credit and debit card payments through swipe and dip methodologies, along with platforms such as Apple Pay.

First Data also said for current clients whose payment hardware was destroyed by the unprecedented storm, new Clover devices can be had for no charge. For companies that are not currently First Data clients, the free Clover Go devices are offered with no setup fees and no attendant minimum monthly fee for the next six months.

In the release, First Data said that SMBs can get the free technology across a number of conduits, from picking them up at a command center at a Houston JW Marriott, or through www.FirstData.com/HurricaneHarveyRelief or through the toll-free hotline 1-844-882-2438.

In the release, Frank Bisignano, chairman and CEO said, “The lessons of 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and superstorm Sandy remind us that one of the most crucial steps toward recovery is to help small business owners open their doors and start serving their customers. Whether a business needs to replace a payment device damaged in the storm or set up shop in a temporary location with a mobile payment reader, we hope that our efforts can help impacted businesses get up and running quickly.”