GAITHERSBURG, MD - Visa has given ExxonMobil branded retailers an extension until December 31 to update their EPOS systems, according to a story that was first reported last week in industry publication Oil Express.

Previously, retailers were expected to adhere to Visa??s July 1 deadline.

In a letter to jobbers obtained by the publication, Exxon branded wholesale manager Chris Mahoney said that Visa and the oil company??s acquiring bank "recognize the challenges you face to be PCI-compliant by July 1, 2010, and have agreed to extend your compliance date."

The new deadline means that POS devices that are designated "end-of-life" by Exxon (Gilbarco G-Sites, Ruby without Sapphire, and the Omni 3300) must be replaced or upgraded by December 31 with certified devices (Wayne Nucleus, Gilbarco Passport, Ruby Sapphire, Allied Pinnacle, AlliedRetalix or Vx570). All other POS devices that do not meet PCI requirements must be upgraded by August 1, 2012.

As part of the arrangement, ExxonMobil will make report more frequently on retailers?? progress on upgrading.

"Now that equipment and software is available from the POS vendors, it is imperative that all branded wholesalers continue with site upgrades and make regular progress," Mahoney noted in a letter to jobbers obtained by Oil Express. "Failure to demonstrate appropriate progress may result in fines or penalties from Visa which may be passed on" to wholesalers.

Shell, ConocoPhillips and BP had previously made requests to Visa to delay the PCI-compliance deadline.