Desjardins Group announced on March 20 that it is increasing its contactless payment limit on Desjardins POS terminals from $100 to $250 in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus.

"Desjardins is aware that its members and clients are concerned, and we're actively helping to limit the spread and overall impact of COVID-19,” says Guy Cormier, president and CEO, Desjardins. “Increasing the contactless payment limit is just another way for us to help improve the well-being of people and communities."

Desjardins says the change will affect a total of 6,000 merchants and hopes that it will help shorten lines and reduce physical interaction between customers and payment terminals, and customers and employees.

Desjardins says it may announce other measures, including a limit increase for Desjardins debit cardholders.