A payment terminal is the hardware solution that allows merchants to accept credit and debit cards as well as mobile payments (like Apple Pay) in a point of sale environment. It consists of a slot for the card and a keypad for the customer to enter their PIN or password. The terminal then transmits the necessary information to a merchant services provider or bank for verification. Once the transaction is verified, the merchant can process funds and complete the sale.
There are many different types of credit card terminals on the market, and they vary in capability and performance. Some are dedicated to credit and debit cards only, while others offer more flexible solutions for a variety of payment options like NFC and QR codes. Many also provide an array of additional features to help businesses manage inventory, insights on sales trends and customer behaviors, employee scheduling and wages, and more.
Most new terminals rely on wireless connections to transmit the required information to the processor for immediate authorization, while older legacy machines typically communicate over traditional phone lines. Depending on the needs of a business, wireless terminals may be available for use in remote areas or onboard airplanes where there are no telephone lines.
Purchasing a payment terminal is the best option for most small business owners, but if the upfront investment is too much to bear, consider taking out a short-term rental agreement instead. Just be sure the terms do not come with any long-term commitments and that the equipment can be canceled at any time, with zero penalty fees. payment terminal