Credit Card Machines
Credit card machines, also known as credit card terminals, have become commonplace in most businesses today. There are three basic types of credit card machines available. These include the basic machine, the wireless machine, and the virtual machine.
The basic credit card machine is the most common and although these machines come in different shapes and sizes they all function in pretty much the same way. Either the cashier or the customer swipes their credit or debit card through a magnetic strip reader. If required, the customer then enters a PIN number in order to authorize the transaction. The credit card machine then transmits an electronic request for the amount of the customer's purchase from their credit or bank account.
Basic credit card machines all have the same basic features. They all have a keypad, a magnetic strip reader, and a display screen.
-The keypads can be built into the machine itself or it can be a separate handheld pad that connects to the machine. They keys on credit card machines tend to vary in the number and size. Those with more buttons allow you the freedom of being able to program certain keys to perform those functions that you use the most. Bigger keys make it easier for people with eyesight problems and larger fingers thus lowering the possibility of entering the wrong PIN.
-Many basic credit card machines have display screens, most of which are backlit in order to make it easier to see the information being displayed. Some of them also have touch pad screens where the customer can enter their PIN number by touching the screen with their finger or a plastic pen.
-Basic credit card machines also include a printer that prints out a receipt for every transaction and if a credit card is used, an authorization slip that the customer must sign in order to authorize a transaction. The printer can either be built into the credit card machine or it can be a separate machine that connects to it.
The wireless credit card machine has many advantages over the basic credit card machine. It works in very much the same way as the basic credit card machine except that it processes transactions much quicker and it is geared more towards mobile businesses such as cab drivers or delivery drivers. It is programmed with an internal wireless service and runs on battery power therefore it does not require a phone line or a power outlet, which make it perfect for use in the mobile market. Also, the printer is built in making it much more practical because you do not have to carry around a separate printer. The only downfall to wireless credit card machines is that there is always the potential for losing your connection due to loss of signal.
The Virtual credit card terminal does not require any machine other than a computer. All transactions are processed by logging into a secure website and entering the required information. This type of credit card processing is perfect for transactions done via phone, fax, email, or website. The virtual terminal has a great advantage over both the basic and the wireless credit card machines because you can access it from any computer, anywhere in the world.
With the influx of people using credit and debit cards over the last several years, it is almost a necessity for businesses to have the capability to process credit card transactions. With three options available, just about any business can be equipped with a credit card machine that fits their needs.