Credit Card Machines
The first step to having a successful business and making a profit is obtaining a credit card machine. These machines allow a merchant to process credit cards by transferring funds electronically from the cardholder’s account to the merchant’s account. This process is much quicker and safer than using cash, especially for smaller business. While credit card machines may be confusing and difficult to start using, the experts at Charge.com are here to explain everything you need to know when starting to use wireless credit card machines in your business.
To learn more about credit card machines or to talk to a Charge.com professional, call 1-888-924-2743 or contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Card Swipe Machines
What is a card swipe machine?
A card swipe machine is a device that interacts with credit cards to transfer funds electronically from the cardholder’s account to the merchant’s account. A physical payment terminal allows the user to swipe a credit card, which is then authenticated for security. Once funds are verified, the machine then initiates a transfer of funds, which take a day or two to reach the merchant’s bank account. Charge.com specifically uses our “Virtual Terminal” for online credit card purchases, in which the transaction is handled through software using a secure, encrypted process.
How do I get a credit card swiping machine?
Merchant service providers, like Charge.com, provide either physical credit card swipe machines or virtual payment terminals for a small monthly fee. These machines are typically sold or leased to merchants.
How does a card swipe machine work?
It is common for some credit card terminals to operate in conjunction with a POS (point of sale) system. These systems could range from a cash register to wireless mobile applications that attach to either a phone or tablet. Charge.com offers merchants numerous options to meet the specific requirements for what your business needs.
You can find a list of credit card payment terminals here!
What Is the Best Credit Card Machine for My Business?
If you're shopping for the best credit card machines for your business, it can be difficult to know where to start, especially if you don't know what you need. The good news is that it doesn't take much to get up to speed as long as you have the right partner helping you out.
For the uninitiated, credit card machines or terminals are tools that enable you to take and process payments. A typical payment is broken up into three main parts, consisting of authorization, submission and settlement. While the authorization deals with whether the payment should be processed, submission dictates when it will be processed and settlement defines when the funds are released.
Generally, this all happens behind the scenes while a customer swipes their card, though the actual completion of a transaction may take up to a few days depending on your account and the type of purchase, as well as what kind of credit card machine you have.
Types of Credit Card Machines
The most popular type of credit card machine is a traditional terminal that connects to the internet via a phone line or physical Ethernet cable. Some have integrated cash drawers, PIN pads, a built-in printer and other functionality, but it's essentially a device that can work alone or as part of a larger system.
The next level up in credit card machines -- also sometimes referred to as credit card swipe machines -- is an electronic device with a Bluetooth or WiFi connection that can transmit purchases back to your payment processing system. These credit card machines are more portable than standard devices in that they can be used wirelessly, though it does mean you need a strong WiFi network or a strong cellular signal to use them.
Other common credit card machines for small businesses include smart terminals with comprehensive operating systems and integrated credit card machines that provide all the accounting bells and whistles that you need on the backend to help manage your finances.
As for what's best for you, give us a call and let us help you design the right system for your needs.
Charge.com is excited to help your business get set up with all of your card swiping machine needs. Call 1-888-924-2743, get a free quote, or contact us today!