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1. #BEST CREDIT CARD TERMINAL FOR SMALL BUSINESS HOW TO#
2. #BEST CREDIT CARD TERMINAL FOR SMALL BUSINESS FULL#

For example, First Data (a processing company) offers the FD line of processing equipment. Somewhere in the middle are machines offered by processors that allow them to be used with any processing company on their platform. Equipment manufacturers like Ingenico and Verifone offer universal terminals – you can use them with any processor that supports them. Processing companies like Square offer proprietary terminals – you can only use those machines with Square processing. If it’s made by an equipment manufacturer, it will be open to multiple processors. (Or check our credit card machine directory, which lists the status of equipment.)Īs a loose rule, if the equipment is made by a processing company, it’s restricted to that company. To determine if a machine is universal or proprietary, you can ask directly. If you purchase a universal machine, you can sign up with a new processor that can reprogram your existing machine. If you purchase a proprietary machine and want to switch credit card processors in the future, you will need to purchase a new machine. Most businesses wants to know what type of machine they’re buying for one reason: reprogramming capabilities. Proprietary machines work with one or a handful of processors, restricting your use of that machine to a few companies. Universal machines are what they sound like – they’re machines that the manufacturer doesn’t restrict to a particular processor. When it comes to credit card machines, there are two “types”: universal and proprietary.

#BEST CREDIT CARD TERMINAL FOR SMALL BUSINESS FULL#

Display screens may be full color or monochrome, and can be touchscreen or traditional key entry. Some models are Wifi or 3/4G capable while others connect via phone line. Many models have a built-in receipt printer so that you don’t need to connect another machine in order to provide receipts to customers. Some models also offer an “offline” or “store and forward” mode where you can take cards even when your connection goes down and the machine will forward them for processing when a connection is available.

You can void transactions and process refunds and returns. On most models, you’ll be able to view limited sales reports. Pictured below is a popular Verifone Vx520 model, which boasts an EMV chip slot on the bottom and a magstripe reader on the side. These days, it’s harder to find a magstripe-only machine, and since the technology is outdated and less secure, you shouldn’t purchase a magstripe-only model anyway. (Some models include built-in PIN pads for PIN debit transactions.) Some machines let you take magstripe, EMV chip, and NFC (contactless) payments while others only accept magstripe and EMV. With a credit card machine, you’ll be able to take credit and debit. If you need options like that, you’ll want to consider a full POS system instead. They do not offer non-payment features, like inventory management or restaurant table management. Featuresĭifferent models offer different features, but in general, credit card machines provide the limited functions of accepting cards. To help you determine the best fit, let’s go over some basics. That said, there are still some situations where one reviewer’s experience won’t be the same as yours. Since you’ll get the same product, with the same built-in features, reading reviews of machines can give you a better idea of whether it will satisfy your needs. However, that’s not as much of a concern with a credit card machine.

We often caution against choosing a credit card processor based on “top ten” lists or customer reviews, because there’s no way to know if you’re getting the same pricing and terms as the reviewer. We say this a lot at CardFellow, but it’s true: the best option for you will depend on your needs and budget. The Best Credit Card Machine for Small Businesses

#BEST CREDIT CARD TERMINAL FOR SMALL BUSINESS HOW TO#

When you’re deciding how to take credit cards, the equipment you purchase is a big decision. Need help choosing the right credit card machine for your small business?