A card machine is the key to electronic payments for your business. It reads the data from the chip or magnetic stripe of a debit or credit card and transmits it to a payment processor. This enables the payment to be verified and processed (or declined), so customers can buy your products and services.
There are many types of card reader hardware available on the market, so choosing the right one for your business is important. It’s a good idea to understand how each works, the costs to be aware of and the various features that are available.
When selecting a card payment machine, look at the connectivity options and how easily it can be integrated with your POS system and the payment provider you plan to use. For example, if you choose a mobile-only solution, it’s vital to ensure you can connect anywhere and anytime – without the risk of crashing or losing connection, you could miss out on payments or leave customers unsatisfied. Similarly, you may want a device that connects to your WiFi network and Ethernet at work so that you can process transactions securely.
Aside from card reader hardware, you’ll also need to consider the accessories that can make your payment processing easier and quicker – such as barcode scanners or label printers. Some machines come with these as standard, while others can be purchased separately. Look for devices that offer a warranty and support to give you peace of mind in case something goes wrong. card machine