What equipment do I need to process credit cards?
There are many different methods that will enable a business to process credit cards. Depending on the business type, merchants can use a computer, the internet, a credit card machine, or a cellular / regular phone to process transactions.
Processing with a Credit Card Machine:
Credit card machines are ready made solutions for processing credit cards, and are the most trouble free way to process. Most terminals are all-in-one solutions that include a card reader, and printer and are designed only for the purpose of processing. Wireless terminals are also available that operate on cellular networks similar to cellular telephones.
View landline and ethernet credit card machines »
View wireless credit card machines »
Processing with a computer:
Processing credit cards on a computer is an efficient and very versatile method of processing transactions. There are several processing programs that can be installed on most computer that will allow a business to swipe or key in transactions on their computer. To swipe transactions on a computer, an attached card reader is also required, but these are readily available and manufactured by several companies. Processing on a computer should be performed by persons who are technically sufficient on a computer. We recommend PC Charge Pro for businesses looking to process on their computer.
Processing on the internet:
The internet is the future of credit card processing, and there are a variety of companies that offer the ability to process transactions over the internet. Processing on the internet can be done manually through a system called a virtual terminal, or can be done automatically through a website, integrated with a payment gateway.
Processing on a Phone:
Using a merchant account called an ARU account, a business can key transactions into a cellular or land-line telephone. This system provides an automatic processing method, that is great for small mobile businesses, or businesses who want to avoid any startup cost.
