Credit Card Machines, Credit Card Equipment, Credit Card Terminals ~ Credit Card Equipment Corporation

The Basics

In this age of emerging technology there is a constant stream of "latest and greatest" credit card equipment being poured into the marketplace. A large portion of which will not be around a year or two later. We've found that "cutting edge technology" can be a great thing, but clearing credit card transactions is in itself a very simple process that can be overcomplicated.

When a credit card transaction is done several things happen:
1. When the card is swiped through an electronic credit card terminal a magnetic stripe reader reads the card information (name, account number, etc).
2. The sale amount is keyed in.
3. This data is then transmitted for approval by the card holder's credit card company.
4. The card holder's credit card company then transmits an approval (or decline) back to the terminal.

It's that simple! Every credit card device performs these basic functions. As credit card networks have become faster and better, a variety of features, services and accessories have been added.

Now, here are the primary features and accessories that can be added to credit card devices that enhance performance and add cost.

1. A separate receipt printer, usually dot matrix which requires ink ribbons and 2 ply paper.
2. An integrated receipt printer, can be thermal with no ribbon required or dot matrix. Some sort of receipt printer is pretty much a necessity; even a manual imprinter will get the job done.
3. A built in transmitter and battery that enable the transaction to be processed without a telephone line and without an external power source.
4. Increased memory to allow multiple merchant accounts, gift card programs, etc.
5. An external or internal PIN pad to allow debit card transactions.
6. An external or internal check approval device.

About Programming
All credit card terminals must be individually programmed to operate. This is accomplished by a "download" of software to the terminal which is easily accomplished over a clear phone line. The software that is downloaded to your terminal enables it to interact with the credit card processor's system and contains all of your merchant information necessary for transaction processing and tracking. A terminal that has not been programmed is useless. PIN Pads also require programming, known as encryption. Encryption cannot be done via phone line, so if you purchase a PIN Pad or a terminal with an integrated PIN Pad, you must send it to your processor to be encrypted. Free standing receipt printers do not require programming.

What equipment fits my needs?

Here are some things to consider before purchasing credit card equipment.

1. Can I qualify for a merchant account?
Requires that you fill out an application and supply personal credit information as well as detailed information about your business. This information will determine the percentage of each transaction you will pay for credit card processing. The higher the risk to the processor, the higher the percentage you'll pay. Not every business or individual can qualify, so do this first. Many banks provide merchant services or you can contact us for a free referral to a credit card processor in your area.

2. What will my daily transaction volume be?
If you are only going to do several credit card transactions a day you can probably get away with very basic equipment. High volume situations require faster equipment with larger memory.

3. Will the card holder be present or will I take credit card info over the phone?
Some devices require that the card be present. Phone transactions require that address info be keyed into the terminal.

4. Do I want to take debit cards?
You may need a separate or integrated PIN Pad. With most terminals, a PIN Pad can be added later.

5. Is counter space a consideration?
If you have limited counter space, there are a number of small combination terminal/printers on the market.

6. Do I intend to use a check guarantee/approval service?
There numerous services available that require specific types of equipment to help protect you from bad checks.

7. Does my credit card processor support the terminal I want?
This is very important. All credit card devices do not work with all credit card transaction processors. A few processors have developed proprietary equipment that will not work on other networks, making it necessary to buy new equipment if you want to change processors for better service or pricing. We do not recommend or sell proprietary equipment. The equipment we do sell is widely accepted and certified by all of the major processors, but we suggest that you ask your processor if they support the device you have in mind.

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Credit Card Equipment Corporation
Local: 865-376-3254 Toll Free: 1-800-860-0710 Fax: 865-376-3255
sales@creditcardequip.com