About Ethernet Credit Card Terminals

Sometimes referred to as point-of-sale terminals or credit card readers, the credit card terminals are the most commonly used way of processing retail sales transactions. There are different types of credit card terminals available in the market. Ethernet credit card terminals are one of the choices available to the merchants who process credit and debit card transactions. They are versatile and they make processing easier than the conventional types of credit card readers.

Functions

An ethernet credit card terminal provides point-of-sale transactions with the use of an IP (Internet Protocol). It processes sale transactions made with credit cards and debit cards. Some ethernet credit card terminals also process check payments, electronic benefits transfer (EBT) and other electronically submitted transactions, such as uploading prepaid phone cards, gift cards and age verification.

Features

An ethernet credit card terminal is a plug-and-play device. It usually comes with an integrated smart card reader, internal PIN pad, and printer. It has an intuitive ATM-style interface, with keypads, menu prompts that are easy to read and, in some models, touch screens to provide ease of transactions. Some terminals have a signature window screen, which eliminates signing on receipts with the use of pen. This signature window uses a specially designed "pen", known as the stylus pen, connected to the system that a customer can use to sign on the terminal's screen. Other features include built-in printer that can print receipts. This printer has a blinking LED display to alert the sales clerk when there are jams or low levels of paper.
Customers can use the keypad to enter their PIN (Private Identification Number) when using debit transactions. In some models with touch screens, customers can enter their PIN directly on the screen using the built-in stylus pen. This offers additional security without having the need to speak to the clerk to enter the PIN.
The main difference between ethernet credit card terminals and conventional credit card readers is that they use an Internet connection to process transactions. Some models come with the traditional analog line to provide dual connections using an analog phone line. Some ethernet credit card terminals connect directly to the computer or register that has Internet connections while others can connect directly to the Internet by way of COM ports (ISDN, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Phone, GPRS).

Types

There are different makes and models of Ethernet credit card terminals. There are types that come with only the Ethernet connections and some that provide dual connections with an integrated phone line or analog line. Some models come with WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) to take advantage of wireless network connections in addition to wired connections. All models come with keypads or PIN pads; however, there are models that have the touch screens with integrated stylus pen. Some come with built-in printers that use 2 1/4-inch-wide rolls of printer paper and can print fast, using thermal images. There are types that with multiple applications loaded to do multiple transactions, such as credit cards, checks and debit cards among others. There are also those that can do credit card and debit card transactions only.

Significance

Ethernet credit card terminals make handling point-of-sale transactions easier and more secure. They eliminate extra steps for clerks, such as entering the credit card, debit card, check and gift card numbers. They provide a safe and secure way for customers to enter their PIN to complete debit transactions. Ethernet credit card readers offer faster connections than the conventional types of credit card readers and eliminate the use of another phone line just for doing point-of-sale transactions. This provides significant savings for multi-terminal operations, such as those used by bigger retail stores.

Considerations

When considering ethernet credit card readers for your business, take into consideration the types of payment you will accept. There are all-in-one systems with multiple applications included that can support not only credit card transactions but debit card, checks, gift cards and phone cards as well. Therefore, before you decide, look into the different models and consider multifunction systems to save on counter space instead of buying multiple systems. Another consideration you must make is to install software that can provide added security to your network. By setting up firewalls and utilizing encryption, you can provide a secure and safe way to transact business without compromising your customer's data. Some hackers can easily detect PIN numbers along with the card numbers used, therefore providing a secured network is a necessity to prevent that.

Resources

• Credit Card Terminals