How to Use a Credit Card Machine

A credit card machine is a fairly easy device that allows a merchant to verify and approve a credit card. With just a swipe of the card, a merchant can verify funds and issue a receipt for the purchase in little under a minute.

Things You'll Need

• Credit card machine
• Customer
• Credit card
• Pen

Instructions

1. Verify the store accepts the kind of credit card that is presented. Some merchants will accept Discover, while others only accept American Express, Visa and Mastercard.

2. Receive the credit card from the customer and then swipe with the back strip facing the appropriate direction. If the strip is damaged, the machine will prompt you to enter the account number printed on the face of the credit card. Enter each number and then press "Enter." Next, flip the card over to locate the three-digit number printed on the back; the number is usually printed inside a small box that follows a series of number. Enter the Credit Card Security Code, otherwise known as the CM/EC and then press "Enter."

3. Ask for a valid identification card with a picture on it. If the customer does have a valid ID, keep the card to verify his signature on the receipt.

4. Press the total amount of the charge. Double check the amount entered and then hit "Enter". A receipt will be issued if the transaction is approved.

5. Ask the customer to sign the receipt after you are sure that it is the correct amount of the transaction. Give the signed receipt back to the cashier.

6. Set up a telephone credit card processing service. Setting up a merchant account will allow you to process a credit card using your store/business telephone. This option will allow you to continue a transaction even if a credit card does not swipe properly or your credit card machine malfunctions. You will need to pay a setup fee in order to set up an account. During the set up process, you will be given a toll free number to use. Contact the toll free number and request to process or "run" a credit card transaction by phone. Follow the prompted instructions (or speak with a representative) and then record the authorization number for the transaction. You will need the credit card number, merchant account number and store ID number in order to complete the transaction.

7. Know how to issue a refund. If the consumer requests that the transaction be terminated prior to the issuance of a receipt, simply press "Cancel". The machine will prompt you to confirm by entering "Yes." To refund a transaction after the issuance of a receipt, simply scan the receipt or enter the transaction number printed on the receipt. The computer will return the transaction/billed amount to the screen. Enter "Total" and then scan each transaction. Ask the customer for the credit card and then swipe it or enter the account number printed on the face of the credit card. Press "Enter."

Tips & Warnings

• Always be sure that you have entered the correct amount.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Merchant Account Center
• Merchant Accounts