What are the best practices for choosing a credit card terminal for your business?

3 Choose a compatible processor

A credit card terminal is only as good as the payment processor it works with. A payment processor is a company that handles the communication and authorization of credit card transactions between your business, your customer, and your bank. You should choose a processor that is compatible with your terminal, your bank account, and your industry. You should also look for a processor that offers fast and secure processing, reliable customer service, transparent pricing, and fraud prevention tools.

4 Test the terminal

Before you commit to a credit card terminal, you should test it out and make sure it works properly. You should check the battery life, the connectivity, the speed, the accuracy, and the usability of the terminal. You should also test how it handles different types of cards, such as chip cards, magnetic stripe cards, and contactless cards. You should also test how it integrates with your other systems, such as your point-of-sale system or accounting software. If you encounter any issues or errors, you should report them to the seller or the processor and ask for a solution or a replacement.

5 Train your staff

Once you have chosen and installed your credit card terminal, you should train your staff on how to use it correctly and efficiently. You should explain how to process different types of transactions, such as sales, refunds, voids, and tips. You should also teach them how to troubleshoot common problems, such as declined cards, network errors, or paper jams. You should also educate them on how to protect customer data and prevent fraud, such as by verifying signatures, checking IDs, and following PCI compliance standards.

6 Update and maintain your terminal

To keep your credit card terminal in good condition and secure, you should update and maintain it regularly. You should check for software updates and install them as soon as possible. You should also clean and sanitize your terminal frequently, especially if you share it with other staff or customers. You should also inspect your terminal for any signs of damage or wear and tear, and replace any parts that are broken or faulty. If you need any technical support or assistance, you should contact your seller or processor and ask for help.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?