The first thing for you to know about accepting credit and debit cards is there are lots of options. The good news is it’s pretty simple and straightforward to figure out what you’ll need for your business.

Here’s a quick guide to help you make the best decision.

Do your customers or clients come to you?

If your business has a front door and an “open” sign it’s likely your customers are coming to your physical location to buy your goods, get repairs, book services, or receive care. At some point, you’ll present them with the bill and expect payment.

If most of your transactions are “card present”, meaning the consumer is in your location, handing you their credit card, you’ll pay lower processing rates.

Countertop Terminals

Countertop terminals are the most common, and least expensive way, to process payments. The terminal connects to the internet via a physical, wired connection such as an ethernet or telephone line.

Countertop terminals work as a stand-alone device or connect to a cash register or point-of-sale system. Countertop terminals process credit and debit card sales, refunds, voids, gift card transactions, and provide simple batch reporting. The terminal communicates the transaction data safely and securely to International Bancard each day.

Every International Bancard countertop terminal accepts EMV chip cards, swiped transactions, contactless payments like Google Wallet and Apple Pay, and meets the highest PCI_DSS security standards.

Point of Sale systems (POS)

Point of Sale systems (POS) are complete business management systems in one convenient device. Point of Sale systems typically include a touch screen display, cash drawer, receipt printers, barcode scanners, and additional peripheral devices if needed.

Point of Sale systems accept EMV chip cards, swiped transactions, contactless payments like Google Wallet and Apple Pay, and meet the highest PCI_DSS security standards.They also track inventory, item sales, provide detailed financial reporting, monitor customer/client activity, and often integrate with payroll and accounting systems. Many POS systems support wireless payment peripherals, so your staff can accept payments all around your business. POS systems typically come with a monthly software fee.

Do you go to your customers or clients?

If you operate a mobile business and meet your customers on the go, you’ve got options too.

Wireless Terminals

Wireless terminals operate just like countertop terminals, except they go wherever you go. You just need a WiFi or cell connection and you can accept payments anywhere.

Every International Bancard wireless terminal accepts EMV chip cards, swiped transactions, contactless payments like Google Wallet and Apple Pay, and meets the highest PCI_DSS security standards.

Mobile apps and readers

You’ve seen those little swiper devices that connect to your cell phone or tablet, right? That’s a mobile reader and it works with a mobile app on your smart device. If you have employees out in the field working with your clients, this is a great solution.

International Bancard mobile processing is quick and easy. You’ll be able to process transactions anywhere with WiFi or cell connectivity. You can process sales, refunds, and can often see sales data either directly on the app or through a web dashboard.

Is your business online?

Online Payments

If your business happens virtually, International Bancard has a solution for you too. Gateways create a virtual countertop terminal right inside your online store’s payment page. 

Your clients shop for your products and services and when they’re ready to check out, fill out basic cardholder information (name, address, card number, security code, etc) and our online gateway does the rest. Just like countertop terminals and POS systems, virtual terminals process transactions with security in mind, encrypting card data to the highest PCI-DSS Standards.