Processing Solutions

There are three different credit card processing options. Your choices depend on whether you want to sell on the internet, through mail/phone order or retail.

Hardware Solutions (Terminal processing): for retail merchants (face to face transactions)
Internet Solutions (Internet Processing): for online business
Software Solutions (PC Processing): for mail and phone order business

Hardware/Terminal Processing

Whether the card is present or not at the time of sale, you may process it through a point-of-sale terminal. Printers are optional or integrated. Most terminals require AC power and a phone line, although battery-powered wireless terminals that transmit over mobile data networks are available. Address Verification is possible on most terminals. The benefits of a point-of-sale terminal include the integration of all necessary hardware components -- card reader, keyboard, display and modem -- in one small, easy-to-use and affordable package. Terminals are generally limited to authorizing one sale at a time, and handling one or two merchant accounts. Systems cost from $250 for a basic terminal to $1,350 for a wireless terminal with integrated printer. Manufacturers include Verifone, Hypercom and Lipman.

All-in-one credit card terminal with a built-in receipt printer
Stand alone external receipt printer
Wireless terminal

For more information, go to Terminal Solutions page.

Software/PC Processing

Whether stand-alone or integrated with an order-entry system, electronic cash register or website, credit card processing software generally offers more functionality and flexibility than a point-of-sale terminal. It also can efficiently handle batch processing of transactions generated offline. Software is available for use on most operating systems. Most authorization vendors have developed proprietary software that works only on their systems. In addition, independent developers have created software that works on numerous so-called authorization and data capture ¡°platforms.¡± Enhanced capabilities include network functionality and the ability to process on numerous merchant accounts, authorize and capture numerous transactions at once, import and export data, and maintain customer databases for recurring and installment billing. Programs start at around $300. Developers include most major processors, as well as IC Verify, PC Authorize, PC Charge and others.

PC based
Internet based

For more information, go to Software Processing page.

Internet Processing

Internet processing solutions are best for online businesses. You may use so-called "payment gateways" such as Authorizenet, Verisign, and Cybercash, which act as intermediaries between your website and the authorization and settlement processor.

Internet processing solutions offer two options:

Real-time processing: a method of authorizing and/or settling transactions automatically when transactions are initiated through a website, and
Virtual terminal processing: a method of manually entering transactions and reviewing sales data through an internet browser. Ideal for low volume web business, weekend craft, antiques and swap meet vendors

For more information, go to Internet-based Processing Solutions page.

HOME

Credit Card Processing
Online Credit Card Processing

What Is a Merchant Account?
Accepting Credit Cards Without a Merchant Account
Merchant Account Providers
How To Prevent Chargebacks
FAQ
Glossary

Type of Your Business:
Retail Business
Online Business
Mail Order Business

eCommerce 101
Accepting Credit Cards Online
Shopping Carts
Security
e-Commerce Providers
Web Hosting Services

Terminal Processing
Software Processing
Internet Processing

How to Choose a Merchant Account Provider
Fees and Rates
Third Party Merchant Merchant Services

Why You Should Get a Separate Business Credit Card
Get Your Own Business Credit Card