Step-by-step instructions for working with the pos terminal
How the card payment terminal works
Small business is a representative of the segment of large clients of the banking companies market. And, even if such a market is not the largest commodity-money turnover, it differs with similar requests for technology and service. And one of the obligatory elements of payment is terminals. But how does a payment terminal work for paying for goods or services with bank cards?
What are POS terminals
In the overwhelming number of cases, the main goal that POS terminals adhere to is the implementation of settlement and cash services. Installation of POS terminals, as well as collection, payments to counterparties and other elements constitute settlement and cash services.
With the help of payment terminals, the store can write off funds from the customer's bank card account and transfer them to the account of the merchant company.
Payments by means of plastic cards are one of the integral parts of modern human life. At the moment, almost all existing services and stores not only know what the terminal looks like, but also use it to sell goods and services.
Such terminals are called POS (Point of Sale), or, if translated into to your country, point of sale.
For the convenience of users, at those points of sale where card payments can be accepted, at the entrance or near the cash register there are specialized stickers with the logos of those payment systems that this cash register accepts.
The presence of a payment terminal attracts customers and increases the profit of the organization.
The convenience of cashless payments by bank cards has become so firmly entrenched in our lives that we have begun to slowly forget what the clinking of coins and the rustle of bills in the wallet are. You can pay with a card for almost anything and everywhere.
But this would be impossible if the outlet was not equipped with a specialized payment device, the so-called POS terminal.
Such a terminal serves as an interface (border between different objects) between the buyer and the store, and allows you to pay for the goods using a "piece of plastic" - our card.
At the same time, a lot of operations are performed, which an ordinary customer does not even think about - for him everything is transparent: he inserted the card, entered the PIN code (if required) and saw “Approved” on the screen of the device. In the article we will lift the veil of ignorance and tell everyone interested in a simple and understandable language: what kind of device is it and how does it work?
The abbreviation POS (abbreviation from English "Point Of Sale") literally means "point of sale". Accordingly, a POS terminal is a device that performs a number of functions for the successful operation of a retail outlet (for example, accounting and selling goods).
Let's make a reservation right away. Often a POS terminal is understood as an apparatus for accepting bank payment cards for payment - the one where we insert (swipe or lean) the card and enter the pin code. Actually, such a device will be discussed in our article.
In a broader sense, a POS terminal is a software and hardware complex that allows you to carry out all the necessary trading operations.
Such a complex can consist of a monitor, a computer system unit, a receipt printer, a card reader (card reader) and a pin-pad (a separate keyboard for entering a pin code), a customer display, a keyboard, a barcode scanner, a cash drawer, etc.
You can see all this at the workplace of the cashier of any large chain store, and you can safely attribute the POS- prefix to each of the equipment listed above.
Such a terminal can be compared to an improved cash register, since the cashier can not only "punch" you the goods at the price indicated on its price tag and issue a check (go to any kiosk - they still work there the old fashioned way), but also do a lot of others operations.
For example, in large chain stores, the cashier reads the price of the product by its barcode, and if the code is not readable, then the price of the product in the database is immediately searched for by the letter code. You have expressed a desire to pay by card - please.
You have a bonus card - very good. The cashier will swipe her over the card reader and you will immediately receive a discount or cumulative bonuses.
You forgot to take the package and decided to pay for it with small things in your pocket - no problem, the cashier will open the cash drawer and give you change if the coin is too large. And, finally, you decided to abandon one commodity item - not a problem either.
The money will be returned to you in cash, or it will come to your card after a while. All operations performed are time-stamped, after which a corresponding record is made in the database.
All of the above is the result of the work of a modern POS terminal, and the organization of payment by card is just a special case of its operation.
But in some cases, when in a small store it is necessary to organize the possibility of paying customers by bank cards, they do not use a whole complex of POS equipment (this is an expensive pleasure) connected with each other, but a separate independent payment terminal, which was discussed at the beginning of the article.
It usually has a built-in printing device, and it can be completed with a remote keyboard. The principle of its operation when paying by card is the same as that of the terminal at the "point of sale" in a broader sense. We will talk about this further.
Operating principle
It is important for both the client and the seller to know how the card payment terminal works.
Any payment terminal works according to the following scheme:
- The client chooses goods or services and speaks about his intention to pay with a bank card.
- The merchant or customers then insert the card into the POS terminal (or attach it to the terminal), activating it.
- Information about the card is sent to the processing center.
- The computer checks the account balance on this card.
- The required amount is transferred to the acquiring bank.
- A slip is printed - a payment document with data on a financial transaction.
- One copy goes to the cashier, and the second goes to the buyer.
- The bank gives the money to the company, transferring it to the wrong account, minus the obligatory commission.
These steps are followed for any credit card payment.
At the same time, the store, intending to activate the services of the acquiring bank for subsequent use, has the right to:
- connect the cashier to the payment system;
- rent one or more POS terminals;
- use your own terminal to pay by bank transfer.
Today there are many types and varieties of POS terminals, which differ from each other in various parameters, including size, cost, operation algorithm and the number of components.
The type of the pos-terminal depends on the retail facility.
Types of POS terminals by design
There are three types of POS terminals in total, if you look at them from the point of view of the layout of the components. These are monoblock and modular terminals, and it is through them that various processes are carried out that determine how to use the card payment terminal, how much to withdraw and to which bank to send.
Monoblock
Monoblock terminals are designed so that all equipment is located in a single housing. They are installed where there is little bandwidth. These can be boutiques, small manufactured goods stores or kiosks.
Modular
Modular POS terminals consist of several modules connected into one network. However, some modules may have a separate housing. For example, a barcode scanner, keyboard, printer and other components may be located separately. A terminal consisting of modules can be distinguished from a monolithic one only by the presence of several cables connecting the components into a single system.
The advantage of such a system is that the modules can be located at some distance from each other, which makes the buying and selling process more convenient for the customer and the seller. In addition, depending on the type and modification of the modular system, you can complete it with various elements.
Modular POS terminals are suitable for places where there are a lot of customers. These are grocery stores, hypermarkets.
Dispersion-modular
The only difference from the modular system is that here you can move the components over a distance of 5 meters. They are used in food establishments - restaurants, cafes, public catering, fast food, etc.
Varieties of bank acquiring and POS terminals
Trading terminals are installed and used in various trading, service and other companies. They can be found in shops, hairdressers, hotels and other similar establishments. A distinctive feature of POS terminals of this type is that there is a direct contact between the selling side and the buyer.
Another feature, more pleasant to the selling side, is that in order to use the terminal in trade, it is necessary to conclude an agreement between the seller and the supplier of the terminal.
According to this agreement, the bank delivers to the store:
- the terminal itself;
- other equipment;
- software;
- Consumables;
- the opportunity to study free of charge.
The owner of the store undertakes under the contract to create the necessary conditions for the installation of devices for paying for goods and services through a bank card. All these and other features have made the terminal popular.
The rate and type of acquiring depends on the type of trade object and the income received
Internet acquiring
For this type of acquiring, a characteristic feature is the absence of any direct contacts between the selling and buying parties.
In online mode, customers are able to pay for services and goods in a simpler and faster way using their own bank card in any online store.
In order to do this, it is enough to enter your card number, expiration date, as well as other data, including CVC2.
In 99% of cases, a certain amount of funds is debited instantly, after confirming the transaction via SMS.
Mobile acquiring
Another type of POS-terminal based on the principle of operation is mobile acquiring. At the same time, a POS mobile terminal is installed, which is required to pay for services and goods with a bank card. This terminal is also called mPOS.
Outwardly, this is a card reader that connects to the gadget and makes it possible to transfer funds from the client to the seller using the application.
The use of such terminals can be considered a relatively young and promising direction in acquiring.
The use of terminals in trade in the process of paying with a bank card is convenient not only in the store, but also in the courier service, medical activities, cargo transportation and other similar services.
mPOS is suitable for those entrepreneurs whose turnover is insufficient to use standard POS terminals. In view of the problems with the implementation of business in Russia at the early stages, mPOS is becoming an increasingly popular and optimal solution, so you should stop using such a payment terminal.
The principle of operation of a mobile POS terminal
Everything is as simple here as in standard POS terminals. An entrepreneur or store purchases a special card reader and installs the application on the gadget. After registration, the store will have a real mobile terminal that operates on 3G and is able to accept cards to pay for services and goods.
The cost
The cost of the card reader itself will depend on the requirements of the company, but the lowest price. There are companies that either offer to get card readers for free, or compensate for the cost with a commission.
The average market commission size can vary from 2.5 to 2.75 percent of the transaction amount, so it does not depend on the daily or monthly turnover.
What types of mPOS terminals are there
Connected via various interfaces. These can be Bluetooth, mim-jack and USB. The most budgetary models in this regard are those that are connected to the head unit via a mini-jack or audio jack. As far as Bluetooth models are concerned, they allow full authorization with the subsequent entry of the PIN code during payment.
Magnetic stripe readers, CHIPs or combined modifications. In Russia, almost all devices are sold in such a way that they can work with magnetic stripes located on cards.
Analog and digital. Cipher modifications are capable of encrypting information from the card before transferring it to the phone.
The use of pos terminals has not only advantages, but also disadvantages.
Advantages and disadvantages of payment terminals
The use of payment terminals when doing business is a great way to manage commodity-money turnover.
The use of such systems is justified by several advantages:
- terminals are sold at a low cost (especially for mobile terminals), which allows you to save money even at the stage of implementation of the trading system;
- terminals, depending on the type, differ in mobility;
- increased level of security of the transaction;
- the ability to sell goods and provide services, as well as work and conduct business around the clock;
- payment terminals can be quickly issued and implemented into your working project, and this is useful for doing business due to a small commission and minimal resources. And in the case of mPOS terminals, you just need to have a smartphone and a card reader.
However, the use of POS payment terminals also has its drawbacks:
- not all banks maintain a sufficient level of catering;
- there is some distrust of any POS terminals from bank card holders;
- lack of a guarantee of high-quality and uninterrupted operation in case of equipment problems; debt payment procedure (applies to mobile payment systems).
For those individual entrepreneurs and companies whose turnover exceeds 1 million, payment terminal manufacturing companies can provide discounts or interesting conditions for cooperation.
Some nuances of using POS terminals
The use of payment terminals for card payments allows you to open a large number of various opportunities for small businesses, including such as:
- Increased sales. As international statistics show, after the installation of POS terminals, the sales volume increases by an average of 30 percent. Such an increase in the profitability of the establishment can be explained very simply - the holders of bank cards are more inclined to purchases with high value.
- Cooperation. Companies connecting a POS terminal can start mutually beneficial cooperation with the bank that provides acquiring.
- The use of terminals in trade excludes the appearance and distribution of counterfeit banknotes in the company.
- Possibility of free training and professional development of its employees.
In conclusion, it should be noted that the installation of a classic, improved or mobile POS0 filter will be beneficial to both small business and banking companies. More than half of the market share of acquiring is divided among several large participants. These companies account for about 74 percent of the market share.
But before you purchase and install a terminal, you need to study the tariffs and available offers, as well as the features and advantages. Based on the requirements and specifics in your business, you can choose the most profitable and prompt offer.
With each new year, an increasing number of shops, individual entrepreneurs and other legal entities of small business join the common system of non-cash payments when selling services and goods. At the same time, companies can get even more profits and additional profitable opportunities.
POS terminal, Acquiring. In general, accepting card payments is one of the easiest ways to quickly increase revenue.
But before introducing acquiring, you need to understand some of its intricacies, so that instead of the expected increase in income, you do not get problems with equipment and payment for banking services.
With the help of merchant acquiring, payment by card is made through the terminal directly at the outlet.
You must know:
- How to use a payment terminal
- How to use the terminal to pay with a card
- Installing the application and activating the POS
- How to add a bank (POS) terminal?
- Ingenico POS terminal user manual.
- Adding a fiscal registrar and opening a cash register shift
- How do banking pos-terminals work
- Instructions for bank POS terminal
- Installing and configuring a POS terminal
- POS terminal: features of the device and its differences from the POS system
How to use a payment terminal
Check with our technical support which banks are supported by the Quick Resto system. Before adding the BT banking terminal, it must be configured. Setting up BT is carried out by a representative of the bank from which it was purchased or leased.
When BT is configured to add it to the POS, follow the steps shown in the animation below:. If BT is displayed in the search results, click on it and proceed to further steps of the instructions.
If the bank terminal is not in the results of the automatic search, the actions in the animation below:. If the device is found, click on the arrow in the field with BT and proceed to further actions.
If you could not find the bank terminal, contact the employee of the bank where the BT was purchased and ask how to find out the IP address of the bank terminal. When the IP is known, follow the steps shown in the animation below:.
When the device is found and selected in the search results, the add device window will open :. When a bank terminal is added, it needs to be activated in the back office. For this action on the animation below:.
After activation in the back office, the bank terminal will be displayed on the POS in the Settings - Cashier shifts section and will be ready to work :.
How to add a bank POS terminal? Automatic search for a bank terminal When BT is configured to add it to a POS, follow the steps shown in the animation below: Click Settings; Open Devices; Click Add Device. Check the protocol of work with the manager of the bank where BT was purchased or leased, or contact our technical support. Then click on the line with the required protocol; In the list that opens, click on the model of your BT.
If it is not in the list, click Other; When the model is selected, click Find device; If the device is found, click on the arrow in the field with BT and proceed to further actions.
Adding a banking terminal When a device is found and selected in the search results, a window for adding a device will open: Follow the steps shown in the animation below: Click Ping to check the connection with the device; When the command succeeds, the Add Device button is displayed.
Click it; Click Save; Confirm the addition of the device by clicking the Device added successfully button. Bank Terminal Activation When a bank terminal is added, it needs to be activated in the back office.
For this action on the animation below: Go to the back office, section Devices - Bank terminals; Choose a bank terminal; Click Activate; In the window that opens, specify the name of your organization and the terminal on which the BT was added; Click Activate.
Wait, your cloud is being installed and configured.
How to use the terminal to pay with a card
To pay for a service or product with a bank card, almost every person needs to use a bank POS terminal, in other words, the acquiring function that he performs. The use of bank cards is more than a usual phenomenon today.
Now, to buy something, you don't have to carry a bundle of banknotes with you, but just a small piece of plastic. Everywhere, and especially in large cities, almost everyone has a card.
The cash desks of the stores are equipped with banking terminals, devices that facilitate and accelerate the process of paying for goods through non-cash payments.
Many do not understand why, having entered the MetaTrader 4 terminal on Saturday, they cannot use the program: change order parameters or conclude a new deal. Payment terminals make it easy to transfer and invest funds, receive mini-statements, connect to remote services. In real life, ATMs are larger than terminals.
The app will start automatically searching for devices. When the required fiscal registrar is displayed in the search results, click on it :. If the terminal does not find the required RF automatically, the search takes more than 30 seconds, click Add manually:. Click on Fiscal Registries and select Atol. Port of fiscal registrars Atol by default
Installing the application and activating the POS
Lucky Tallinn. There is no need to change the data in the terminal, or load new programs into it. The terminal does not require a separate telephone line to operate. The terminal can be connected in parallel with a telephone set.
In the case of a parallel connection, make sure that the telephone line is free at the time of receiving a payment card or sending transactions. Connect the payment terminal to the power supply. To do this, connect the terminal power supply cable to the red PWR connector.
Connect the power supply to the mains.
How to add a bank (POS) terminal?
Sberbank technical support phone After concluding a service contract and signing the necessary documents, the client company usually has a number of technical and organizational issues that will be helped by the Sberbank acquiring department.
Hotline phone The bank's specialists will explain in detail and intelligibly the questions that have arisen, advise ready-made practical solutions, and present a step-by-step connection guide.
The bank's specialists will give professional advice and help you choose the optimal configuration for your business.
Battery life. The stand has an area for scanning goods, using the scanner built into the MSPOS-K device.
Today, you can easily make purchases in stores and pay for them with bank cards, so many entrepreneurs are thinking about installing a POS terminal at points of sale. Indeed, this is the most convenient way to receive funds, both for sellers and buyers. Most entrepreneurs prefer Sberbank devices.
Ingenico POS terminal user manual
It is distinguished by its ease of use, simplicity of settings, and the ability to accept all types of plastic cards. The device is based on a powerful processor that facilitates fast information processing. High-speed encryption protects data from fraudsters.
Expansion of the post on the forum :: on the portal. Good day to you, colleagues. I wandered through the pages of the Internet and did not find anything concretely intelligible. Has anyone ever had to create something like that for their employees? Share your experience.
General provisions 1. Combined card hybrid card is a combined card with two information carriers magnetic stripe and microchip. The terminal should be installed on a stable surface away from the edge.
It is not recommended to install the terminal in the immediate vicinity of devices with strong electromagnetic radiation, in places with increased dustiness, with excessively high temperatures and high humidity, as well as in places exposed to direct sunlight. It is recommended to provide free access to the socket to which the terminal is connected.
It is recommended to connect the terminal in such a way as to prevent personnel or customers from touching the terminal or connecting cables.
mPOS: instructions for setting up and operating. mPOS: instructions for setting up and operating. Step-by-step instructions for connecting and registering mPOS To connect an mPOS terminal to a mobile device, you need to.
Check with our technical support which banks are supported by the Quick Resto system. Before adding the BT banking terminal, it must be configured. Setting up BT is carried out by a representative of the bank from which it was purchased or leased. When BT is configured to add it to the POS, follow the steps shown in the animation below:.
How do banking pos-terminals work
Step-by-step instructions for connecting acquiring Preparation of documents What equipment is needed Stand-alone stationary and portable Modular stationary terminals Miniature mobile terminals Methods for connecting the equipment with the bank Requirements for installing the terminal How to connect merchant acquiring to the Evotor online cash register. It is paramount to find out and compare bank rates. If the service provider is a bank, then you can save money.
Instructions for bank POS terminal
Which online checkout to choose for an online store. Not all online checkouts are equally useful for an online store. Read the article.
Get a login from your personal manager to enter your Personal Account further - LC, the default password Qwerty password must be changed at the first login to the LC.
It is paramount to find out and compare bank rates. If the service provider is a bank, then you can save money.
If the seller is a processing company, then you may have to pay a little more, since it is an intermediary. Send a request.
Having chosen the services that are suitable for yourself, you should contact the financial company and inform that you are ready to cooperate.
Installing and configuring a POS terminal
Payment terminal is a functional and convenient device for making payments. The increase in the number of those wishing to make non-cash payments contributes to the proliferation of terminals.
And the installation of the device itself is a legal and effective method of attracting new customers. Payment terminal instructions are almost always similar to each other.
Differences can arise only in case of differences in the functional characteristics of the devices, the presence of a contactless reader, the battery, the level and the presence of the installed software.
POS terminal: features of the device and its differences from the POS system
The application should be installed on the iPad that will be used as a cash register in the establishment. A window for entering your login and password will open. Do not enter your back office username and password!
How to use the card payment terminal step by step instructions
The entire list will be visible on the screen in the "Main Menu" section. The most popular are payment services:
- Internet and telephone services;
- loans;
- utilities;
- mobile communications;
- replenishment of an electronic wallet, Internet accounts, etc.
- funds to the seller for a product or service;
- cable television;
Such broad functions make it possible to completely replace the payment for services through a bank.
When the transaction is completed, the terminal will issue a confirmation - a payment receipt, which will indicate the date of the transaction, the amount, and the recipient's details. You can also find the support number there.
If suddenly the payment did not reach the addressee, then you need to contact this number. The principle of operation of such a terminal is very similar to an ATM. This is a standard computer that has certain settings for transmitting information, making calculations, etc.
How to use the terminal to pay vendors
To pay for goods by bank transfer at a point of sale, it is sufficient to have a terminal for a banking service - acquiring.
It has many advantages over cash for both the business owner and buyers:
- you do not need to carry large amounts with you for fear of losing your wallet;
- there is no need to look for change bills;
- It is not at all necessary to cash out.
Payment for purchases by bank transfer is called acquiring.
You can install the device from any bank, but in our country they usually install a Sberbank terminal.
Bank ATMs. Bank terminals. how to use. How to pay through ATMs and terminals. Instruction. advice
These transactions account for 70% of all ATM transactions. Below we will answer the question of how to use a Sberbank ATM, step-by-step instructions will be with photographs for different types of transactions. This screen view is available after you insert your bank card and enter your PIN.
Instructions for using new Sberbank ATMs using the example of checking the balance.
Option number 2 In the main menu, you can see the balance through your personal account, actions: Main menu -> "Personal account, information, service" -> then select: "Request balance" - then the procedure is the same as in option number 1 "Get mini statement "by choosing this option you will be taken to the following screen:
How to pay with a bank card in a store and correctly insert the card into an ATM
Equipment for non-cash payment of purchases differs depending on the model; outdated terminals are capable of serving only cards with a magnetic stripe.
Modern POS terminals can handle magnetic stripe cards, chip cards (smart cards) and contactless cards.
Magnetic stripe cards are gradually disappearing from the market due to their low security. To pay with a magnetic stripe card you need:
How to use an ATM: step by step instructions
The ATM display sometimes shows a picture indicating the correct position of plastic in the car or just an advertisement for bank services. In real life, ATMs are larger than terminals.
Therefore, visually distinguishing these machines from each other is not difficult. As soon as the client figured out what kind of device in front of him, you can start working directly with the ATM. How to use an ATM from Sberbank or any other financial institution? The first step is to insert the card into the machine.
It would seem that there is nothing difficult or incomprehensible in this. But not everyone knows how to correctly insert cards into ATMs and terminals. Usually the plastic receptacle is located on the lower right side of the display of the device.
A diagram of bank plastic can be drawn next to it, or it can be written "Insert card". The receiver often has a green illumination and is indicated by an arrow.
To get started with ATM, you need to: Take a bank card.
Procedure for making a bank card payment operation
Works only with electronic information read from the card.
The procedure for working with the terminal may differ depending on the type of terminal and the software loaded on it by the acquiring bank. The main procedure for working with a POS terminal when making a payment:
- If the card is chip, insert it with the chip up into the special slot of the terminal
- If the card does not have a chip, swipe the magnetic stripe through the terminal's reader
- The card number will appear on the terminal monitor (it must be verified with the number shown on the card)
- The terminal may ask you to enter the first 4 digits of the card number to verify them (enter them)
- Select from the list of available transactions "Purchase payment"
- Enter
In which shops can I pay with a card?
Plastic is suitable for all retail establishments with a dedicated terminal. More and more stores are connecting this device every day. Plastic cards have many advantages over cash.
POS terminal device
A few words about what a bank card payment terminal is.
It includes:
- small display (usually with a liquid crystal screen);
- built-in reader system (for magnetic stripe and chip cards (smart cards));
- a keyboard for entering numerical data (entering a pin code and various service settings);
- processor and RAM (the device is a full-fledged mini-computer and operates on the basis of an operating system);
- GPRS modem for data exchange via cellular communication (optional);
- ports for connecting to the network and cash register (Ethernet, RS-232, etc.);
- device for printing receipts (optional);
- battery (optional).
A card payment device can be an independent POS terminal or be a part of the complex that makes up a POS terminal (in a broad sense). In the first case, the terminal can perform the functions of a cash register, which is a cheaper and optimal solution for a small store.
Such a device must be included in the State Register of KKM (cash register machines) without fail. The payment terminal must be certified by international payment systems (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) for compliance with modern security requirements when carrying out transactions with bank cards.
By itself, a payment card terminal will be a useless thing if it is not connected to acquiring or, as they call it, processing. Acquiring is a banking service that allows merchants to accept cards for payment.
As a result, funds from a bank card (more precisely, from a card account) of the buyer must be transferred to the seller's account.
It is this process that is organized by the acquiring bank (and not only it is one), and the terminal itself is only a link in the chain of processes that make up a bank card transaction.
Usually, an agreement is first concluded with an acquiring bank that provides such services. He can also provide equipment (terminals) for payment by cards on a lease basis.
Sometimes a store can buy a POS terminal together with an acquiring agreement with a bank, the terms of service of which are most favorable for it.
For information, each acquiring bank offers its own terms of connection, in particular, it takes a commission from each operation on the card, which can be fixed or "floating". The commission depends on the turnover of the outlet (retail network) and can range from 1.5% to 4% of the purchase amount.
Principle of operation
Let's consider how payment is made by card using the POS terminal we are describing.
1. The buyer notifies the cashier of his desire to pay for purchases with a card. At the same time, it makes sense to pay attention to which payment system card can be used to pay in the store.
The logos of international payment systems (MPS), pasted in a conspicuous place near the cash register, will tell you about this.
As a rule, any retail outlet accepts Visa and MasterCard cards, as well as some other MPS, which are not very common in our country.
To pay for purchases, it is enough to have the required amount on the card account (or the credit limit on the credit card), otherwise the terminal will give an error. For large write-offs, you may have to show your passport for security reasons.
2. The cashier enters the purchase amount on the computer or at the terminal itself and invites you to insert the card into the pos-terminal.
3. The customer (or cashier) inserts the card into the chip card reader. If the plastic has a magnetic strip, then the card is “rolled” in the appropriate reader, and if the card and the terminal support contactless payment technology, then the plastic is applied to the screen (payment up to $ 50 without a PIN code). The data is read from the chip / magnetic stripe.
If necessary, you will be asked to enter a PIN code. It depends on the priority set by the bank or the holder himself for signing / entering the PIN on the card itself and on the terminal settings. Some retail chains, when the purchase amount is below a certain limit, refuse to enter the PIN code in order to reduce the time of customer service, but at the expense of security.
4. The data from the card and the purchase amount are transferred by the terminal to the processing center of the acquiring bank. This is the beginning of a banking transaction, which will go through several "instances" and get to the bank that issued your card, which must give permission for the purchase. That is, the authorization procedure must be completed.
5. Further, the transaction from the acquiring bank is sent to the data processing center (DPC) of the Ministry of Railways, where the card will be checked for presence / absence in the stop list, and in case of a positive verification result, it will be sent to the processing center of the issuing bank.
If everything is in order with your card account (it has a sufficient limit) and the card has passed additional checks for legality, then your bank gives the go-ahead, which is expressed in assigning an authorization code to the operation being performed (i.e. the authorization procedure was successful).
Authorization may not be successful either. Then you can get one of the following answers:
- “Refusal” means that the requested amount is not confirmed by the issuing bank. One of the reasons is the lack of necessary funds on the account, but you can find out the exact reason for the refusal by contacting your bank. In this case, try to pay with another card, if available.
- “Withdraw” or “Withdraw - fraudulent” - this could mean that the card was used by a fraudster (for example, it was claimed that the card was stolen), or the card, in the opinion of the bank, has been compromised.
- “Request to the bank” - means that it was required to carry out additional authorization of the client by phone. The bank may request additional information about the cardholder, for example: passport number, bank name, address, code word, etc. The bank may not confirm the requested amount, i.e. "refusal" is possible.
6. The issuer transmits the data in the reverse order: first, the MPS data center, then to the acquirer, and finally, the transaction ends with the transfer of information from the acquiring bank to the point-of-sale terminal, which prints out 2 checks with all the details of the transaction: the purchase amount, the authorization code, and other service information. One of them will remain at the checkout, the second will be received by the buyer.
7. The POS terminal finally sends a response to the processing center about the success of the payment operation.
For the buyer, the presence of a check indicates the fact of payment, and he leaves the store with the purchase. In fact, the money will not come to the store's account instantly.
First, they will be transferred from the account of the acquiring bank (not from your card account!), But after a few days, or even a week (up to 30 days, according to the current legislation), they will be transferred to the account of the acquirer from your account cards at the issuing bank.
The corresponding amount on your card will be temporarily blocked. For more detailed information about a bank transaction, we refer you to the corresponding article.
Types of devices
By the nature of the execution, there are 2 types of terminals:
- Monoblock, which can perform all the necessary functions for payment by card, as well as a number of other functions;
- Modular, consisting of a system unit with the ability to select various input-output devices depending on the needs of the store. This is a terminal "in the broadest sense" that can perform any function, not just payment by bank cards.
POS terminals are also subdivided depending on the type of bank acquiring.
In "trade" acquiring, when the direct contact of the cashier with the customer at the time of payment is meant (in any trade and service enterprises: shops, cafes, hairdressers, etc.), monoblock or modular POS terminals are used. It is about such devices that we talked about in the article. They can be stationary or portable.
In "mobile" acquiring, used to pay by cards at the exit (couriers, taxi drivers, foremen, etc.), so-called mobile POS payment terminals (mPOS) are used.
They are a card reader connected to a smartphone using WI-FI or Bluetooth, and are controlled using a special mobile application installed on the phone. Such devices allow you to make payments from any bank card, and all the processing of transactions is carried out by any bank. For example, in the service
www.pay-me.
Payments are processed by Alfa-Bank. Such a budget solution is suitable for small shops and businesses that are not yet ripe to purchase more expensive POS retail equipment.
In Internet acquiring (aka virtual acquiring), when all card transactions are performed remotely on the website of an online store, so-called virtual payment terminals are used, which are a specially designed web interface that allows you to make payments on the network and pay for various services. This is a regular program running on the server of an online store and performing the same functions as the above terminals.
Additionally, we note that payment terminals can use various communication channels for remote connection: dedicated (wired) Ethernet, mobile GPRS communication, ADSL, etc. Usually, the faster and more stable communication, the more expensive it is to connect and operate.
The use of payment cards and POS-terminals relieves you and me of the problems associated with the circulation of cash. You no longer need to worry about the constant presence of money in the wallet, if it is on the card, and count the change. And the common phrase of the cashier “give without change” may soon become a thing of the past.
And it is more profitable for the enterprises themselves to accept non-cash payments, so as not to once again collect the proceeds to the bank (and for the tax authorities it is profitable - all operations are at a glance). Therefore, the POS terminal is undoubtedly a device in demand and useful.
Provided that at least minimal security measures are observed, of course ...
P.S. We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the article on the payment terminal - the "distant relative" of the device considered in this review.
Step-by-step instructions: how to work with a POS terminal for card payments
A POS terminal is a device for accepting bank cards. A terminal is called an acquiring device: portable terminals, small readers for smartphones and some models of online cash registers. We will tell you how a POS terminal works, how to connect and configure it.
How an acquiring terminal works
The acquiring terminal works with an online cash register. The cash register transmits the check to the fiscal data operator via the Internet. The data controller is an intermediary between the business and the tax authorities. He keeps receipts for five years and issues them upon request. The tax inspector asks for the checks and verifies them against the tax return.
The terminal reads data from a bank card and transmits the information to the bank. For example, a customer wants to pay for an item by card.
In this case, the cashier needs to use the card payment terminal as follows: dial the purchase amount on the terminal and invite the buyer to insert or attach the card.
The machine reads the card and transmits the data to the bank, where the entrepreneur is serviced, in order to check whether the operation can be carried out.
After that, the terminal sends a request to the bank that issued the buyer's card. If the card is not blocked and there is enough money on it, the payment goes through. The terminal prints a slip - a small receipt that confirms the payment by the card. The seller gives the product and the check to the buyer.
Who should use the terminal
The outlet is obliged to work with acquiring and accept cards if its annual turnover is more than $ 1 million. If the annual turnover is more, you need to accept cards from the payment system. In this case, "Visa" and "Mastercard" need not be connected.
The terminal can be installed at any time at will, here are the reasons:
- Fewer problems with counterfeit bills. The seller checks cash less often, therefore, there is less chance of putting a counterfeit bill into the cashier.
- Fast service. The buyer takes out and counts the money, looks for change in his pockets, then the seller looks for change, which sometimes is not there. As a result, queues are formed. There are no such problems with the card.
- More revenue. Some customers pay only by card, for example, due to cashback, bonus miles, gifts from the bank. If the card does not pay, the buyer can choose another store. Despite the fact that acquiring is paid, it pays off due to a greater flow of buyers.
If there is a small amount of cash at the checkout, you do not need to worry about the checkout limit and spend money and time on collection.
What are the terminals for bank cards
Terminals are divided into mobile, POS and built-in online cash registers.
A mobile acquiring machine is a terminal that can be carried. It runs on a battery, so you can often see it at the courier. Some models of such devices are connected to a smartphone - the courier enters operations on the phone, and the customer applies or inserts a card.
A cash register POS terminal is a full-fledged cashier's workplace. This can be seen in a supermarket such as Auchan. The POS terminal includes a fiscal registrar that transfers checks to tax and additional equipment, such as a cash drawer, barcode scanner, displays.
Online checkout
with acquiring is a device that combines a checkout and a card reader. Terminals of Inzheniko, Inpas and Paymi firms can be connected to Modulkass. The cash desk costs some money, which is more profitable than buying the equipment separately.
We connect trade acquiring in a day: you fill out an application, the next day we deliver the terminal. The device is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses: restaurant, retail outlet, online store, beauty salon, dentistry. The device is synchronized with warehouse and sales accounting systems.
We are constantly improving the checkout to make it faster and more convenient. Therefore, the price and number of models may vary.
