A payment terminal is the device that reads a customer's card or mobile wallet, captures a PIN if needed and securely sends the payment for approval. It is also called an EFTPOS terminal, card reader or PIN pad, and it is the hardware at the heart of in-person payments.
Terminals read cards using a chip, tap or magnetic stripe and encrypt the card data before sending it to the payment provider. They connect by Wi-Fi, Ethernet, mobile data or Bluetooth. Countertop models stay at the till, portable models can be carried to tables or the shop floor, and some are built into self-service kiosks.
Retailers choose terminals based on how and where customers pay. Cafes and restaurants often need portable units for pay-at-table, while shops usually want a counter terminal linked to the POS. Many terminals also display prompts such as tip options or surcharge notices.
When selecting one, consider connectivity options and a backup connection, battery life for portable models, compatibility with your POS, supported payment methods including digital wallets, and whether the device is certified to current security standards. Check the contract terms, since terminal hire and purchase arrangements vary.
The terminal matters because it is a point of failure that directly stops sales when it goes down. RetailCare supplies and supports payment hardware, including RetailCarePAY solutions, and can match terminals to the POS and network in each venue.