What types of equipment or software do I need to process credit cards?
The main task your equipment or software performs is the transmittal of the credit card transaction to the authorization and clearing systems. If you are processing credit card transactions at a retail location, you will most likely use a combination processing terminal and printer (for printing receipts) as well as an encrypted pin-pad if you plan to accept debit card payments. Transmitting the credit card transaction can be done via a point-of sale-terminal, software on a PC, a touch-tone telephone, or via a secure Internet payment gateway. The choice of the type of equipment or software to use depends on your specific business needs.
