: If you are using a mobile terminal, check how many transactions it can handle on a single charge. 5. Finalize the Purchase and Setup Once you have selected a provider and a device:
: Often requires specialized features like tip prompting, table mapping, and kitchen ticket printing. 2. Choose a Payment Processor
The "machine" is only a tool; the or Merchant Account Provider is what actually moves the money. You generally have two paths: how to buy a credit card machine
Ensure the machine supports modern payment standards to protect your business:
: You will need to provide your EIN (Employer Identification Number) or Social Security Number, bank account details for deposits, and business information. : If you are using a mobile terminal,
: Run a small "penny test" transaction to ensure funds are correctly routing to your bank account before opening to the public.
: Companies like Fiserv or Global Payments often provide generic hardware (like Verifone or Ingenico). These can offer more competitive "interchange-plus" pricing but may involve longer contracts. 3. Evaluate Fee Structures : Run a small "penny test" transaction to
: A one-time purchase price (ranging from $30 for a mobile reader to $1,000+ for a full station).