The top credit card terminal manufacturers:
The largest manufacturers of credit card processing consumer-facing terminals and PIN pads are pivotal in the financial technology (fintech) industry, enabling millions of businesses worldwide to conduct transactions efficiently and securely. The landscape of terminal manufacturers is competitive, with several key players dominating the market:
- Verifone: One of the leading companies, Verifone offers a wide range of payment and commerce solutions. It has a strong presence in numerous countries, providing terminals that support various payment methods including NFC, EMV chip, and magnetic stripe.
- Ingenico: Prior to its acquisition by Worldline, Ingenico was another heavyweight in the market, known for its innovative and secure payment solutions that cater to a broad spectrum of the payment ecosystem, including mobile, online, and in-store channels.
- PAX Technology: PAX is a rapidly growing player in credit card terminal industry with a global footprint, offering a vast array of smart terminals that integrate state-of-the-art security and technology to provide seamless payment experiences.
- Square: Square, primarily known for its compact and user-friendly devices, has significantly impacted the small and medium-sized business segment. Its solutions are designed to be intuitive and mobile, catering to the needs of on-the-go businesses.
- Clover (a subsidiary of Fiserv): Clover offers a range of products from sleek, portable devices to countertop terminals, all designed to enhance the customer payment experience while offering robust backend support for businesses.
- BBPOS: BBPOS is known for its mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) solutions, offering a variety of wireless payment terminals that are compact, lightweight, and versatile, suitable for businesses of all sizes.
- Castles Technology: Castles leverages innovative technology to provide secure and versatile payment solutions, including mobile and countertop terminals that support various payment methodologies.
- ID TECH: Specializing in secure payment solutions, ID TECH offers a wide range of products including contactless readers, mobile payment terminals, and countertop PIN pads, focusing on security and user experience.
The rankings and market share of these manufacturers can vary over time due to new entries in the market, mergers, acquisitions, and evolving technology. Companies continue to innovate, focusing on security, ease of use, and integration capabilities to meet the changing demands of consumers and businesses alike.
Detailed technical specifications, costs, and troubleshooting steps for each credit card terminal model:
Verifone VX 520
- Connectivity: Ethernet, Dial-up, and optional Bluetooth or WiFi.
- Vendor Compatibility: Generally compatible with multiple payment processors; software configuration may be required.
- Common Errors: “Connection Failed,” “Paper Jam,” errors typically relate to network issues or physical paper feed problems. Solutions involve checking the internet connection or clearing the paper path.
- Cost: Purchase price typically ranges from $200 to $300; rental options vary by payment processors.
Ingenico iCT220/250
- Connectivity: Ethernet, Dial-up, and optional GPRS, 3G, Bluetooth, or WiFi.
- Vendor Compatibility: Compatible with various vendors, depending on the installed software or application.
- Common Errors: “Terminal Locked,” “No Carrier,” usually indicating software or connectivity issues. Resolving these often requires contacting the payment processor for unlocking or troubleshooting connection settings.
- Cost: Usually between $150 to $250 for purchase; rental terms depend on the provider.
PAX A920
- Connectivity: WiFi, 4G LTE, and Bluetooth.
- Vendor Compatibility: Designed to be versatile and can support multiple vendor technologies with the appropriate software.
- Common Errors: “App Error,” “Network Failure,” pointing to application malfunctions or connectivity problems. Fixes include restarting the device or checking network settings.
- Cost: The price can vary widely but generally falls between $300 to $500. Rental options depend on the reseller.
Square Reader for Magstripe
- Connectivity: Connects to smartphones or tablets via the headphone jack or a lightning connector.
- Vendor Compatibility: Proprietary to Square’s payment processing service.
- Common Errors: “Reader Not Supported,” “Payment Declined,” which often relate to device compatibility or card reading issues. Solutions include ensuring the reader is properly connected or using a different card.
- Cost: Often given for free by Square to new merchants, with a small fee for additional units. For other Square related costs, you can read this article: Decoding Square Retail POS System Cost and Pricing: A Comprehensive Guide.
Clover Flex
- Connectivity: WiFi, 4G LTE (with a wireless plan), and Ethernet via docking station.
- Vendor Compatibility: While it uses Clover software, the hardware can work with various payment processors that support Clover’s system.
- Common Errors: “Printer Malfunction,” “Network Connectivity,” which are usually resolved by checking the internet connection or troubleshooting the built-in printer.
- Cost: Prices range from $400 to $600, with leasing options available through merchant services providers.
BBPOS WisePad 2
- Connectivity: Bluetooth to connect with smartphones or tablets.
- Vendor Compatibility: Can be integrated with various payment processing apps and services, not proprietary.
- Common Errors: “Bluetooth Pairing Failed,” “Card Read Error,” typically fixed by re-pairing the device or ensuring the card is properly swiped or inserted.
- Cost: Generally around $100 to $150, depending on the reseller.
Castles Technology Vega3000
- Connectivity: Ethernet, Dial-up, and optional WiFi or GPRS.
- Vendor Compatibility: Supports multiple payment processors with the appropriate application installed.
- Common Errors: “System Error,” “Communication Error,” often related to software issues or connectivity problems, fixable by rebooting or checking network connections.
- Cost: Pricing usually starts around $200, with variations depending on specific features and configurations.
ID TECH SecureMag
- Connectivity: USB for direct connection to PCs or POS systems.
- Vendor Compatibility: Works with various POS Software and systems, not locked to a specific payment processor.
- Common Errors: “Read Error,” “Device Not Recognized,” which can usually be addressed by reseating the device connection or updating drivers.
- Cost: Typically between $50 to $100, with price varying by retailer.
For each of these credit card terminal models, encountering an error requires a nuanced approach, often starting with a review of the user manual or support documentation provided by the manufacturer. The cost to own or rent these devices varies significantly based on the payment processing service agreement, purchase volume, and additional services included by the provider. Direct consultation with the manufacturer or your payment service provider will offer the most accurate and tailored information regarding troubleshooting, compatibility, and pricing.
Here are the websites for the manufacturers mentioned, where you can find more information about their credit card processing terminals and PIN pads:
- Verifone: https://www.verifone.com/
- Ingenico (Now part of Worldline): https://www.ingenico.com/
- PAX Technology: https://www.pax.us/
- Square: https://squareup.com/
- Clover (a subsidiary of Fiserv): https://www.clover.com/
- BBPOS: http://www.bbpos.com/
- Castles Technology: https://www.castlestech.com/
- ID TECH: https://www.idtechproducts.com/
These websites should provide you with detailed product information, support, and contact options for further inquiries.