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Merchant services: Smart card readers: the future is now

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A smart card reader is a hand-held device which can read information from debit or credit cards. Smart card readers usually link to a computer via a USB connection, but a number of new computers are now designed with built-in terminals.

smart card reader

The major advantage of smart card readers is that data can be written onto certain smart cards in addition to being read from them. This makes them a “smart” management device for all sorts of applications, including payment systems, employee security systems, time and attendance record keeping and access control. The growing use of mobile computing is rapidly expanding the market for this technology.

Taking payments anywhere with a smart card reader

Smart card machines are commonly used in e-banking and e-commerce. Debit and credit cards are linked to a PC through the terminal to enable the user to make payments, set up direct debits, analyse statements or transfer money between accounts. In addition, a chip and PIN smart card reader can transform any PC into a till point, allowing money to be taken from a customer’s card. This means that you can take your business to the customer, wherever he or she may be!

Advantages of using a smart card terminal

There is a currently broad range of smart credit card readers on the market. The good news is that this kind of debit card reader share many common features and are a real advantage over other card readers. In general they are:

  • Compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport or ship
  • Easily integrated into most computer systems via a USB port
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to install and use
  • Available in a wide range of designs
  • Usable with both computers and smart phones
  • Equipped with built-in security features

Choosing the right kind of smart card solution will largely depend on how you plan to use it. Are you looking to read information, to process payments, or to manage an entire smart card operations system? Careful research and planning will ensure you purchase a PDQ machine which is both cost effective and will help your business to expand.