A card machine is a payment processing terminal that helps you and your customers complete transactions. Its functions vary depending on the model and type of equipment, but its most important features include the ability to accept a variety of payment options, offsite processing, and security measures.

While most card machines have a fixed location, portable devices are light and mobile. They can be moved around your premises and connected to a base via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which means you’re not locked into a single spot. They’re ideal for restaurants, cafés, and salons, for example.

A reliable credit card machine is essential for ensuring your business can take payments. It needs to be able to handle a high volume of sales with minimal downtime and provide an accurate, consistent service every time. Look for a model with excellent reliability ratings, which will give you peace of mind that your sales are secure and accurate.

It’s also worth checking your credit card machine’s flexibility in terms of which cards it will accept. You want a solution that is able to support your most popular payment methods, including Mastercard and Visa, as well as alternative cards like Discover and American Express.

Look for a terminal that seamlessly syncs with your point of sale (POS) to simplify your bookkeeping. This will help you avoid errors that can lead to costly fines and ensure that your payments are always processed correctly. A POS-integrated card machine can also save you valuable time and reduce your costs by automating processes like sales to till syncs, receipt printing, and transaction data updates.