What is a Point of Sale terminal?
A Point of Sale terminal is a physical device used by merchants to accept card payments in person. It reads card data and communicates with payment systems to complete transactions.
How does a POS terminal work?
The customer inserts, taps, or swipes their card or device. The terminal sends transaction data to the processor, receives authorisation, and completes the payment.
What types of POS terminals exist?
Types include countertop terminals, mobile card readers, and integrated systems connected to retail software.
Why are POS terminals important?
They enable secure in person payments and are essential for retail, hospitality, and service businesses.
How have POS terminals evolved?
Modern terminals support contactless payments, digital wallets, and advanced features such as analytics and inventory integration.