Virtual Terminal Questions

What is a virtual terminal?

A virtual terminal enables you to manually key in and process credit card transactions using a standard web browser with your computer, iPhone, BlackBerry or any internet enabled computing device. The virtual terminal is extremely easy to use, efficient and secure.




How does the virtual terminal work?

The virtual terminal works over the internet. You start by logging into your secure control panel where you go to process credit card sales. The control panel can be accessed using any standard web browser and is not just limited to computer use. Any mobile device such as an iPhone or BlackBerry that is capable of browsing the internet can be used to process payments with the virtual terminal.

Once logged into your secure control panel the system will enable you to click on a "Make Payment" link. From this page you enter the cardholders name, address, credit card number and expiry date. As soon as you press the submit button the payment is processed in real time. Once processed you do not need to retain any credit card information because you will receive a unique reference number for that transaction. This reference number can be used in the future should you need to perform a refund or pull up the details of the transaction. As a result there is no storage of sensitive credit card information. Virtual terminal payments are among the most simple, efficient and easy to use of any method of processing credit card payments.




Can I process mobile payments with my virtual terminal?

You can use the virtual terminal from anywhere that an internet connection is available including mobile cellular internet connections. Sales people can use a mobile web device such as a BlackBerry or iPhone in order to process sales while on the road. This is oftentimes desirable when compared to mobile POS hardware because the virtual terminal eliminates the hardware cost.




Is the virtual terminal secure?

The virtual terminal runs on exactly the same system as our industry leading e-commerce payment gateway. When using the virtual terminal you do not store any sensitive cardholder information. All data is encrypted with strong SSL encryption. The virtual terminal is an extremely secure way of processing credit card sales. Click here to learn more about our e-commerce security features.




Do I need a website in order to use the virtual terminal?

No, a website is not needed in order to use the virtual terminal. You access it by logging into the secure control panel which you are given access to once your merchant account application has been approved. There are no special requirements. Any business can quickly and easily begin processing virtual terminal payments.




If I start with a virtual terminal, can I later add e-commerce payments to my website?

You can upgrade your account to add e-commerce payments to your website at any time. In fact, this is a very common course that our clients take because they can begin using the virtual terminal immediately while their website is under construction.

When upgrading your account you only have to pay the difference in the setup fee. Any fees that you paid towards the setup of your virtual terminal account are fully credited towards the cost of upgrading.




What is the difference between using a virtual terminal and a POS system?

The main difference between a virtual terminal and a POS system is that with the virtual terminal you don't physically swipe the credit card through the reader. The only major functional difference between POS hardware and the virtual terminal is that in Canada people cannot use their Interac debit card with the virtual terminal because they must enter their pin number. For this reason virtual terminal payments are limited to credit card payments only. Aside from this one limitation the virtual terminal is functionally identical as a POS system and eliminates the hardware cost.