The device that reads a card — by dip, tap, or swipe — and connects to the processor to authorize a sale. Modern terminals accept EMV chip and contactless and often print or email receipts.
Why it matters for your business
Terms like Card terminal aren't just jargon — they sit behind what you actually pay to accept payments. Understanding them is the difference between reading your statement and being at the mercy of it. If you're not sure how this shows up in your own costs, the fastest way to find out is to have someone read your statement line by line.
See what you're really paying →Related — Hardware & POS