What’s the Best Payment Terminal for Your Business?

• Understand how payment terminals work behind the scenes

• Learn about the different types of terminals and which is best for your business

• See how Finix simplifies setup, integration, and fleet management from one unified platform

A payment terminal (aka a credit card machine) is a physical device that accepts card-based payments in person, via tap, insert ,or swipe. It’s typically connected to a point-of-sale (POS) system or payment application and enables the secure capture and transmission of card data for transaction approval.

A POS system is the broader software platform that powers your in-person operations, inventory, sales reporting, customer data, and payments. A payment terminal, on the other hand, is the hardware that accepts the physical payment.

Depending on your use case and business needs, you’ll want a device that supports your preferred payment methods and customer experience. Here are common terminal types:

Types of Payment Terminals

Countertop Terminal

• Stationary, wired device

• Accepts swipe, insert, and contactless payments

• Ideal for retail, healthcare, or front-desk checkouts

Handheld Terminal

• Wireless and portable

• Accepts swipe, insertdip, and contactless tap payments

• Designed for field services, curbside checkout, or delivery scenarios

Mobile Terminal

• Connect seamlessly to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth

• Enables quick card acceptance on the go

• Best for mobile businesses or pop-up events

Want to compare all terminal models? Check our in-person payments page for a complete list and detailed specifications.

Hardware meets software in a truly unified experience with Finix. You can order, set up, and manage all of your in-person payment devices directly from the Finix dashboard—no third-party systems, manual spreadsheets, or messy integrations required. Whether you're managing five devices or 5,000, everything is centralized, streamlined, and built to scale with your business.

Once your terminals are integrated via the Finix API or mobile SDK, configuration is simple. Set payment methods, assign terminals to merchants, and customize settings like:

• Tip Customization

• Manual Entry

• Receipt Configuration

• Standalone Mode

Additionally, you can also tag devices, track transaction history, and export data for reporting.

Keep your terminals running smoothly with these routine checks.

Functional Checks:

• Test card transactions (swipe, insert, tap)

• Verify Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity

• Confirm receipt printer functionality (if applicable)

• Ensure cables and power supply are secure

• Clean display screen for readability

Security Checks: Install the latest firmware and Finix Payment App updates

Maintaining the performance and security of your payment terminals is critical, especially for service-based businesses that rely on mobility and uptime. Regular inspection helps prevent transaction delays, safeguard customer data, and ensure a smooth checkout experience. When installing updates, keep your terminal software up to date with the latest patches and security enhancements.

Use this quick checklist to make sure your devices are operating reliably:

Functional Checks

• Verify connectivity: Ensure the terminal maintains a stable Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection to avoid payment interruptions.

• Check screen clarity: Make sure displays are clean and easily readable for both customers and employees.

• Confirm receipt functionality: Print a test receipt (if applicable) to verify the printer is working properly.

• Test a transaction: Use a test card or make a small purchase to validate that swipe, dip, and tap features are functioning.

• Inspect power supply and cables: Regularly check that all cables are securely connected and the terminal is powered without issue.

Regular inspections like these can help you catch issues early, reduce downtime, and ensure a safe, seamless experience for your customers, no matter where or how you’re taking payments.

Finix’s built-in terminal management system lets you:

• View device health, assignment, and status

• Customize settings for each terminal

• Track transactions status per device

• Filter and export reports

• Add or activate new terminals instantly

Your operations team will love how centralized and transparent terminal management becomes with Finix.

When evaluating payment hardware and providers, keep these in mind:

• Device variety for different business models

• Seamless ordering and setup process

• One integration for online and in-person payments

• Real-time tracking and centralized terminal management

• Ongoing software and security support

Finix offers one platform, one integration, and multiple devices to meet the needs of any modern business. From onboarding to payouts, everything is connected, so you can stop juggling systems and start scaling.

Go here to get started with Finix’s in-person payment solutions.