In retail, the point of sale is the most important spot in your business. This is where transactions take place, and so making POS pin pads available to your customers is essential for a smooth process. If you run a business that accepts credit or debit cards, a POS pin pad makes paying for items much easier. It is a simple way to verify debit card purchases and other PIN-related payments.

The number of functions a model can handle is one of the major variables in POS pin pads pricing and costs. Some pin pads just read debit cards, while others can accept gift cards, trade-ins and other payment methods. Other factors that determine the price of a POS pin pad are:

1. Whether you buy refurbished or new POS pin pads.

2. Which systems the pin pad works with.

3. How many functions a pin pad can perform.

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Consider refurbished POS pin pads to save money

A refurbished POS pin pad was used at one point, then sent back to the manufacturer or supplier for repair and resold at a lower cost. Refurbished products often come with an additional warranty to guarantee the repairs for a certain length of time. Refurbished POS pin pads cost $10 to $70. Cheaper refurbished models do not include card swipers embedded in the unit.

I recommend: Credit Card Terminal.com offers refurbished POS pin pad models that start around $10. Discount Credit Card Machine has the Hypercom S8, a base model POS pin pad that can be purchased new or refurbished for a discount.

Buy POS pin pads that have card reading capabilities

To make it easier for both the customer and the salesperson, choose a POS pin pad that can read debit cards. This way, the customer never has to hand over their card to a salesperson, but can swipe it themselves. Purchased new, a pin pad with card reading capabilities can cost up to $150.

I recommend: 1st National Processing sells many styles of pin pads that read cards, including the Hypercom S9 pin pad. This pin pad can also be customized with Smart Card capabilities. Merchant Alliance sells the FD-10C PIN pad from First Data, which offers many customer-friendly features.

Explore POS pin pads options that also accept customer signatures

If you want the customer to handle all the payment processes at your POS, consider a POS pin pad that is fully customer facing. This means not only do customers scan their own card, but they can use the pin pad to electronically sign for the purchase and choose other options. POS pin pads with a standard keypad and signature space cost $270 to $300. Pin pads with a full touch screen cost $600 to $625.

I recommend: Point of Sale Guys offers many versions of POS pin pads that are customer facing, including affordable basic models with no frills. Gemini Computers sells a few models of customer facing pin pads that let customers sign for their credit purchase.

PIN pads are an essential component of sales equipment, not just for large retailers but also small businesses and service providers as well. Debit cards, gift cards, benefit cards and even credit cards may need a PIN number entered along with the purchase, and for that you need a PIN pad.

Keep in mind that if you're purchasing a PIN pad to connect with an existing machine or to interact with a service you're already signed up for, the PIN pad you select must be compatible. There are three main avenues toward securing the POS PIN pads you need:

1. As part of a package from your credit card processing company

2. A complete terminal package including credit card processing terminal and PIN pads

3. Individual PIN pads to replace lost, missing or damaged units

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Get point-of-sale PIN pads from your credit card processing company

If you're planning to sign up with a credit card processing company, most of them will gladly provide you with credit card terminals, PIN pads, and all other necessary supplies.

I recommend: 1st National Processing offers a full range of physical and virtual credit processing services, and will outfit you with credit card terminals and point-of-sale supplies including PIN pads. Global Payments is geared toward serving small businesses and, again, will supply you with credit processing and point-of-sale supplies, including PIN pads, when you sign up for their services.

Select your POS PIN pads as part of a package deal

While may credit card processing companies provide credit card processing equipment which is used for debit, EBT and EMV transactions as well, not all of them do. Fortunately you can purchase all the transaction processing equipment you may need, including POS PIN pads, and save some money in package deals.

I recommend: EMS Merchant Systems sells a variety of credit card processing terminals, PIN-pads, and stand-alone wireless processing equipment. Credit Card Equipment offers a wide variety of bundled credit card processing options, including wireless and hand held POS systems.

Buy a POS PIN pad direct

You can purchase your point of sale PIN pad directly from producers and retailers, independent of credit card terminals or other transaction equipment. Be warned that your ability to use this equipment may be contingent upon your credit card processor; this is the perfect solution if your POS PIN pad has become damaged and you don't want to buy another directly from your processor, but you need to make sure that the PIN pad you purchase is compatible with your transaction processing terminal and your credit card processor's system.

I recommend: Staples sells the Hypercom S9 PIN Pad, for use with Hypercom credit card terminals. TotalBarcode.com sells the VeriFone SC 5000 PINpad which supports not only debit and credit transactions but also electronics benefits transferm or EBT and EMV smart card transactions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Rental fees for POS equipment, including PIN pads, are often included in your contract with a credit card processing company. Before you sign on the dotted line, crunch some numbers to find out whether you could save yourself money by purchasing the equipment outright instead of leasing or renting it.

POS (point of sale) pin pads are a convenient way for businesses to accept credit and debit card transactions. There are three different types of PIN pads available including those that only have a number pad, those that provide a card swipe and those that offer a way for customers to provide a digital signature. POS PIN pads should be compliant with existing software and terminal hardware to make transactions secure.

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PCI compliant

POS PIN pads that are PCI compliant meet PCI data security standards. These standards help to protect information when payments are made through debit and credit cards. This helps to create consistency for security measures across the globe.

I recommend: The PCI Standards Security Council provides more information on the PCI standards and approved PIN entry devices.

Personal identification number (PIN)

The personal identification number is a four digit code issued to a debit cardholder. This PIN is a security measure used to validate the identification of the cardholder.

I recommend: Consumer Action provides information on ways to pay with a debit card using a PIN or signature and how to choose a PIN.

Customer facing PIN pad

A customer facing PIN pad provides many additional features for the customer. Instead of having the cashier swipe the card and sign a paper receipt, a customer facing PIN pad allows customers to swipe their own cards and provide a digital signature.

I recommend: Merchant Warehouse provides detailed specifications on the Hypercom Optimum L4250, a customer facing PIN pad.

Smart card

Some POS PIN pads are equipped with Smart card technology. This technology allows users to make payments securely and, in many cases, without the card making contact with a terminal.

I recommend: The Smart Card Alliance provides a primer on smart cards and how the technology is used in verification of identity and payment processing.

Hand-held POS PIN pad

A hand-held POS PIN pad is a convenient piece of equipment. The hand held PIN pad allows cashiers to hand the unit to the customer so they can enter the PIN number for their card without assistance.

I recommend: 1st National Processing provides the specifications and features of a typical hand-held POS PIN pad model.

Compatibility

Compatibility for POS PIN pads refers to their ability to work with the software for the POS terminal. If these are not compatible, transactions may not properly process and security can be compromised.

I recommend: Paynet Systems provides a list of the top models of POS PIN pads that provide compatibility for a number of software systems or plug-and-play options.