Card terminal showing approved transaction on small screen

Card terminal showing approved transaction on small screen, symbol of electronic payment in Brazilian retail.

About this subject

The card terminal, also known as a POS (Point of Sale) device, is an electronic device used to process payments with credit, debit, and voucher cards. In Brazil, the use of these terminals became popular from the 2000s onward with the expansion of card brands such as Visa and Mastercard. Currently, it is common to find terminals in virtually all commercial establishments, from large chains to small neighborhood stores.

The small screen on the terminal displays crucial information during the transaction, such as amount, payment method, and approval status. When the transaction is approved, the screen typically shows a confirmation message, like "Approved" or "Transaction successful." This visual feedback is important for both the consumer and the seller, ensuring that the payment was completed correctly.

In the Brazilian context, the adoption of electronic payments has grown significantly, driven by the popularity of smartphones and digital wallets. According to data from the Brazilian Association of Credit Card and Services Companies (Abecs), the volume of card transactions reached R$ 3.5 trillion in 2023, with credit cards leading. The card terminal remains the main physical point of contact for these operations, even with the advancement of modern machines that accept contactless payments (NFC).

A curiosity: the first POS terminals in Brazil were analog and relied on dial-up telephone lines to authorize transactions. Today, most use GPRS, 3G, 4G, or Wi-Fi connections, enabling mobility and speed. Security has also evolved, with data encryption and tokenization to protect sensitive card information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when the card terminal displays 'approved transaction'?

It means the payment was authorized by the card issuer and the amount will be debited from the customer's account or credited to the merchant's account.

What are the main card brands accepted in Brazil?

The main ones are Visa, Mastercard, Elo, American Express, and Hipercard. Many terminals also accept voucher brands like Sodexo and Ticket.

How does security work on modern card terminals?

Modern terminals use end-to-end encryption and tokenization, replacing card data with a unique token, and require a password or biometrics for in-person transactions.