Card terminal showing approved transaction on small screen

Card terminal showing approved transaction on small screen, widely used in Brazilian commerce.

About this subject

Card terminals, also known as POS (Point of Sale) devices, are electronic devices that allow payments via credit or debit cards. In Brazil, their popularization began in the 2000s with the expansion of brands like Visa and Mastercard and the emergence of companies such as Cielo (formerly Visanet) and Rede. Nowadays, it is rare to find a commercial establishment without one, from large chains to small street vendors.

An approved transaction is indicated by a message on the screen, usually accompanied by a beep and, in some models, by printing a receipt. The process involves the terminal communicating with the acquirer (the company that processes the payment), which authorizes or denies the transaction within seconds. In Brazil, contactless payments (NFC) have grown, but chip insertion or magnetic stripe swipe are still common.

Interestingly, Brazil is one of the countries with the highest adoption of electronic payments in Latin America. According to the Brazilian Association of Credit Card and Services Companies (Abecs), in 2023 the volume of card transactions reached R$ 4 trillion. Card terminals are essential for both formal and informal economies, reducing the use of cash and increasing transaction security.

The small screen of these terminals, usually LCD or LED, displays information such as amount, payment method, and transaction status. More modern models have color touchscreens, but traditional ones still dominate the market due to lower cost and simplicity.

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.

How long does it take for a transaction to be approved on the terminal?

Usually between 2 and 10 seconds, depending on the connection (3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, or dial-up) and the acquirer.

Is it safe to use a card terminal in small businesses?

Yes, as long as the terminal is provided by a reliable acquirer and the merchant follows security practices, such as not sharing passwords and checking the device's integrity.