Virtual Terminals

Virtual terminals are digital payment processors that can facilitate transaction from your business. A virtual terminal is one that exists only as software – and is usually accessed through a computer. It can be accessed from anywhere with Internet connection through remote logon. This is different from more traditional terminals – such as the swipe readers you see at retailers – in that you do not have to have a physical terminal (but you can have one).

Virtual terminals can be used to process online payments, but can also be useful in accepting credit cards offline. You can hook your offline equipment, such as credit card readers, into your virtual terminal for processing as well. Virtual terminals allow a number of transactions by facilitating authorization from the financial institutions of paying parties.

It is possible to manually enter sales – and issue refunds – from phone or mail orders using a virtual terminal. Indeed, these are so attractive due to their versatility. Some virtual terminals can be use in tandem with mobile devices, allowing you to process payment transactions from outdoor events and while you are traveling.

There are many different companies that provide virtual terminals that you can use for payment processing:

Paypal is perhaps one of the most popular and well-recognized virtual terminals. You can accept credit and debit cards, as well as accept payment from bank accounts, with PayPal as a medium. PayPal also offers a number of other business features, including invoicing and account statements.

Google Checkout is similar to PayPal in that it deals primarily with online orders. It is possible to process credit cards using Google Checkout as well, and Checkout has an advantage in that it is integrated with AdWords and AdSense and other Google offerings.

Authorize.net provides a virtual terminal that allows you to process transactions from both online and offline sources. Mail order and telephone order is possible with help from Authorize.net It is possible also to resell these services, giving yourself another source of business income.

Sun Virtual provides a free ecommerce shopping cart in addition to a virtual terminal Additionally, it is possible to get physical card readers. Additionally, this merchant account service waives application and setup fees.

United Bank Card allows you to accept electronic check payments as well as credit card payments. Easy integration with your existing shopping cart and Web site is available with this virtual terminal.

InfoMerchant can help you set up a virtual terminal along with an international merchant account. You can also set up wireless processing and check processing when you use InfoMerchant.

2Checkout.com is a little different in that it acts as a reseller for your products and services. However, a virtual terminal is used to process transactions including PayPal, credit card and debit card. This site provides a way for you to reach more people with your products and services.

All of these payment processors using virtual terminals do charge transaction fees. However, these fees differ, and some charge monthly fees and setup fees. Before you make a decision, find out what the fees are and consider your options. You should also think about whether you will need a virtual terminal that integrates with the offline world as well as the online world.

Carefully evaluate your individual ecommerce needs, and choose a merchant service provider that works best for you. A virtual terminal should be part of the equation, since its versatility and availability can help you keep up with your business no matter where you are.