Korttimaksuterminalien

Korttimaksuterminaalit, often referred to as POS (Point of Sale) terminals or card readers, are electronic devices used to process payments made with credit and debit cards. They are a ubiquitous feature in retail environments, restaurants, and service providers, enabling cashless transactions.

A typical korttimaksuterminaali connects to a payment network, either directly or through a communication gateway. When a customer presents a card, the terminal reads the card's information, either by swiping a magnetic stripe, inserting a chip (EMV), or tapping wirelessly (contactless payment). This information is then securely transmitted to the customer's bank for authorization. The bank verifies the card's validity and checks if sufficient funds are available.

Once authorization is received, the terminal displays a confirmation or denial message. If approved, the transaction is completed, and a receipt is usually printed for both the customer and the merchant. Modern terminals can handle various transaction types, including chip and PIN, contactless payments, and sometimes even mobile wallet payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay. They play a crucial role in modern commerce by facilitating quick, secure, and convenient transactions for consumers and businesses alike.