With most merchants on the move today, a wireless POS terminal has become the most sought after gadget. A merchant is able to process credit and debit card transactions remotely using these handy mobile devices.  If you're a retail service provider favoring wireless terminals all that you will need is to open a merchant account and to obtain a wireless POS device. There are several reputable merchant account providers in the industry, such as Merchant Account Canada, wireless POS terminal providers, who offer credit and debit card based payment processing services to merchants all over the United States. It is essential that you base your selection on criteria such as reputation, customer service, and ease of doing business. Once you've set up a merchant account it is time to invest in the right wireless terminal. 

Short Range and Long Range Terminals

Based on their use of technology, there are two different kinds of wireless POS terminals.. They are Short range POS terminals and Long range POS terminals. Both the long range and the short range wireless terminals allow:

• the acceptance of a wide variety of credit and debit cards

• the deposit of funds to any bank account

• the choice of phone line or a high-speed internet connection 

• the benefit of cash back and convenience fees on debit transactions

• the profit from the sale of gift cards

Short Range and Long Range Terminals: What Are the Differences?

As the name suggests, short range terminals have a shorter range and use the Wi-Fi technology. They work like cordless phones. The base unit of these devices stays connected to a phone line, while the top portion lifts out for use in a few hundred feet of the base. This type of terminals is ideal for businesses like restaurants where customers have the flexibility to pay the bill table side. They also work perfect for other retail establishments such as spas and beauty salons where the payment option can be brought to the customer, if they desire. They are designed for face-to-face or card present scenarios. If the card isn't present the transaction can be completed by keying in a consumer’s credit card information.If you find this informative, you will want to look at amazon.

Long range wireless terminals are completely portable and mobile. They are ideal for any mobile business such as taxi or delivery services, retail sales at a flea market or trade show, etc. These terminals use GPRS technology and work like a cellular phone. The most important advantage of a long-range wireless terminal over a short range one is that there is no base unit and no minimum range which makes it the perfect selection for any business that entails the processing of consumer credit and debit cards remotely from any location. 

As more people are beginning to purchase goods and services online, financial security has become a concern. Because online shoppers are now becoming savvy to internet scams, scam artists are now finding new approaches to trick shoppers out of their money. Thankfully online purchases can be protected against fraudulent activity with the use of 3-D Secure.

What Is 3-D Secure?

The 3-D Secure technology adds an additional layer of protection to merchant services. When a customer makes an online purchase they'll be asked to provide a password. Consumers will need to register this password ahead of time and input it in addition to the rest of the usual security checks.

When Is 3-D Secure Used?

This protocol is required at the point of purchase. Once a consumer has placed an item into their cart and gone to check-out, they will be confronted with a credit card processing page. This web page will ask them for their name, charge card number, card expiry date, verification number and password.

How Does 3-D Secure Work?

This Visa processing service operates by giving online shoppers more protection. When a person commits identity theft they can easily gather the charge card details of their victim. What they won't be able to gain access to is the card verification number as this is unique to each and every card. However those who have stolen a credit card are going to have the means to access this number. Without 3-D Secure a charge card thief could complete a purchase with the above information. The password required by 3-D Secure makes credit card fraud a lot more difficult as thieves would have to crack the password.

The Key Benefits of 3-D Secure for Merchants and Customers

The obvious advantage of using this Visa and Mastercard processing system is that this protects consumers from credit card scams. However merchants are also able to reap the benefits of this technology. Some of the advantages merchants can gain from using this technology include a decrease in fraud, reduced liability, improved sales, enhanced marketing opportunities, and reduced operational costs. Businesses who use 3-D Secure can even advertise this extra layer of security to prospective customers. This will make them feel secure when it comes to purchasing goods with their charge card.