For small businesses, the ability to accept mobile payments is a game changer. It means you can do business nearly anywhere using a smartphone, tablet or standalone device. Your setup can be small or part of a bigger payment processing system.
Posted in Credit Card Processing on Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Whether you already use a mobile payment device or just want to learn more, here are some things to remember.
A Little Background
Mobile credit card terminals have been around for a long time, even before smartphones. One company made a small phone designed to process credit card payments, but it didn’t become popular. It was expensive, since business owners had to purchase a different plan, such as 3G or 4G.
Along Came Smartphones
Once Apple came out with the smartphone, everything changed. Processing companies didn’t have to produce hardware; instead, they could create a phone application for payment acceptance.
Unfortunately, there were some data security problems in those early days. Fraudsters were able to come up with ways to skim credit card numbers. (Smartphones are small computers, vulnerable without safeguards in place.) So, it was important to make sure smartphone payments were secure.
Thankfully, the card industry caught up with technology. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) was created to help businesses prevent credit card fraud. In addition, EMV chip cards made mobile transactions even more secure.
A Look at 2021
At this time, Apple and Android devices are the most prevalent devices for mobile payments, having the most security measures in place. (Windows phones are not able to take credit card payments.)
Mobile payment processing does require an internet connection. If you can’t get a signal, it won’t work. You won’t have your cell connection with most tablets, but you can use a secure Wi-Fi connection.
Mobile Payments Through Professional Solutions
At Professional Solutions Financial Services, we have several mobile payment options that support industries across the board, including retail, restaurants, inventory management, health care settings and more. Not certain which device makes the most sense for you? We’re always happy to help. Here are a few of the most common:
Clover® Go
The Clover Go is part of the Clover POS system. It uses a reader that works through Bluetooth, like all modern readers. You’ll need your phone or tablet with Bluetooth, as well as the application.
Many business owners like Clover Go because it’s so easy to use. Some start using it, intending to add other equipment later, and stay with it because it’s so convenient. Features include:
- Credit and debit card acceptance.
- Can read chip, swipe or contactless payments.
- The same device can be used on multiple phones. (Download the app on each phone and use separate logins.)
- Receipts can be provided via text message or email.
- Low-cost way to take mobile payments
Clover Flex
The Clover Flex is a standalone device. You and your employees do not need to use a smartphone or tablet. If you take a substantial number of mobile payments, this may work for you. Benefits include:
- Built-in receipt printer
- Large screen
- Dedicated 4G plan with more coverage
- Google PayTM and Apple Pay® acceptance
- Battery lasts 8 hours between charges
Additional Apps with Card Readers
If you like downloading an app and using your phone with a card reader, other options include:
- Professional Solutions’ Payment Gateway – Use the same user name and password as your Professional Solutions’ gateway account. You can key in the credit card number if you run out of batteries or lose the card reader.
- Authorize.Net – Since 1996, this has been one of the most popular payment gateways.
Secure or Not?
There is a myth that mobile processing is not as secure as a countertop terminal. This isn’t the case. If your phone or tablet’s operating system needs to be updated or there is a security compromise, transactions won’t go through. The card information will not be captured. In addition, you will be notified if there is a newer version of the app to download.
Digital Wallets
Sometimes, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are confused with mobile payment technology. Digital wallets are geared to the cardholder/customer, allowing them to pay with their phone instead of a physical credit card.
Let's Get Started
As a business owner, you have more payment acceptance options today than ever before. Luckily, Professional Solutions is here to help you navigate the recent developments in mobile processing. We want to help you find the right fit for your business. Call us at 800-437-0712.
Trademarks listed are the property of their respective owners.
The credit card processing program is administered through Professional Solutions Financial Services, a division of NCMIC Finance Corporation.