A payment terminal sitting loose on a counter is one of the easiest targets in any business. It can be picked up and carried off in seconds, swapped for a look-alike device, or fitted with a skimming overlay while staff are busy with the next customer. Mounting your terminals on a sturdy stand is one of the simplest, most affordable ways to close that gap.
In this post, I'll walk through why metal stands make the biggest difference, which mount type fits each location, and a few habits that make any setup more secure.
Why Metal Matters
Not all stands offer the same protection. Plastic stands can crack, flex or snap under pressure, which makes it easier to pry a terminal loose. A steel stand holds the device firmly in place and resists the bending and leverage a thief would rely on.
Here's what a metal stand adds:
• Strength: Steel holds up to force that would break plastic, so a terminal can't simply be yanked off the counter.
• Stability: A heavy, rigid base keeps the device locked in position, which makes tampering harder to hide.
• Durability: Powder-coated steel resists scratches, spills and daily wear, so the stand stays secure for years instead of loosening over time.
• A visible deterrent: A solid metal mount signals that your devices are protected, which discourages opportunistic theft.
All DCCStands are built from powder-coated steel and backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturing defects.
Choose the Right Mount for Each Location
The most secure setup is one that fits how the terminal is used. Each mount type protects devices in a different way.
|
Mount type |
Best for |
How it improves security |
|
Retail and restaurant counters where customers and staff share the terminal |
Keeps the device anchored while it turns toward the customer, so it never has to be picked up or handed over |
|
|
Checkout lanes and counters where the terminal stays in one position |
Holds the device rigidly in place with no moving parts to loosen or work free |
|
|
Quick-service restaurants, pharmacies and banks |
Keeps the terminal attached at the window instead of being passed outside, reducing drops and the chance of a device leaving staff control |
|
|
POS systems with a monitor or customer-facing display |
Attaches the terminal directly to the POS hardware, keeping the whole station together and off the open counter |
|
|
Kiosks, kitchens, entryways and tight spaces |
Lifts the device off the counter and fixes it to a permanent surface where it is harder to reach and remove |
Tip: For swivel stands, a freestanding base is easy to move, while a screw-mounted base is fixed to the counter. Where theft is a concern, choose a stand that screws in.
Add Extra Layers of Protection
For high-traffic or higher-risk locations, these features take security a step further:
• Key-locking stands: The terminal can only be removed with a key, so it stays put when staff step away.
• Device-to-stand tether locks: A security cable connects the terminal to the stand, adding a second line of defense.
Build Good Security Habits
Even the best stand works best alongside a few simple routines:
1. Inspect terminals daily. Check for loose parts, unfamiliar attachments or anything that looks different around the card reader.
2. Record serial numbers. Keep a list of every device and where it is mounted, so a swapped terminal is easy to spot.
3. Train your staff. Make sure employees know what tampering looks like and who to tell if something seems off.
4. Lock up portable devices after hours. Store wireless terminals in a secure place when the business is closed.
Find the Right DCCStand for Your Business
A steel stand is a small investment that protects some of the most valuable equipment at your counter. DCCStands fit more than 40 payment terminal models from PAX, Ingenico, Verifone, Dejavoo, Clover and more. If you upgrade your terminal later, you can swap the mounting plate instead of buying a new stand.
Shop the full DCCStands line, where you can browse by terminal brand, terminal model or stand type, including swivel and tilt, fixed, drive-thru, VESA, wall-mount and key-locking options. Click here for an overview video of the DCCStands line.
Have a question about which stand fits your setup? Call our team at 847-266-1220 or email sales@dccsupply.com.
— Adam