Why Choose DCCSupply?
- 1-year warranty standard (most suppliers offer only 90 days)
- Optional Protection Plans and Quick Swap replacement programs to extend coverage and minimize downtime
- New and certified refurbished inventory — refurbished units tested to manufacturer specifications
- Same-day shipping for orders placed by 2pm CT, Monday–Friday
- Spanish-language support available (9am–5pm CT, 847-266-1220)
- Bundles available with protective covers, locking stands, and paper rolls
- All terminals support EMV chip cards, contactless payments (NFC/tap-to-pay), and magnetic stripe, and are compatible with major processors including First Data, TSYS, and Elavon
Frequently Asked Questions About Credit Card Terminals
What's the difference between new and refurbished credit card terminals?
New terminals are factory-sealed units that have never been used. Refurbished terminals are previously used devices that have been restored to manufacturer specifications, including replacement of worn components, software updates, and full testing. Both new and refurbished terminals from Discount Credit Card Supply include a 1-year warranty. Refurbished terminals typically cost 30-50% less than new units while offering the same functionality and reliability.
What does the 1-year warranty cover?
The warranty covers all hardware defects and software malfunctions for 12 months from the date of purchase. This includes card reader failures, keypad issues, display problems, and connectivity defects. The warranty does not cover physical damage from drops, liquid spills, or misuse. If your terminal fails under warranty, we provide repair or replacement at no charge. Standard warranty coverage is 1 year—extended warranties are available for high-volume merchants.
Do these terminals work with my credit card processor?
Most terminals are compatible with major processors including First Data (now Fiserv), Worldpay, TSYS, Elavon, and Global Payments. However, terminals must be programmed for your specific processor before use. When ordering, provide your processor name and merchant ID so we can pre-program the terminal. If you're purchasing a terminal to use with an existing merchant account, confirm compatibility with your processor before ordering. Some processors require proprietary terminals or specific firmware versions.
How long does shipping take?
Orders placed by 2pm Central Time Monday through Friday ship the same business day via UPS Ground or USPS Priority Mail. Typical delivery time is 2-5 business days depending on your location. Expedited shipping options (overnight, 2-day) are available at checkout. International shipping is available to Canada and select countries—contact us at 847-266-1220 for international shipping rates and delivery estimates.
What's the difference between a terminal and a full POS system?
A credit card terminal processes card payments only. It reads the card, authorizes the transaction, and prints a receipt. A POS (point-of-sale) system includes a terminal plus additional hardware (tablet/monitor, cash drawer, barcode scanner) and software for inventory management, sales reporting, employee tracking, and customer management. Terminals cost $150-$800. Full POS systems cost $400-$2,000+. If you only need to accept card payments, a terminal is sufficient. If you need inventory tracking or sales analytics, consider a POS system.
Can I use a terminal without a merchant account?
No. Credit card terminals require a merchant account to process transactions. A merchant account is a bank account that holds funds between when a customer pays and when money is deposited to your business checking account. You must set up a merchant account with a payment processor (like First Data, Square, or Stripe) before using a terminal. Some processors bundle terminal sales with merchant account setup. If you don't have a merchant account yet, contact us and we can refer you to processor partners.
What payment types do these terminals accept?
All terminals accept EMV chip cards (the current security standard since 2015), contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, tap-to-pay cards), and traditional magnetic stripe cards. Most terminals also accept PIN debit cards. Some advanced models support gift cards, EBT/SNAP payments, and check processing. Specific payment capabilities vary by terminal model—check individual product listings for detailed specifications.
Do I need a phone line or internet connection?
Connection requirements depend on the terminal type. Countertop dial-up terminals require a dedicated phone line (landline). Ethernet terminals require a wired internet connection. WiFi terminals connect to your wireless network. Cellular terminals use built-in SIM cards and don't require phone lines or internet (cellular data fees apply). Most modern businesses choose Ethernet or WiFi terminals because phone line costs ($30-50/month) exceed internet costs and transaction speed is faster over internet connections.
What's included with the terminal?
Standard terminal packages include the terminal unit, power adapter, connection cable (phone cord, Ethernet cable, or instructions for WiFi setup), quick start guide, and 1-year warranty documentation. Receipt paper is typically not included—you'll need to purchase thermal paper rolls separately (available in our supplies section). Some bundle packages include protective cases, locking stands, or paper starter kits. Check individual product listings for specific package contents.
Can I return a terminal if it doesn't work with my processor?
Yes. We offer a 30-day return policy on terminals that are incompatible with your processor, provided the terminal is in new/like-new condition with original packaging. Refurbished terminals must be unused to qualify for return. Return shipping costs are the buyer's responsibility unless the terminal was misprogrammed or defective. To minimize compatibility issues, confirm your processor requirements before ordering or contact us at 847-266-1220 for assistance selecting the correct terminal model.