A payment terminal, also known as a point of sale (POS) terminal, credit card machine, card reader, PIN pad, EFTPOS terminal, is a device which interfaces with payment cards to make electronic funds transfers. The terminal typically consists of a secure keypad for entering PIN, a screen, a means of capturing information from payments cards and a network connection to access the payment network for authorization.
PAX Technology S90 credit card terminal with a Visa card inserted.
A typical fixed install card terminal from 2006
A typical counter-top payment terminal from 2007
An older generation Ingenico credit card terminal and separate keypad from 2006
Electronic funds transfer at point of sale is an electronic payment system involving electronic funds transfers based on the use of payment cards, such as debit cards or credit cards, at payment terminals located at points of sale. EFTPOS technology was developed during the 1980s.
EFTPOS terminal in a restaurant at Toronto Airport