How to pass card in the machine: find out!

If you own a business, are a MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur), or work in sales anywhere, you've probably already realized how essential a card machine is for your sales, providing security when making payments and receiving receipts.

But it's common for many people to not know how to swipe a card through the machine. That's why in this article, we're providing all the information you need to know how to operate the machine and receive your money.

Stay tuned to the end and learn how to swipe your card correctly through the machine.

How does the card machine work?

A card machine is an electronic device that allows you to read information contained on credit and debit cards, allowing you to carry out financial transactions quickly and securely.

When using the card machine, you establish communication between yourself and your customer, the company responsible for providing the machine and the payment company that represents the brand of the card used (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.).

This way, the entire authorization and transfer process occurs automatically, ensuring security and convenience for both the seller and the buyer.

The process that occurs when you insert the card into the machine is as follows:

1. The seller swipes the card through the machine.
2. The card machine reads the information contained in the magnetic stripe or chip of the customer's card, such as the account number, expiration date, security code and cardholder name.
3. The card machine establishes a secure connection with the card operator to verify that the customer has sufficient funds to complete the purchase.
4. The machine also checks that the card has not been reported as stolen or lost.
5. If everything is correct, the transaction is confirmed and the payment is processed.
6. The seller receives confirmation of the successful transaction and can deliver the goods or services to the customer.

How do I receive money from someone who uses a card on the machine?

When you swipe your card through the machine, the payment will be recorded, and you'll need to receive your money. There are basically two ways in which the money from card machine sales will arrive:

• Virtual account created with the card machine operator: the most common form today, your machine operator creates a virtual account for you, where the sales amounts are credited and, from this credit, you can use it as you wish (make payments, transfer, withdraw, etc.).
• Deposit into a bank account: some operators, when you swipe your card through the terminal, transfer the funds directly to your registered bank account, so that you have the balance in your account.

Either way, when you insert your card into the machine and the payment is made, you will be able to receive your money.

How to use a card machine?

The process for using the card machine and making sales is very simple and can be done in a practical and intuitive way, following the commands on the device's screen.

In general, to swipe your card through the machine, you follow these steps:

1. Insert, swipe or tap the card on the machine, depending on the type of technology used (strip, chip or proximity).
2. Enter the sale value using the physical keyboard or the machine's screen, if it is smart.
3. Indicate the chosen payment method, which can be debit, credit, cash or installments.
4. If you choose to pay in installments, select the number of installments you want.
5. If necessary, ask the customer to enter the card password.
6. Wait for transaction approval, which is usually confirmed within a few seconds.
7. If the transaction is approved, give the customer a receipt, which can be sent by SMS, email or printed, depending on the machine model.
8. If the transaction is declined, redo the process, ask the customer to try another card, or offer another payment method.

How do I swipe my card correctly on the machine?

There are several ways to swipe your card through the card reader so you can receive payments. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a sale with the card reader:

1. Check the card technology (magnetic stripe, chip or contactless).
2. Insert the card into the machine according to the technology, that is, pass the magnetic stripe through the slot at the top of the machine, insert the chip in the corresponding space or bring the card close to the indicated area, if the machine has this technology.
3. Wait for the card reader to read the card information. In some cases, the reader may ask you to enter your card PIN.
4. Check that the card information is displayed correctly on the card reader screen. Confirm the transaction amount and payment method before confirming the transaction.
5. Confirm the payment transaction on the card machine screen or press the corresponding button.
6. Please wait a few seconds for the transaction to be processed and approved.
7. If approved, provide proof of payment to the customer, which can be sent via text message, email, or printed.

How do I receive payments using a proximity card machine?

Contactless payment technology is the latest technology when it comes to making sales, where, instead of inserting your card into the machine, you simply bring it closer for the sale to take place.

See how to correctly receive payments using the contactless card machine:

1. Enter the sale amount on the card machine.
2. Choose the payment type (credit or debit) and whether it is cash or installments.
3. Ask the customer to place the credit or debit card near the machine, in the area indicated for reading.
4. Wait a few seconds for the device to read the card information and display the transaction amount.
5. Confirm the transaction on the card machine screen or press the corresponding button.
6. Please wait a few seconds for the transaction to be processed and approved.
7. If approved, provide proof of payment to the customer, which can be sent via text message, email, or printed.

Other ways to receive payment through the card machine

With the advancement of technology, new forms of payment are emerging directly through the card machine, including payment via PIX, which generates a QR Code for the person to make the payment. Some machines also allow you to create a link and send it for payment.

So, when you choose your device, in addition to inserting the card into the machine, see what functions it allows you to perform so you can make the best sales to customers.

Main problems when using a card on the machine

Card usage in the POS machine should be done carefully, especially to avoid certain errors that could cause problems for the customer. Check out the main problems you might encounter when swiping cards through the POS machine.

Technical Error

When swiping your card through the card reader, you may encounter some technical errors. These are generally system glitches that are easy to resolve. Here's a list of the most common technical errors:

• Code 06 – Generic Error: This code indicates that the machine or data network is experiencing a problem, or that the administrator was unable to contact the card issuer. In this case, the retailer may offer another machine or ask the customer to try again.
• Code 08 – Issuer/Brand Timeout: This code indicates that the card issuer, card operator, or card terminal operator is unavailable. In this case, the customer can try again.
• Code 14 – Invalid Card: This code indicates that the store or card machine has declined a card brand. The solution is for the customer to use a different card brand or pay with another method.
• Code 15 – Unregistered institution: This code indicates that the card issuing institution is not registered with the machine's operator. The solution is to use a different card or payment method.

In addition to the codes mentioned above, other technical errors on the machines include:

• Code 19 – Repeat Transaction;
• Code 21 – Unable to Cancel or Confirm Transaction;
• Code 26 – Operation with Duplicate ID;
• Code 40 – Service Unavailable;
• Code 91 – Bank Offline;
• Code 96 – Try Again;
• Code AA – Time Exceeded;
• GA Code – Referred Transaction.

If any of these errors occur, the retailer or customer can try again or use another payment method.

Usage error

In these cases, there was an error when swiping or inserting the card into the machine. Here are the main ones:

• Code 03 – Transaction not found – unauthorized sale: This error occurs when the number of installments exceeds the limit allowed by the card or when there is a typing error in the card number or security code.
• Code 11 – Type 2 installment payment not authorized: The machine does not have any installment payment options registered, or the registered options are not accepted by the card. The retailer must offer other payment methods.

There are other usage errors that can occur during the transaction on the card machine, such as:

• Code 12 – Invalid transaction
• Code 25 – Record not found
• AC Code – Use debit function

Security error

In this case, when you swipe your card through the machine, an error occurs for security reasons. Here are the main ones:

• Code 01 – Referred Transaction (Issuer): This error occurs when the customer makes a purchase for a much higher amount than usual, or when the card issuer suspects fraud. In this case, the customer should contact the card-issuing bank to verify the information.
• Code 05 – Unauthorized transaction: This error occurs when the transaction is declined by the card-issuing bank. The cardholder should contact the bank to find out the reason for the decline. This error is not very common.

You may also find the following codes:

• Code 13 – Invalid transaction value;
• Code 38 – Password attempts exceeded;
• Code 41 – Lost card;
• Code 43 – Stolen card;
• Code 54 – Expired card;
• Code 55 – Incorrect password;
• Code 57 – Invalid service for this customer or Transaction denied;
• Code 61 – Withdrawal or purchase limit exceeded;
• Code 78 – Card not unlocked by the bearer.

Error 51

Code 51 indicates that the transaction was declined or unauthorized by the card issuer. This can occur for a variety of reasons, such as: exceeded credit limit, suspected fraud, expired card, or overdue payments.

It is important that the cardholder contact the issuer to verify the reason and resolve the situation.

What are the best machines on the market today?

Want to swipe your card with your card reader and offer more options to your customers? Here's some information about the best card readers available today:

Pagseguro

• Price: R$ 1.90 to R$ 24.90 (12 installments).
• Cost: No rent.
• Balance: Installments: 9,91% to 22,59% (instantly)
• Highlight: Instant balance in your account, different models and more card acceptance.

Ton

• Price: R$ 2.90 to R$ 31.41 (12 installments)
• Cost: no rent.
• balance: Installments: 4,41% to 11,95% (1 day)
• Highlights: Basic rates, very easy-to-use card machine.

Mercado Pago

• Price: R$ 11.90 to R$ 39.90 (12 times)
• Cost: no rent.
• balance: Installments: 9,90% to 22,59% (instantly)
• Highlight: balance available when using the card machine, loan option for the machine owner.

Frequently asked questions

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