What is a payment terminal?
A payment terminal, also known as an electronic payment terminal or card payment terminal, is the device used to accept card payments in-store, at a stand, or on the move. In practical terms, it is the device where customers insert, swipe, or tap their card to pay.
Behind this apparently simple action lies a sophisticated technical infrastructure. Each transaction passes through a secure network that checks the validity of the card, the available funds, and the cardholder’s identity in real time. All of this happens in just a few milliseconds.
According to data from the European Central Bank, card payments accounted for 57% of total number of non-cash payments in first half of 2025. This steady growth reflects changing consumer habits and increasing trust in electronic payment solutions.
For merchants, having a high-performance card payment terminal is not just about following a trend. It means offering customers the flexibility they expect, speeding up checkout, and securing revenue. It also provides access to detailed transaction tracking and simplifies accounting processes.
Payment technology has evolved significantly in recent years. Traditional fixed terminals now coexist with mobile, portable, and fully dematerialised solutions. Each format meets specific needs and adapts to different business contexts.
Types of payment terminals: choosing the right solution for your business
Fixed payment terminals: the standard for established retailers
Fixed POS payment terminals remain the preferred choice for businesses with a dedicated checkout or counter. Connected via cable to power and the internet, they offer maximum stability and reliability.
Their main strength lies in robustness. Designed to handle hundreds of transactions per day, they withstand intensive use and ensure constant availability. Recent models feature intuitive touchscreens, making daily operations easier to manage.
These terminals accept all common card payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. They are contactless-enabled and naturally support digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Their processing capacity makes them particularly effective during peak periods.
The main drawback is limited mobility. They cannot follow customers around the shop or be used away from the counter. For businesses with space constraints or queue management challenges, other solutions may be more suitable.
Mobile payment terminals: freedom of movement
Mobile card payment terminals transform the checkout experience by adding flexibility where it matters most. Equipped with a rechargeable battery and a 4G or Wi-Fi connection, they can be used anywhere in the sales area or beyond.
For restaurants, this means collecting payments directly at the table, reducing back-and-forth trips and improving customer service. In fashion or home décor stores, it enables sales assistants to complete purchases without interrupting the customer interaction. Tradespeople and service providers working at customer premises also benefit greatly from this mobility.
Battery life is the main point to monitor. Regular charging and a reliable internet connection are essential, especially for professionals who travel frequently. Some models include docking stations to simplify charging and storage.
SoftPOS (Tap to Pay): turning your smartphone into a payment terminal
The latest innovation in payments is SoftPOS, or Software Point of Sale. This technology turns a smartphone into a fully functional payment terminal, without any additional hardware. A simple app is enough to start accepting card and contactless payments.
SoftPOS relies on NFC (Near Field Communication) technology built into modern smartphones. Customers tap their card on the phone, and the transaction works exactly like it would on a traditional terminal. Security levels remain the same, with identical encryption and authentication protocols.
Unlike traditional terminals, which allow card insertion for higher amounts, Tap to Pay works exclusively via contactless technology. For transactions above the £100 threshold, customers tap their card and then enter their PIN directly on the smartphone screen. This is known as online PIN entry, a secure authentication method that reinforces transaction validation. Receipts can be sent by email or SMS, offering a modern alternative to printed receipts.
This solution is particularly attractive to small retailers, self-employed professionals, and mobile businesses. The initial investment is minimal, as merchants use a device they already own. Setup takes just a few minutes, allowing payments to be accepted almost immediately.
SoftPOS is ideal for businesses with moderate transaction volumes, such as tradespeople, consultants, market vendors, or event-based sellers. For merchants with high customer traffic or advanced functional needs, dedicated payment terminals remain more appropriate.
Contactless payments: the new standard for customer experience
Whether fixed, mobile, or smartphone-based, every modern payment terminal includes a now-essential feature: contactless payments. This technology has become a standard expectation, accelerating checkout and improving flow at the till.
For transactions above the £100 contactless limit with a physical card, customers are required to insert their card and enter their PIN on the merchant’s payment terminal.
With SoftPOS solutions, when PIN verification is required, the PIN is entered via a secure, PCI-certified interface displayed on the merchant’s smartphone, a mechanism commonly referred to as PIN on Glass.
The widespread adoption of contactless payments is driven by speed and convenience. On average, a contactless transaction takes half the time of a traditional PIN-based card payment. For customers, this means a smoother experience. For merchants, it reduces queues and increases throughput.
The technology relies on RFID or NFC chips that communicate with the terminal over a very short distance. Data exchanges are encrypted and validated in real time by the bank, ensuring a security level equivalent to traditional card payments.
Digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay further extend the benefits of contactless payments. Customers store their cards securely on their smartphone and pay without needing a physical card. These solutions add extra security layers, including biometric authentication.
Security and compliance: protecting your transactions
Payment security is a top priority, both to protect customers and to safeguard business revenue. Modern electronic payment terminals incorporate multiple layers of protection to make transactions highly secure.
All certified terminals comply with the PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), a strict set of requirements defined by card networks. This certification ensures that sensitive customer data is protected at every stage of the transaction.
Encryption plays a central role. As soon as a customer inserts or taps their card, the data is encrypted and transmitted securely to the bank. It is never accessible in plain text, making it unusable even if intercepted.
Authentication further strengthens security. For higher-value transactions or additional verification requirements, the system prompts the customer to enter their PIN. With SoftPOS, this takes the form of online PIN entry for amounts above £100, entered directly on the smartphone screen. These additional checks significantly reduce fraud risks.
Merchants are also responsible for keeping their equipment up to date. Payment terminals regularly receive software updates that address vulnerabilities and improve security protocols. These updates are usually managed automatically by the payment service provider.
Choosing the right payment terminal: what really matters
Selecting the right card payment terminal requires a clear understanding of your business needs and operating environment.
Transaction volume plays a key role. Businesses with a constant flow of customers need fast, robust equipment capable of handling large volumes without delays. Independent professionals with fewer daily transactions can opt for lighter, more cost-effective solutions.
Your working environment also influences the choice. A shop with a fixed counter naturally suits a wired terminal. Restaurants benefit from portable terminals for table-side payments. Tradespeople working on-site often prefer mobile or SoftPOS solutions.
Internet connectivity is another critical factor. Most modern terminals rely on Wi-Fi, 4G, or Ethernet. An unstable connection can lead to transaction errors and slower checkout. Network coverage should be assessed before choosing a mobile solution.
Accepted payment methods also matter. Beyond standard card payments, consider supporting digital wallets, QR code payments, and, depending on your sector, dematerialised meal vouchers or holiday vouchers.
Some terminals offer additional features such as receipt printing, inventory management, loyalty programmes, or real-time sales analytics. These features should be evaluated based on their real usefulness to your business.
Beyond the terminal: completing your payment ecosystem
A card payment terminal alone may not cover all payment needs. Depending on your business model, complementary solutions can enhance your setup.
Payment links allow merchants to send secure payment requests by email or SMS. Customers pay by clicking a link, making this solution ideal for quotes, invoices, deposits, or phone sales.
Recurring payments are suitable for subscriptions, regular services, or loyalty programmes. Customers authorise automatic debits at defined intervals, improving cash flow predictability and reducing administrative workload.
Buy Now Pay Later solutions enable customers to split payments into instalments, often without additional fees. Offering these options can increase average order value and conversion rates, especially for higher-priced purchases.
Why choosing the right PSP matters
Selecting a payment terminal is not just about hardware. The payment service provider plays a crucial role in ensuring reliable, compliant, and secure payment acceptance.
A strong PSP offers a turnkey solution, including terminal supply, installation, configuration, secure connectivity to banking networks, PCI DSS compliance, and ongoing software updates.
Support quality is essential. In the event of an issue, every minute counts. Responsive, knowledgeable support minimises disruption and protects business continuity.
Why choose Monext?
Beyond technical performance, Monext stands out for its quality of support and operational reliability.
Merchants benefit from responsive, human support, available six days a week. Most issues are resolved remotely, limiting downtime, and faulty terminals are replaced within one business day when needed.
Monext also provides fast, turnkey logistics, with express delivery of modern Android terminals that are preconfigured, secure, and ready to use on arrival.
A single platform gives merchants a unified view of all sales, refunds, and settlements, both in-store and online. Payment methods are consolidated under one contract, including cards, digital wallets, European and international payment schemes, BNPL solutions, and dematerialised vouchers.
Flexible and scalable solutions allow businesses to evolve over time, with premium terminals, SoftPOS applications, payment links, QR codes, and integrated ecommerce gateways.
Ready to optimise your payment acceptance?
Whether traditional, mobile, or smartphone-based, card payment terminals are far more than simple checkout tools. They shape the customer experience, improve operational efficiency, and secure revenue.
Every business has unique needs. Taking the time to analyse your requirements and choosing a partner that truly understands your activity makes all the difference.
Monext supports merchants across all sectors with secure, scalable payment solutions. From payment terminals to diversified payment methods, we help build a setup tailored to your business.
