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How do I capture a payment using a magnetic-stripe card reader?

Checkfront lets you process in-person credit card payments by connecting a USB credit card reader to your computer and swiping the Customer's card, instead of manually typing in the card number and expiry date.

Below, you can learn how to set up and use a card reader with Checkfront.
 

Accessing the features mentioned in this article

Before using a card reader, confirm you have:

Hardware requirements

What kind of card reader do I need? 

A USB credit card reader with triple-track capability. Triple-track readers can read all three tracks of data encoded on a modern card's magnetic stripe. A single- or double-track reader does not capture everything Checkfront needs to process the payment. MagTek is a commonly used example of a compatible triple-track reader.

Checkfront does not sell or ship card readers directly. If a reader you've bought isn't working as expected, please contact Checkfront Support with the make and model so we can help confirm compatibility.
 

Payment gateway requirements

A card reader only works with a Payment Provider that supports virtual terminal payments. This workflow is supported with Authorize.net.

If you're not sure whether your current Payment Provider supports virtual terminal payments, you can see Payment Providers or contact Checkfront Support.
 

Adding a payment with a card reader

  1. Open the booking you want to take payment for.
  2. Click Add Payment.
  3. Make sure you're on the Credit Card tab in the Add Payment window, not the POS tab. Card readers only work from the Credit Card dialog.
  4. With your cursor in the Card field, swipe the Customer's card through the reader once, in a single smooth motion.
  5. The card number and, in some cases, the expiry date populate automatically. Confirm the remaining fields (Amount, Name on Card, CVC, Address, Postal / Zip) and submit the payment as usual.

See Understanding credit card payment fields for a full breakdown of each field in the Add Payment window.

Troubleshooting

  • Check the connection. Make sure the reader is firmly connected to your computer's USB port. Most readers show a ready indicator, often a solid or blinking green light, once connected.
  • Swipe technique: Swipe the card once, quickly, and in a straight line through the reader. Swiping too slowly, at an angle, or more than once can produce a garbled read.
  • Check the card and reader. A worn, scratched, or damaged magnetic stripe can cause read errors. The reader's magnetic head can also collect dust or debris over time — a card reader cleaning card can help.
  • Warning signs: A red indicator light or repeated beeping after a swipe usually means the read failed. Try swiping again before assuming a hardware fault.
  • Fall back to manual entry. If the reader still isn't working after a few attempts, enter the card details manually in the Credit Card tab of the Add Payment window to avoid losing the sale or payment.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use any USB credit card reader? 
    • Use a compatible triple-track magnetic-stripe reader. Confirm the make and model with Checkfront Support before purchasing if you are unsure.
  • Does this work in POS mode? 
    • No. Card reader swipes are supported only from the Credit Card tab in the Add Payment window, not the POS tab.
  • Can I use a card reader with any Payment Provider? Only with a Provider that supports virtual terminal payments, such as Authorize.net.

 

Next Steps

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