
With virtual terminals you are able to use any modern computer, laptop or mobile device to accept and process card payments from customers.
Using virtual terminals, you can instantly transform your smartphone or tablet from a timewaster to a legitimate business device.
What is a Virtual Terminal?
Simply put, a virtual terminal is a type of software that enables you to accept and process electronic payments using your smartphone, tablet or computer without the need for a physical card reader or even the cardholder being physically present
Why is it Called Virtual Terminal?
The reason these types of software are called virtual terminals is that you are able to transform your smart devices into a card processing terminal: doing so is very simple.
How Do Virtual Terminals Work
Once you have finalised the backend of registering your detail with a virtual terminals service provider, you can use the system in a number of simple steps:
- Customers place an order via phone, email or fax and use a credit or debit card to send payment.
- Within the virtual terminal, enter the address and card details of the customer.
- Your virtual terminal service provider will process the payment, then send it to you, ensuring that you receive payment.
- Most Virtual Terminals will then process packaging slips to include with products intended for dispatch to the customer, if necessary.
- Virtual terminals will then register the transaction so that you have a clear record and easily accessible transaction history.
Why Use Virtual Terminals?
As the future of any time cashless payments, there are many reasons to have the option to use virtual terminals if the situation demands it.
Flexible Payments – Any Time
Traditional payment methods can often be time-consuming, bloated and lack security. When a customer does not have the right amount of cash for the the items they wish to purchase, said item will have to return to the shelf and it is a sale lost which may potentially never return, particularly if a competitor is more local to the customer or sells a similar product for cheaper.
Virtual terminals ensure you no longer must wait to complete a transaction or receive payment: once the customer is ready to pay, the transaction can be finalised near-instantaneously.
Phone Processed Payments
Utilising a virtual terminal service allows you to turn your smartphone into a genuine business tool and make good use of its specifications. With no need for any other payment device but your phone, you can manage your business payments while you are having your coffee. This gives you the flexibility to respond to your customer’s needs quickly and efficiently from anywhere in the world.
Simplifying Recurring Payments
It can be a pain setting up recurring payments with a traditional card payment solution – for you and your customer. You can simplify the process by using a virtual terminal – all you have to do is set up a recurring payment date and everything else will be processed automatically for you. What’s even better is that a virtual terminal provides you with easy access to all your recurring payment reports just a few clicks away.
No Dedicated Hardware Required
As virtual terminals do not require dedicated hardware, there are no considerable financial outlays or budgeting required to introduce the service under your banner. No worrying about specialist hardware maintenance or setup costs.
Virtual Card Payments with AptPay
AptPay is a leading payment solutions provider for small businesses in the Midlands offering a flexible virtual card payment service that guarantees:
Secure Payments with Extra Safety
AptPay never compromises on the security and safety of our clients or your customers. With AptPay’s virtual terminal services you can rest assured that your and your customer’s data is always safe: using the very latest encryption technology to ensure your cyber safety.
On-Demand Reporting
Not only is the payment process made easy with AptPay, but you also benefit from detailed, real-time reporting of commercial transactions whenever and wherever you need them.
Cost-Effective, Quality Business Solutions
AptPay is always aware of the needs of each individual business: taking the time to assess the requirements of your business, as well as the budget, to ensure that our solutions are the best fit for you.
There For You
AptPay’s friendly customer support team are on hand 24/7 to deliver the help you need, whenever you need it. Want to speak to us about virtual terminals? Get in touch today.
FAQ
Are virtual terminals safe?
Yes, with the right cyber security technology and encryption methods put in place to keep sensitive data secure, PCI-compliant virtual terminals provide a secure payment solution for your business.
What businesses can benefit from using virtual terminals?
Small-to-medium sized businesses can easily add commercial agility via implementing virtual terminals into their order process.
Which businesses use virtual terminals?
Any small-to-medium-sized business that wishes to streamline its commercial acumen should consider using virtual terminals. Some sectors that commonly use virtual terminals are pubs, bars, restaurants, takeaways and convenience stores.

