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What is an Virtual Terminal?
The Virtual Terminal is a web-based point-of-sale terminal for key entered transactions and a wide range of features. Virtual Terminal performs the processing functions of a physical POS terminal but only requires a PC with Internet connection and a web browser.

What are the features of an Virtual Terminal?

  • All you need is an Internet connection and a web browser! No need for unnecessary hardware, dedicated phone lines, etc.
  • Handles the full range of processing functions needed to "key enter" and process credit card transactions, including authorization, card capture, refunds, voids, etc.
  • Offers a comprehensive set of payment management functions such as split shipments, settle marked transactions, retrieve, review and settle batches.
  • You have the choice to either settle batch transactions automatically at the end of each day or manually oversee the process yourself by logging into the Virtual Terminal -- when and where you want to.
  • Research and retrieve past orders quickly and with ease.
  • Virtual Terminal has a safe and secure log in with multi-tiered access.


Does the Virtual Terminal support "card swipe" transaction?
Presently the Virtual Terminal is for "key-entered" or "card absent" transactions only. It supports a full range of needs: authorization only, authorization and capture, refunds and voids. The Virtual Terminal can also be used to enter extended order data as needed for tracking and reconciliation.

Does the Virtual Terminal offer fraud detection services?
Currently the system supports AVS, CID and CVV2 verification services.

  • Address Verification System (AVS) - lets you enter a customer's home address and compares it to the address on file with the credit card company. If someone uses a stolen card, and wants products shipped to a false address, AVS will detect this for you.
  • Card Verification Value (CVV2) - A Visa verification process that utilizes a three-digit code printed on the reverse of a card next to the card number in the signature panel; used when authorizing credit card transactions where the physical card is not present.
  • Cardholder Identification (CID) - An American Express verification process that utilizes a non-embossed four-digit number printed on the front of the card; used when authorizing credit card transactions where the physical card is not present.


Can I process purchasing cards?
Yes - the Virtual Terminal supports processing of purchasing cards with Level 2 data. Purchasing Card Level 3 will be supported in the future.

Can I process electronic checks with Virtual Terminal?
Electronic Check Processing service is available to some card-not-present merchants. Please contact your account manager or a sales representative for further information.

Can I process in currencies other than US dollars?
Our International Currency services are available to some card-not-present merchants. Please contact a sales representative for further information.

Can I issue refunds through the Virtual Terminal?
Absolutely - under the "New Order" function, you can select the "Credit" screen, enter the required data and then "Submit Credit"..

Is transaction history retained?
Virtual Terminal stores all transaction history for six months. You can look up items by card account number, your order number and date range. Searches can be done at the batch or transaction level.

Are my merchant statements available from the Virtual Terminal?
Virtual Terminal allows you to retrieve batch totals and the details of transactions within each batch. You will continue to receive merchant reports as you do today. Reports are not available from the Virtual Terminal. The transaction history function can, however, be an invaluable tool to assist in customer service.

Does Virtual Terminal support any other payment processors?
No. This service is a proprietary system of Discount Credit Card Machine and is only available to its merchant base. If you are using another payment processor, you will need to establish a merchant account with Discount Credit Card Machine.

Can the Virtual Terminal be set up for an existing merchant account or must I establish a new merchant number?
For some merchants existing merchant numbers can be used in setting the Virtual Terminal, but for most merchants, new identification numbers are required. If you are an existing merchant, please contact your Account Manager to find out.

How long does it take to go live?
After your merchant account is approved and set up, Virtual Terminal is normally activated within 48 hours. Contact your account manager for further information and for assistance in establishing an account. You may also apply online for a merchant account.

Once I've logged in, is the system available for use anytime?
Yes - the system is available on a 24 x 7 basis. However, the Virtual Terminal does have an automatic time-out feature, based on 20 minutes of inactivity, to help reduce the risk of authorized use of the system. After 20 minutes of inactivity, you will be required to log back into the system in order to perform an activity.

I have more than one person that will need to use the Virtual Terminal. Do I need to get separate logins for each user?
You can get separate logins for each user, but this is not necessary. Virtual Terminal allows multiple users to access the system with a single login and can also support multiple logins with restricted rights. As examples - we can establish logins that will allow the user to authorize only, authorize and capture - but not refund, while other users may have log ins with full access. This feature is available only to merchants utilizing certain boarding processes. Please contact your account manager to see if you qualify for this service or contact a sales representative before setting up an account for more information.

Can I have multiple Virtual Terminals?
Yes - each Virtual Terminal account represents one merchant number. As such, you can have multiple Virtual Terminals established, with each account set up for an individual merchant number.

Does the terminal "capture" items that will then be charged to a cardholder?
Yes. If you only authorize an item, you will need to "mark" it for capture. This is done by "Opening" a batch, selecting the authorized item and then "marking" it for capture. If the item was already processed as an "authorize and capture", there are no additional steps you need to perform.

Do I have to "close out" the terminal every day?
Yes, the terminal must be closed every day using one of the following options. You may log in daily and close all batches, or at time of set up Paymentech can establish an "auto close" option for you. Under this option, we will automatically close open batches at a pre-scheduled time every day. You can select this auto close time during the application process for the Virtual Terminal and it will automatically close out every day for you.

Does the system report activity by user login?
No.

How do I "authorize" a card?
After logging in, you will be presented with a "New Order" screen. In this mode, you can authorize only or authorize and capture a card transaction.

How do I charge a cardholder?
Charging an account requires three events. First, you must "authorize" the transaction. Second, you must "capture" the transaction. And last, you must "close" open batches. Virtual Terminal enables you to perform each of these steps as individual processes, or they can be consolidated into a single "auto close" process. In this mode, you may process an "authorization" and "capture" as a single transaction, and also be set up for a daily "auto close" of open batches. In this way, you only need process the single "auth/capture" transaction and the Virtual Terminal does the rest. All items that are "marked for capture" will then be released for cardholder billing.

If I make an error entering data, how do I correct it?
As long as you have not executed a function, corrections are easy. The "clear" button clears all fields and lets you start over. If you have completed the transaction, you can use the "Void" feature to cancel the transaction.

If I have a question, where do I go for support?
A staffed support center is available 24 hours a day. At the time of set up, the merchant is provided a toll free number and an email address to contact for all support questions.