A mobile card machine connects to the acquiring bank by a mobile phone connection so can be taken and used anywhere where there is mobile phone reception.
These types of chip and PIN machines are useful for merchants operating outside of their premises for example if they have a stall or for tradespeople. This type of device can also be useful where deliveries are taken to customers eg. food outlets.
Recently mobile card machines have been developed which work with mobile phones to process payments. Because the machines don’t need mobile capabilities they are smaller, simpler and less expensive than traditional mobile card machines. This type of machine is now available in the UK and is likely to prove popular.
The technology has been developed so any card data which passes through the phone is encrypted and can’t be accessed by the phone. This will give customers peace of mind, though they may take a bit of getting used to.
You should consult your merchant acquiring bank to see if they accept payments from mobile card machines and if they have a list of approved suppliers.
It is worth bearing in mind that cheques are being phased out. For instance, many retailers now no longer accept cheque. In 2010 there were 150 million less cheques used than in 2009.
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