Traditional credit card processing is a tried-and-true method for accepting payment for purchases, and many business owners stick to the “if it ain't broke, don't fix it” attitude when it comes to the processing of mobile vs. traditional credit cards. If you are someone who likes to stick to the traditional credit card payment method, you can navigate to this website to see how you can gain benefits from using a cashback credit card. However, with the rise in credit card processing fees, many companies want to cut costs in that area; mobile processing is one way to do so. In addition, many companies choose mobile credit card processing to allow their businesses to become more mobile and accessible.
How Mobile Processing Works
Traditional credit card processing is tied to a physical store location, with each processing terminal tied to the cash register's desktop computer. Mobile processing allows transactions to be processed anywhere your smart phone goes.
As with all credit card processing, mobile processing requires the purchase of some equipment at the outset, but this is generally the least expensive cost associated with accepting credit cards. For mobile processing, you need to invest in a smart phone and a credit card terminal. Modern terminals are extremely small and portable, run on batteries, and can be carried easily.
Wireless processing is quite similar to traditional credit card processing. The process is familiar to customers — swipe a card, provide identification, and wait for approval. Wireless processing also uses the same credit card authorization networks as traditional processing, so from both the customer’s and the merchant’s perspective, the process is nearly the same.
Benefits
Wireless processing uses technological advances to allow you to process credit cards anywhere. This has several important advantages over traditional processing:
- Mobile processing allows you to accept credit cards at traditionally cash-only venues, such as trade shows, outdoor markets, and sporting events. This means increased sales.
- Wireless processing eliminates the need to accept checks while on the go.
- Multiple credit card processors can be synched to the same account, allowing your business to be many places at once.
- Using mobile vs. traditional credit cards qualifies you for lower user rates and fees.
- Approving and processing transactions remains the same as with traditional processing.
- Record-keeping is as simple as with traditional processing.
In a world where credit cards are the primary form of payment, accepting mobile payments allows your business to be accessible anywhere. With people accustomed to instant access to everything, wireless processing is just one more example of the speed and convenience customers have come to expect.
Concerns
One of the biggest concerns expressed by both businesses and customers is the safety of mobile vs. traditional credit cards. If you choose mobile processing for your business, be aware of the following:
- Have two smart phones, one for personal use and one for business transactions.
- Use a password lock on your phone.
- Install anti-virus software on your phone. Smart phones get viruses, too
With these precautions in place, mobile processing should be just as safe as traditional processing.
Another concern people have when considering mobile vs. traditional credit cards is the learning curve. People are comfortable using traditional processing and uncertain about learning a new method. If you choose wireless processing, have your service representatives walk you through the procedure call the processing company directly for help..Once you learn the basics, wireless processing is no more difficult than traditional processing.
Finally, thanks to the prevalence of lightning-fast wireless Internet and cellphone processors, as well as widespread cellphone reception even in remote locales, mobile processing is just as speedy as traditional processing.
Take Away
The debate about the wisdom of using mobile vs. traditional credit cards continues, but as mobile processing becomes more entrenched in the market, a growing number of businesses are switching to that model. While some businesses remain with their brick-and-mortar locations and have little need to process transactions on the go, other businesses find wireless processing to be a game changer. Depending on your needs, mobile processing can save money and expand your business, while still being as simple and as safe as traditional processing. It might be a good idea to do some credit card comparison while you're at it to make sure you get the best deal for the modern transaction world.
About the author:
Kristen Gramigna is Chief Marketing Officer for BluePay, a credit card processing firm offering iPad credit card reader. She brings more than 15 years of experience in the bankcard industry in direct sales, sales management, and marketing to the company and also serves on its Board of Directors
