Easy steps to Fix 4 card reader errors

Credit and debit cards have gained wide acceptance as the main mode of payment for US consumers for decades now. They have driven the economy to new heights as well as new lows.

Despite the ups and downs, credit and debit cards continue to be the choice for many

Easy to do Steps to Fix 4 Card Reader Errors

consumers. They are convenient and if used in a wise manner, can help ease a consumer’s financial burden. According to Credit Answers, roughly 80% of consumers own a debit card. Credit card holders come in at a close second at 78% and only 17% have prepaid cards.

You will continue to see them used for a long time yet as they evolve with the times. As technology continues to change and undergo development, so too does card technology. Users will have to keep up and this is where some can encounter problems they will need to troubleshoot. Point of Sale explains the same dilemma on computerizing one’s business. This will be a process that will take time and cannot be done in a short span of time. It will not be like buying a dress from the rack and just putting it on. Shopify can make this transition easier for a lot of people.

Errors while Reading the Card

Credit and debit cards come with magnetic strips which hold information about the cards. This includes the primary card holder, the issuing bank, PIN, and other details unique to the card owner. And in some cases, the magnetic strip may cause the reader to respond with an error message. In most cases, quick cleaning would make the card readable. E-How suggests cleaning with a crisp dollar bill wrapped around a card. They explain that the abrasive nature of the money can help remove dirt that could be making the magnetic stripe unreadable. But if some parts of it have been  removed through usage, it may need replacing. It is also possible that the card terminal itself may need checking, in case you can see that the cards work with other card readers.

Errors While Encoding Data

In a few instances, you may have trouble entering card information, as done with less advanced point of sale terminals. Like a typical computer, you may see some keys on the keyboard getting stuck. This can hinder you in entering the correct data and the point of sale terminal will not accept them and return an error. This can prolong the payment process and can be frustrating for the cashier. Keyboard cleaners are available and can clean the equipment for you. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a specialized end to get in those keyboard crevices to remove the dust that has accumulated.

Complete Transaction Failure

Although credit card terminals can last for ten to 15 years or even longer, they can also bog down. It is possible that the equipment has been around long time and seen prolonged use. It is also possible that there may have been a glitch with the software. Point of sale terminals are computers with Internet connectivity. Just like most computers, they can catch a virus or worm in extreme situations. Or someone may have tinkered with the terminal settings. This is why it’s advised to use point of sale terminals for this purpose alone. And use another computer for browsing or non-related activities.

Printer Problems

The transaction went through but then you couldn’t print the receipt. First thing to check would be that the power light is solid and is not flashing or blinking. It is possible that there may be a break in the power cord due to constant bending. Or the cable may be loose or not attached to the power outlet of the machine. There may be a paper jam in your receipt printer. You may be able to open and remove that paper jam. And in other cases, you may have run out on paper to print the receipt so get a fresh roll and replace it. So, you may have checked that the physical connections are good. There may be a fresh roll of receipt paper and ink on it and still, it doesn’t work. It’s time to replace the receipt printer or have it repaired, at least.

Any of these errors can happen right when you’re in the middle of a long queue of customers. It’s easy to get rattled. But like in any stressful situation, it is important to stay calm. And you can do so, if you know simple troubleshooting steps to these common card reader errors. You will never know when these simple steps can help you. Have a POS vendor’s number on hand in case of emergencies too. Worst case, you can always use the manual paper receipts you’ve been using long before POS terminals have around.