Secure, flexible payments without the hardware
A virtual terminal lets you accept credit card payments without any hardware. Process transactions in-person or over the phone and serve customers wherever they are.
What is a virtual terminal?
A virtual terminal is an online tool that lets you take credit card payments without a reader. Just enter your customer’s payment details into a secure form on your computer or phone to process the transaction.
1. Log in to the virtual terminal
Access your secure web-based terminal from any computer, tablet, or phone. No special hardware is required—just your login details.
2. Enter customer payment details
Type in the card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing information into the secure form.
3. Process and accept the payment
Submit the transaction with a single click. The payment is processed instantly, and you’ll receive confirmation on-screen.
Unlock the power of the virtual terminal
A virtual terminal isn’t just a backup solution—it’s a smarter, more flexible way to accept payments. Whether you run a service-based business, take orders over the phone, or simply want a lightweight option for card payments, virtual terminals give you the freedom to manage transactions without relying on physical hardware.
Remote flexibility
Take payments from anywhere. Perfect for remote teams, phone orders, and businesses without a physical storefront.
- Accept payments by phone, email, or online.
- Serve customers in different locations.
- Process transactions while working from home or on the go.
Lower costs
Save money by skipping bulky POS hardware and ongoing maintenance fees.
- No need to purchase or replace expensive equipment.
- Simple setup—just log in from your phone, computer, or tablet.
- Lower overhead costs, especially for small or seasonal businesses.
Enhanced security
Every transaction is PCI-compliant with advanced encryption and tokenization.
- Protect sensitive customer data from fraud and breaches.
- Transactions are secured in real-time with industry-standard protocols.
- Build customer trust by offering safe, reliable payments.
Operational efficiency
Simplify payments and reduce errors with an intuitive interface.
- Enter card details quickly with minimal steps.
- Built-in reporting tools help reconcile payments faster.
- Reduce manual errors and speed up your daily workflow.
Virtual terminals at work
Virtual terminals are designed to fit the way modern businesses work. Whether you’re handling payments remotely, on the go, or as a backup option, they give you the flexibility and reliability you need.
Over-the-phone payments
From service providers taking client payments to contractors invoicing on the go, a virtual terminal makes phone payments simple and secure. Just enter the customer’s card details into the system, and you’re paid without needing a card reader.
Businesses on the go
If you’re delivering products, offering mobile services, or working outside a traditional storefront, a virtual terminal lets you accept payments from anywhere. No bulky hardware required—just your phone, laptop, or tablet.
A reliable Plan B
Even the best card readers or networks can go down. With a virtual terminal as your backup, you can keep accepting payments without interruptions, avoiding costly downtime and keeping customers happy.
Take your virtual terminal further
A virtual terminal is incredibly versatile on its own, but pairing it with other payment solutions gives your business even more flexibility.
Contactless terminals
Access your secure web-based terminal from any computer, tablet, or phone. No special hardware is required—just your login details.
Mobile reader
Lightweight and portable, these card readers connect to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth or cord so you can accept payments on the go.
Tap to Pay on iPhone
Turn your iPhone into a point-of-sale device. Accept contactless payments directly on your phone with no extra hardware.
Pay for what you need and never what you don’t
POS hardware rentals can be expensive. That’s why our Payment Experts help you save on both POS software and equipment.
In most cases, our Payment Experts make sure your payment processor provides hardware free of charge, so you only pay for what your business actually needs.
Plus, with our Rate Sekurity Guarantee®, you can be confident you’re always getting the best possible deal—no surprises, no hidden costs.
Backed by a network of trusted POS partners
We help business owners bridge the gap between your POS provider and payment processor. We partner with the best-in-class vendors so you get more of what you need, and none of what you don’t.
FAQs
What is a virtual terminal and how does it work?
A virtual terminal is a web-based application that allows businesses to accept credit card payments without physical card readers. Instead of swiping or tapping, you manually enter the customer’s payment details into a secure online form. The virtual terminal then securely transmits the information to your payment processor for approval, letting you collect payments remotely, over the phone, or online.
Does my business need a virtual terminal?
A virtual terminal is ideal for businesses that need flexibility in how they accept payments. If you take orders over the phone, invoice clients remotely, operate outside a traditional storefront, or want a reliable backup in case your card readers or POS system go down, a virtual terminal can simplify your payment processing. It lets you securely accept credit and debit card payments from anywhere with internet access, without the need for bulky hardware. Even businesses with physical locations can benefit by adding a virtual terminal as an extra option for customers or for remote staff.
What are the benefits of using a virtual terminal for payments?
Virtual terminals offer a range of advantages for businesses:
- Remote flexibility: Accept payments from anywhere with internet access.
- Lower costs: No expensive hardware or maintenance required.
- Enhanced security: PCI-compliant transactions with encryption and tokenization.
- Operational efficiency: Reduce manual entry errors and streamline payment tracking.
- Seamless integration: Connect with accounting software, CRM systems, and other business tools.
How do I set up a virtual terminal for my business?
Setting up a virtual terminal is straightforward and doesn’t require any physical hardware. Here’s how to get started:
- Choose a payment processor – Select a provider that offers virtual terminal services. Many providers also offer additional tools, like reporting, analytics, and integration with accounting or CRM software. Sekure’s Payment Experts can help you find the right processor for your business and guide you through choosing the best plan and features for your needs.
- Access the virtual terminal – Log in on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Most virtual terminals are web-based, so no software installation is needed.
- Enter customer payment information – When you receive a payment, manually enter the customer’s card number, expiration date, and billing information into the secure form.
- Process the payment – Submit the transaction through the virtual terminal. The system communicates with your payment processor to verify the payment, and you’ll receive an instant approval or decline notification.
- Track and manage transactions – Use built-in reporting features to monitor sales, generate invoices, and reconcile payments. Some virtual terminals even allow recurring payments and storing customer details securely for future transactions.
With just a reliable internet connection and a smart device, your business can accept payments anywhere, anytime—making virtual terminals perfect for remote services, phone orders, and as a backup option if your physical card reader goes offline.
Is a virtual terminal secure for processing credit card transactions?
Absolutely. Virtual terminals are designed with multiple layers of security, including PCI compliance, encryption, and tokenization. These measures protect sensitive customer data during transmission and reduce the risk of fraud, making virtual terminals a safe option for remote or in-person payments.