Buyer's Guide for POS Card Readers

How Do Magnetic Card Readers Work?
Magnetic Card Readers use electronic technology to decipher the various tracks contained on the magnetic strip found on the back of credit, debit, and gift cards to provide you customer and banking information for complete point of sale transactions.

Which Magnetic Card Reader Should I Buy?
There are a few important considerations to be taken when trying to decided on a magnetic card reader for your POS system. These considerations include, readability, durability, interface, track numbers, media types, and programmability.

High Volume Card Readers are equipped with components for a longer read life and are usually constructed of metal. They have a longer reading channel, which ensures a successful scan on the first pass. High volume card readers also have higher volume prices, but pay for themselves in durability and performance. They are recommended for retail environments with very high transaction volumes, such as a chain store.

Model to try: ID TECH EasyMag Swipe Card Reader

Standard Volume Card Readers are fine quality card readers for normal point of sale operations. These units occasionally require an additional pass to read the card and have a shorter reading life than higher volume models. They are economical, reliable, and a popular choice for most POS systems.

Model to try: ID TECH MiniMag Swipe Card Reader

Durability:
You need to consider factors such as the environment of intended use and frequency of use when selecting a magnetic card reader. Is your POS counter in a climate controlled area or outdoors? Is it operating in an unsecured self service kiosk or only by employees. Outdoor or public use of magnetic card readers warrants a metal constructed and/or weatherproof card reader.

Model to try: ID TECH Omni Heavy Duty Card Reader

Interface:
Magnetic card readers are available with three different interface options: USB, PS/2 Keyboard Wedge, and Serial. The two most commonly used are the USB and PS/2, which send information back to the computer as if it were typed on a keyboard. Card readers connected via serial interfaces may require special software to interpret the data from the card reader. Most models are available with a variety of interface choices- you will need to select the part number with the proper interface for your POS set up.

Track Numbers:
Magnetic stripes on the back of cards can contain up to three different "tracks" of programmed information. The number of tracks used on a card depends on the type of card. Standard credit cards utilize Track 1 and Track 2. Track 3 may be used by other types of cards. Because magnetic card readers come in two track and three track versions, it is important to verify whether or not informations will be contained on any additional types of cards you may be using with your POS system.

Media Types:
All magnetic card reader units read magnetic stripes, but some manufacturers offer combination models that also feature the ability to read barcodes. There are also slot card readers designed only to read barcodes. Some examples of cards media types that may use barcodes include membership cards, and employee and student ID cards.

Models to try: Unitech MS146 Card Reader (reads barcode only) ID TECH Omni Heavy Duty Card Reader (reads both magnetic and barcode stripes.