How to Find the Best Credit & Debit Machine for Your Business
Choosing the right credit and debit machine is an essential step for any small business owner ready to accept card payments. With so many options available, it’s necessary to know what features matter most and how they can impact your daily operations. This guide will walk you through the key considerations and provide tips to help you find a solution that fits your business needs and supports your growth.
What is a Credit & Debit Machine?
A credit and debit machine, or point-of-sale (POS) terminal, lets your customers pay for items or services they purchase from your business with their credit card or debit card.
Instead of handling cash, customers simply tap, insert, or swipe their card to pay. The machine processes the payment securely and quickly, making checkout easy for both you and your customer.
Implementing a credit & debit machine into your business is a simple way to offer convenience, reduce cash handling, and keep your sales moving.
You can learn more about credit & debit machines by reading our previous article “All You Need to Know About Credit & Debit Machines.”
Questions to Ask When Shopping for a Credit & Debit Machine
The features and functions that are included with a credit & debit machine can affect how smoothly your business runs and how convenient the checkout process is for your customers. Here are some key questions to ask to help you pick the best credit & debit machine for your business.
1. Does it accept multiple payment methods?
When choosing a credit and debit machine, it’s essential to look for a device that accepts multiple payment methods—such as chip-and-PIN, tap (contactless), swipe, and digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Tip: Having more ways to pay can speed up transaction processing and improve the overall payment experience for your customers.
2. Are the latest security measures included?
Security features like encryption and fraud prevention are essential for protecting sensitive customer information.
Tip: A secure POS terminal will help build trust with your customers and reduce the risk of costly chargebacks.
3. How is the machine connected?
Wired? Wireless? Or mobile?
TIP: The way a credit & debit machine is hooked up will affect whether you can take payments at a counter, around your shop, or while on the move.
4. Does it have receipt options?
Many POS terminals offer different receipt options, such as printed copies or digital ones sent by email or text.
TIP: Your customers will appreciate that you’re providing a modern, paperless experience while still giving the proof of purchase they may need.
5. Does it support tipping and split payments?
If you run a service-based business like a restaurant or salon, look for credit & debit machines that support tipping and split payments.
TIP: Making it easier for customers to leave a gratuity or divide the bill can lead to better service and more satisfied guests.
6. Are reporting and analytics tools included?
A credit & debit machine that comes with built-in reporting and analytics tools will let you track your daily sales, transactions, and even inventory levels.
TIP: Having a credit & debit machine that provides valuable sales insights will help you make smarter business decisions.
7. Will it integrate with your existing systems?
When a credit & debit machine integrates with your existing POS system, you’re able to manage your sales, inventory, and customer data all in one place.
TIP: A POS terminal that seamlessly integrates with your existing POS system will save you time and help keep your business organized.
What are Portable or Handheld Credit & Debit Machines?
A portable or handheld credit & debit machine is a wireless device that allows you to take payments anywhere—at a customer’s table, out on the sidewalk, or at an off-site location. Instead of being tethered to a checkout counter, you can bring the payment process directly to the customer.
One of the most significant advantages of having payment portability is improved efficiency. When staff can take payments on the spot, customers can pay faster and move on, which opens space for the next sale. Over time, this can mean higher sales volumes simply because you’ll be able to serve more people in less time.
The mobility of portable or handheld machines also adds flexibility to how and where you do business. Whether you’re running a sidewalk sale, running a pop-up store, or working at a private event, being able to complete a sale wherever a customer is standing will allow you to complete more sales.
Another benefit of payment portability is sales tracking. With individual team members using their handheld machines, you can see who’s processing the most transactions, helping you identify top performers or who to offer additional sales training to.
Portable or handheld machines are a smart choice for many types of businesses. Here are a few examples and why:
- Restaurants and cafés can speed up table turnover by allowing servers to take payment right at the table.
- Retailers at outdoor markets or pop-up stores can efficiently serve customers without needing a fixed checkout counter.
- Mobile service providers like physiotherapists, personal trainers, or home repair contractors can take payments on-site.
Why the Best Credit & Debit Machine Option in Canada is OTT Pay
For small business owners in Canada seeking a credit & debit machine solution that will meet all their requirements, the OTT Pay Smart POS Terminal is the answer. It includes all of the factors that were discussed earlier in this article, plus more.
Not only does the OTT Pay Smart POS Terminal accept all major payment methods, but it also takes international e-wallets such as Alipay and WeChat Pay.
It completes transactions quickly thanks to its seamless Wi-Fi and 5G SIM connectivity.
The device’s touchscreen is intuitive too, so you and your employee will find it quick and easy to get familiar with and use.
And in addition to all these features, the OTT Pay Smart POS Terminal also provides:
- Advanced Reporting & Analytics
- Access real-time sales and transaction data through the OTT Pay mobile app or Merchant Center web portal and get immediate insights into your daily performance.
- All-in-One Payment Integration
- Includes payment processing, refunds, and reconciliation in one system to simplify your workflow.
- Custom Branding Options
- Personalize both the physical POS machine and your digital payment portal with your business’s branding.
- QR Code Payment Capabilities
- Accept and manage QR code transactions, enabling flexible payment experiences anywhere in-store.
The OTT Pay Smart POS Terminal is a powerful, all-in-one payment, credit & debit machine explicitly designed for small business owners in Canada. With fast, secure transactions; support for global e-wallets; next-day deposits; and advanced features like custom branding and real-time reporting, it will do far more than process payments—it will help you grow your business.
Finding the right credit & debit machine can make a big difference in how smoothly your business operates and how satisfied your customers feel at checkout. By knowing what features to look for and understanding the value of a reliable, all-in-one solution like OTT Pay, you’re setting your business up for success. The right machine doesn’t just process payments—it supports growth, builds trust, and simplifies the way you do business.