Virtual Terminal
A web-based interface for manually processing card payments without physical hardware.
What is Virtual Terminal?
A virtual terminal is a web-based application that allows merchants to process card-not-present transactions from any computer with internet access. Instead of physical card readers, you manually enter card details into a secure online form. Virtual terminals are used for phone orders, mail orders, invoicing, and any situation where a physical terminal isn't practical. Most payment processors include virtual terminal access with merchant accounts.
Why It Matters
Virtual terminals provide flexibility for businesses without traditional retail environments. Service businesses taking deposits over the phone, B2B companies keying in purchase orders, and any merchant needing backup capability benefit from virtual terminals. They require no hardware investment and work from anywhere.
Related Terms
Card-Present vs Card-Not-Present
Classification of transactions based on whether the physical card is used at the point of sale.
Payment Gateway
Technology that securely captures and transmits payment data from customers to processors.
POS System
Point of Sale hardware and software for processing transactions and managing business operations.
Recurring Billing
Automatically charging customers on a scheduled basis for subscriptions or ongoing services.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Virtual terminals are for merchants to key in transactions manually. Online checkout is customer-facing, where customers enter their own card details.
Yes, because they're card-not-present transactions with higher fraud risk. Expect rates 0.5-1% higher than card-present swiped/dipped transactions.
Just a computer with internet access and a web browser. Your processor provides the secure login. Some virtual terminals also support USB card readers for swiping.
Simplify your payment operations
Anchorbase connects payments directly to your ERP with automated reconciliation. Zero platform fees.