What Acquirers Need to Look for in an Android Terminal

By now, you’ve probably heard about the advantages of Android-based payment technology. Compared to proprietary operating systems, Android-based systems give terminals more flexibility. With Android, it’s easier to customize payment functionality, allowing merchants to accept the full range of payment methods, and accommodating the needs of 80% of merchants that accept some form of alternative payment. Android terminals can also run business applications and value-added services. For example, you can give merchants the ability to offer digital receipts, conduct customer-friendly surveys, or even run loyalty rewards or point of sale (POS) software right from the Android terminal. Android also facilitates monitoring and managing terminals so merchants can resolve issues faster and increase device uptime.

Get the Answers You Need to Choose Android Terminals

Acquiring banks and payment processors are embracing Android as an option for their customers. However, with so many options on the market, you must narrow your options to the Android payment terminals, PIN pads, and mobile payment devices that will provide merchants with the best user experiences. Start by evaluating Android terminals based on these criteria:

• Designed for your customers’ use cases

To keep up with consumer demands, your customers need to accept payments in a variety of locations throughout their operations. Retailers and restaurateurs often accept payments at the checkout counter. However, they may also want the freedom to transact with mobile devices and offer self-checkout. Others need mobile devices for payments outside their facilities, for example, taking payments at a customer’s home after service or delivery. Research how your customers accept payments and make sure your payment technology partner offers devices designed for those types of customer interactions.

Keep in mind that your customers may accept payments in different ways and need multiple types of devices. Working with a partner that has a comprehensive line will allow the merchant to standardize on one brand, simplifying management and maintenance.

• Connectivity

Wired connections aren’t always possible, particularly when merchants are engineering customer experiences for convenience and optimal engagement. Look for Android terminals with multiple connectivity options, like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in addition to Ethernet. Also, give your customers devices with battery backup to cover power loss.

• Security

Payment Card Industry (PCI) PIN Transaction Security (PTS) approval lets you know that terminals are designed with technology and encryption that keeps cardholder data secure. Investigate devices for the PCI PTS version they comply with and the security tools provided by the manufacturer.

• Speed and Performance

If your customers have high-volume operations, they need checkout processes to be as fast and efficient as possible. Make sure you offer Android terminals with the processing power and memory that allows them to work fast and optimize user experiences.

• Printer Options

Although digital receipts are becoming more popular among merchants and consumers, printed receipts are still necessary in some applications. In fact, research by sustainable paper company Domtar found that 76% of consumers prefer printed receipts. Research the print functionality that your clients require, and make sure your payment technology partner can deliver it.

• User Interface

Consider all options for data entry, including keypad and touchscreen. Also, evaluate the device’s accessibility features for customers with vision impairments. Devices should be usable, but they should also be durable. Investigate how well they hold up through heavy use by consumers.

• Size

Give your customers compact, space-saving options and ergonomic mobile devices. Android terminals should fit practically into merchants' workflows.

The Pay-Off of Due Diligence

When you invest time into finding the right Android terminals – running on the right platform – your business will benefit. Meeting merchants’ demands for payment terminals that allow them to optimize experiences for their customers will help you build stronger relationships with them. Furthermore, the right Android platform will make managing payment estates easier, giving you visibility into device status and even allowing you to run device health checks to address issues proactively.

Ingenico has done the heavy lifting for you, creating a line of AXIUM Android terminals and a comprehensive platform that allows you to offer your customers a wide range of options for accepting, enhancing, and managing payments. Contact us to get the details!