Step 1: Decide how you take payments
Before anyone quotes you a device, be clear on where the card is presented. A fixed counter, a table, a jobsite, a phone order and an online checkout each point to different equipment.
Write down your busiest-hour transaction count, whether staff need to take payments away from the register, and whether you also need invoicing or online payments. That short list narrows the hardware options quickly.
At a counter
A countertop terminal or full POS station, usually on ethernet with a receipt printer.
Away from the counter
A handheld or wireless terminal on Wi-Fi with LTE fallback for table service, curbside or mobile work.
Card-not-present
A virtual terminal or payment links for phone orders and invoices, which can run alongside your in-person device.
Step 2: Gather your business documents
A terminal is issued with a merchant account, and that account goes through underwriting. Having your paperwork ready is the single biggest factor in how smoothly the process moves.
Business identification
Legal business name, DBA, business address and your EIN or, for sole proprietors, the appropriate tax identification.
Ownership details
Owner name, date of birth and government-issued ID for anyone with significant ownership.
Banking information
A business bank account for deposits, usually confirmed with a voided check or bank letter.
Processing history
Recent merchant statements if you already accept cards, or projected monthly volume and average ticket if you do not.
Step 3: Statement review and program selection
If you already accept cards, a statement review is where the useful conversation happens. It shows how your current pricing is structured, which fees are pass-through and which are markup, and where your effective cost is coming from.
From there you choose a program structure — for example traditional processing, or a compliant cash discount or dual pricing program where your state and card brand rules allow it. Program availability varies by state and business type, and pricing is reviewed individually rather than quoted from a rate card.
Step 4: Application and underwriting
Your application goes to the processor for underwriting, which reviews the business type, ownership, projected volume and any prior processing history. Straightforward retail and restaurant profiles generally move faster than accounts that need additional documentation or risk review.
No approval is guaranteed, and all accounts remain subject to underwriting approval and processor review. What you should expect is a clear explanation of what was requested, what is outstanding and where the file stands.
Step 5: Delivery, setup and first transaction
Once the account is approved, the terminal is programmed for your merchant ID and shipped to you. Setup is usually a matter of connecting power and network, signing in, and confirming a test transaction settles into your bank account.
If you run a dual pricing or cash discount program, this is also when your on-screen prompts, receipt wording and posted signage are configured so the disclosure is clear to customers before they pay.
Programming
The device is loaded with your merchant ID, tax, tip and receipt settings before it ships.
Connection
Ethernet or Wi-Fi at a fixed counter; confirm coverage in every area where staff will take payments.
Staff walkthrough
Run a few live and voided transactions, a refund and an end-of-day batch with the people who will use it daily.
What to have ready before you call
The fastest path is a short call with your last two merchant statements, your monthly volume and average ticket, and a description of where payments happen. That is enough for a specialist to recommend equipment and outline the program structure that fits.
You can start with a free statement review below, or call and describe your setup. Availability may vary by state and terms and conditions apply.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a credit card terminal for my small business?
You open a merchant account and the terminal is issued with it. In practice that means choosing the device type for how you take payments, submitting business and ownership documents plus banking details, going through underwriting, then receiving a terminal already programmed for your account.
What documents do I need to get a credit card machine?
Typically your legal business name and tax identification, owner ID, a business bank account for deposits, and either recent merchant statements or projected volume if you are new to accepting cards.
How long does it take to get a credit card terminal?
It depends on underwriting and how complete your documentation is. Straightforward profiles move quickly; accounts needing additional review take longer. Timelines are not guaranteed and remain subject to processor review.
Can I get a terminal if my business is brand new?
Yes. New businesses are underwritten on the owners, the business model and projected volume rather than processing history. Approval remains subject to underwriting review.
Do I have to buy the terminal outright?
Equipment can be purchased or placed depending on the program and your profile. A specialist will explain which options you qualify for; availability varies and is subject to approval.
Want a second opinion on your setup?
Tell us how you take payments today and a BSV Solution specialist will walk through the options with you. Eligibility and processor selection are reviewed individually, subject to underwriting approval.