28.04.2025
Companies that would like to provide the option of card payments to their customers need a payment terminal. But how do I choose a device and provider that meet my requirements?
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Be it a Visa card, Mastercard® or PostFinance Card, a WIR card or Lunch-Check card, TWINT or one of the other mobile payment methods available: think about the payment methods you would like to offer, and then choose a device that can process these payment methods. Remember to check for The link will open in a new window ep2 certification: if you have an ep2-certified device, you can accept over 100 different types of payment cards.
The PostFinance Card is one of the most popular debit cards in Switzerland. As a company, you can accept the PostFinance Card and benefit from attractive conditions, even if you don’t have a PostFinance business account.
Choosing the right device will depend on the needs and requirements of your business. Consider the following things when deciding:
There are generally two different types of payment terminal:
These devices are suitable for companies with higher transaction volumes, and are connected to the checkout system They are installed in a fixed location, which is usually in the checkout area.
These are suitable for companies that want to collect payments from the customer directly, for instance: collecting payments from diners at the table itself, in a taxi at the end of the journey, in the customer’s home when providing a service (e.g. chimney sweeping) or at markets and trade fairs, wherever these might be.
Mobile payment terminals can also be used integrated into the cash register. The checkout solution communicates with the mobile terminal over an interface so that the payment amount doesn’t have to be entered, but is instead shown directly to the customer.
Depending on the provider and product, you can either buy or rent payment terminals. In addition to the rental or purchase price, you may also incur activation and set-up fees or installation fees.
Maintenance costs are associated with certain packages, which include, for instance, a replacement service for defective devices, a hotline for questions or software updates.
Each transaction made using a given device will incur transaction costs. These are either offered at a fixed rate as part of a package, or they can be negotiated with individual acceptance partners.
The transaction costs with the PostFinance Card are attractive and transparent. For instance: transaction costs for small amounts of up to 5 francs can amount to as much as 5 cents per transaction, or 10 cents per transaction for amounts between 5 to 10 francs, and 23 cents per transaction for amounts of 10 francs or more for up to 10,000 transactions a year, regardless of the revenue generated. To accept the PostFinance Card as a payment method, all you need to do is complete our EFT/POS form and have a business account with PostFinance or another Swiss bank.
Ask for quotes from terminal providers, compare the offers you get and also be sure that, in addition to the costs, you also take into account the services provided. The following providers offer ep2-certified devices that are compatible with the PostFinance Card:
Choosing the right payment terminal depends on your business needs – whether stationary or mobile, or for high transaction volumes or flexibility. Compare providers, costs and services to find an efficient and cost-effective cashless payment solution for your company.
