A virtual terminal is a web-based application that allows businesses to manually process credit card transactions online. It functions as a digital version of a physical credit card terminal, enabling merchants to input customer card information for payments.

While Clover is known for its point-of-sale (POS) hardware, it also offers the option of using its virtual terminal payment processing feature independently. This feature allows you to accept payments using a web-based interface, making it a practical solution for businesses that don't require a full POS system but still need to process transactions securely. Whether you're a service provider or need to accept payments remotely, Clover's Virtual Terminal provides flexibility, convenience, and the reliability of a trusted payment processing solution.

Using a virtual terminal offers many benefits for businesses of all types and sizes, which can include but are not limited to:

Versatility: Accept payments directly on any computer, tablet, or smartphone with an internet connection.

Flexibility: Process payments from multiple sales channels–by phone, email, and regular mail for card-not-present transactions.

Efficiency: Streamline payment processes by allowing customers to save their information for faster future transactions.

Accessibility: Access transaction history and business reporting 24/7.

Accessing Clover's virtual terminal is simple and starts with creating an account. Once you have completed this first step, the following will help you locate and use the virtual terminal:

Log in: Sign into your Clover dashboard from any web browser.

Set account security preferences: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This will be required to issue refunds.

Navigate to the virtual terminal: Once logged in, find the "Virtual Terminal" option in the menu, and activate your location.

Enter payment details: Select the transaction type before inputting the card information, transaction amount, and required customer details.

Process payment: Click the "Charge" button to complete the transaction.

Confirmation: You'll receive confirmation of the payment, and a receipt can be emailed to your customer, if desired.

Record transactions: The virtual terminal keeps a record of all transactions for your convenience.

To learn how to authorize transactions, issue refunds, and set employee permissions, watch the demo video here.

Yes. Clover's virtual terminal credit card processing is designed with robust security features to help ensure safe payments. It complies with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements to help protect sensitive payment data.

Clover uses encryption to secure payment information during transmission and tokenization to replace card data with secure tokens. Additionally, regular security updates and monitoring help safeguard against potential threats. Rest assured, Clover's virtual terminal is a secure and reliable platform for processing payments, giving you and your customers peace of mind regarding data protection.

No. There are no additional monthly fees when using our virtual terminal. It is already pre-loaded in your dashboard. Transactions are charged at the rate based on your payment processor and the specific terms of your service agreement with Clover. Keep in mind, hand-keyed payments in the Virtual Terminal are considered card-not-present transactions, which may have different fees and PCI requirements than card-present transactions.