Accepting Credit Cards On The Go

June 26, 2008 5:49 PM

I need a solution to accept credit cards on the go.

I'm starting a side-business as a computer geek, and because of the size of projects that I hope to get it would be useful to accept credit cards. I know that there's e-shop options like PayPal's virtual terminal, but I'd like to find something that I can access via my cell phone (Blackberry 8320) to accept credit cards at a job site.

Any recommendations/alternatives that I should consider?

posted by Pinwiz to technology (5 comments total)

I've noticed vendors at craft fairs use little handheld card reader/printer combos hooked up to their cell phones. Kind of like this one. Google "credit card reader blackberry" for many more.
posted by jamaro at 6:10 PM on June 26

I use propay to occasionally accept credit cards. I don't know the details of your phone, but if it has web browser, you can process payments online. Otherwise, you can still process a payment over the phone through their toll-free number just fine.
posted by logic vs love at 6:13 PM on June 26

There is a service exactly for you: take a look at the USA ePay solutions if you don't want to purchase a GSM/GPRS enabled terminal (for example).

Keep in mind that you will need to open a Merchant Account to accept credit cards through USA ePay, which will be subject to a very thorough credit and background check, as well as all kinds of application/monthly/transaction fees (still, it is always cheaper than PayPal in the long run). There are honest and decent providers out there, but make sure to avoid salespeople: in most cases, they seem to earn their commission by making sure the merchant never gets to read the small print. You can avoid them by asking for what's called a "house account".
posted by halogen at 6:16 PM on June 26

I like Propay
posted by starfish at 7:11 PM on June 26

I think Amazon has a solution that will allow you to accept payment via cell phone.
posted by The Light Fantastic at 9:57 PM on June 26