POS System Credit Card Processing: Without vs. Built-In?

In modern retail, a POS system is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. You simply can’t scale your business efficiently with an analog cash register.

However, there’s another piece of tech that’s just as important in the retailer’s stack—a credit card processing machine.

When it comes to POS and credit card processing, retailers have two main options:

• POS system without credit card processing (third-party)
• POS with built-in card processing (integrated)

Both options offer pros and cons. Businesses might prefer a POS system without credit card processing, for example, if they already have a relationship with a processor, but want to switch POS software providers. Alternatively, a POS with built-in payment processing offers simplicity and speed, especially for new businesses just launching.

Which type of card processing system is right for your business? This guide explores POS system credit card processing types, and offers reasons why you might choose a POS system without card processing vs one that has it built in.

Types of Point-of-Sale Credit Card Processing Systems

When shopping for POS systems, consider your credit card processing options. You’ll primarily encounter two main types: integrated and third-party processors.

Integrated POS Credit Card Processors

Integrated credit card processing refers to processors that are built directly into the POS software. The card processing is bundled with the POS system. Your POS provider is also your payment processor.

Pros:

• Often easier to set up and manage.
• Can offer streamlined reporting and analytics.
• May provide hardware bundles/discounts with the POS system.

Cons:

• Less flexibility in choosing payment options and rates.
• Potentially higher processing fees.
• Locked into the POS system provider.

POS without Credit Card Processing

This is a POS system that doesn’t include card payment technology. In this case, you would need a third-party payment processor to accept card payments.

To accept credit cards at the point-of-sale, you would integrate the third-party software into your POS checkout process.

Ultimately, your third-party provider would manage PCI compliance, offer POS-compatible payment terminals, and you would negotiate rates with this card processing provider. The payment processing would be completely independent of your POS system.

Pros:

• More flexibility in choosing payment options and rates.
• Potentially lower processing fees.
• Can switch POS systems without changing processors.

Cons:

• May require additional setup and integration.
• Can be more complex to manage.

Choose a POS with processing flexibility. FTx POS offers both integrated (built-in) or third-party payment processing. We give our customers the flexibility to choose the processing solution that’s right for them. Call now for a card processing quote. Call 845-719-3550 to chat with an expert.

POS Systems without Credit Card Processing: A Closer Look

What if you’re happy with your credit card processor, but it’s time to upgrade your POS system?

Many top small business POS systems require you to buy their POS software and payment processing software. If you prefer to use your existing processing solution, you can’t. It’s that simple.

Lightspeed POS, for example, is a POS provider that requires both, and in the past, they’ve even charged customers a fee to use third-party processors.

Who Should Choose a System with Non-Integrated Payments?

There are cases when you’d consider a POS system without credit card processing. They include:

1. You want to keep your current payment processor. We see this a lot. Customers have an outdated POS system without card processing. They just want to upgrade their POS but keep their card processing solution. In this case, shop for a standalone system.

2. You want flexibility. You can switch POS providers any time in the future without changing payment processors.

3. You need an industry-specific solution. Many integrated solutions don’t support high-risk industries or offer businesses in those industries unfair rates. A third-party processor can help you secure better rates. Or consider an integrated solution with experience in your industry. (For example, FTx POS offers great rates for kratom, smoke shops, CBD and vape shops ).

4. You process a small volume of transactions. Manually inputting transaction details (which may be required with a third-party solution) is easier with a small number of sales. This, along with flexibility, is why smaller businesses might prefer a non-integrated payments solution.

5. You need advanced features or specialized payment types. Standalone payment processors often allow you to accept more payment types (like digital wallets or bitcoin) and may offer advanced features like real-time fraud detection.

Why Consider a POS with Credit Card Processing?

On the other hand, let’s say your business is just starting out, and you need both solutions? Or maybe you’re unhappy with your card payments provider?

In these cases, a POS system with card processing might be the best solution. Integrated payments can be a strong choice for businesses that prioritize efficiency, simplicity, and a better customer experience. Here are some scenarios where integrated payments might be the best option:

1. You want to simplify processes. With a third-party solution, you must reconcile your POS with the card payments terminal. Using an integrated solution, this step – and several others – would be eliminated, improving your data accuracy and accounting processes.

2. You want an all-in-one solution. Modern POS systems include tools to manage every aspect of your business. FTx POS includes inventory, accounting, timeclock, and payment processing. A POS system with card processing reduces your software costs and keeps everything unified.

3. You want to reduce tech needs. An integrated system reduces your need to manage multiple vendors and tech. Plus, this simplifies your support needs. If you have a problem with either system, you can contact the same helpdesk.

4. You want to hit the ground running. Integrated solutions have less complexity compared to integrating separate systems. They’re ideal for businesses that want to open and start accepting payments ASAP.

5. You want a bundle deal. Choosing an integrated solution increases your negotiating power. FTx POS offers bundled hardware and, even, free POS hardware, if customers meet processing volume requirements.

How Much Will You Save? FTx POS will meet or beat your existing rate. If you need an integrated solution or want a better rate, contact our team now for a personalized quote based on processing volume. Call 845-397-0492 to chat with an expert.

Key Considerations When Choosing a POS Processing Solution

No matter if you need a system with or without card processing, always shop around. Credit card fees, having service interrupted for vague reasons, or having funds locked away call happen if you choose a processor that’s not right for your business.

Here are some points you should always consider:

1. Fees

Compare processing rates, transaction fees, and monthly fees (if there is one) between options. On average, for in-person, card-present transactions, rates average 1.5% to 3.5% of the transaction value, plus a per-transaction fee averaging 9 to 30 cents.

For a large-volume processor, just a 0.1% difference can equate to a big boost in profitability. Therefore, compare quotes from 3-5 processors, before you consider narrowing your list.

2. Features

Assess the features the processor offers. You might consider payment types accepted (credit, debit, mobile, cryptocurrency). Or you might look at features like chargeback protection and dual pricing processing.

With our integrated payment solution, FTx POS offers dual pricing credit card processing and advanced chargeback protection.

3. Hardware

Learn about the recommendations for card terminals and readers that are available. Assess all the tools that you will need to understand hardware costs. With integrated payments, hardware is often bundled with the POS system.

A POS system without card processing would require you to invest in hardware, either purchasing outright or leasing.

4. Customer Support

A key advantage of a POS with card processing is that you only must service and maintain one system. You can connect with a single helpdesk for the whole solution.

For third-party processors, assess the provider’s service processes, hours of operation, and more to ensure you’ll avoid downtime during peak hours.

5. Contract Terms

Finally, carefully review the terms and conditions, including the processor’s cancellation policies. Specifically, aim to secure a locked-in rate, understand the length of the contract (1 to 3 years is standard), and understand equipment leasing options.

An established business, for example, might prefer a longer-term contract, while a new business or a business operating in a high-risk industry may prefer a shorter term, as the business may evolve.

Wrapping Up: Choose the Best POS Credit Card Processing Provider

Your choice of POS software and card processor can impact your profitability. Don’t settle for a provider that forces your hand. FTx POS offers both third-party payment processing and integrated POS processing. Plus, we offer standalone processing without POS.

With FTx Card Payments, you can expect:

• Better rates – Starting at 2.59% + 10¢ for in-person transactions
• No High-Risk Fees – For industries like tobacco, CBD or kratom
• Chargeback Protection – Tools for fraud detection and more
• Same-Day Transfers – Access your card processing funds faster
• 24/7 Support – Have an issue, connect with our team any time
• Bundled Deals – Qualify for discounted hardware and software plans

Contact FTx POS today for a personalized quote today. We regularly help businesses squeeze more profitability from their credit card terminals. Connect with our team to learn exactly how much you can expect to save!