Card terminals for the counter, the table and the truck
Modern chip, tap and swipe terminals, from a simple countertop unit to a smart terminal with built-in printer and apps. No upfront cost with a qualifying processing agreement.
- Free statement analysis
- Month-to-month options
- $0 upfront equipment with qualifying agreement
- Local to Fort Bend & Houston
Get a free quote
Tony replies within 1 business day. No obligation.
Which kind of terminal do you need?
If you ring up sales at one spot and don't need inventory, a countertop terminal is usually all you need. If you take payment at tables, in the driveway or at a customer's home, a wireless or cellular unit keeps the card in the customer's sight. Smart terminals add a touchscreen, receipt printer, tipping prompts and simple item lists without a full POS.
Every terminal we place supports EMV chip and contactless (tap-to-pay, Apple Pay and Google Pay). Where your current terminal is compatible, we may be able to reprogram it instead of replacing it.
- Countertop: wired, reliable, low cost
- Wireless/cellular: pay-at-table, curbside, field service
- Smart terminal: touchscreen, printer, tips, simple items
- PIN pad: pairs with an existing register
- Mobile reader: phone or tablet, for events and markets
- Virtual terminal: keyed payments from a browser
What to look for in a terminal
A few details matter more than the brand name on the front.
EMV + contactless
Chip and tap on every unit. Swipe-only equipment shifts fraud liability to you.
Connectivity
Ethernet, Wi-Fi and cellular options, with backup so a router hiccup doesn't stop sales.
Built-in printer
Receipts and tip lines printed on the spot, with cash discount disclosure included.
Tip and discount prompts
Tip screens, split payments and cash discount or dual pricing on supported devices.
Your equipment terms in writing
Whether it's included, purchased or reprogrammed, you'll know who owns it and what happens if you leave.
Fast replacement
Help with swaps if a device fails, under the program's equipment terms.
Three ways to price card processing
There's no single best model. We'll show you each one priced against your real numbers, then you choose.
Flat rate
One percentage plus a per-sale fee on every card. Easy to read, but you pay the same rate on a cheap debit card as on a premium rewards card.
- Predictable
- Simple statements
- Often costs more as volume grows
Fits: low volume, seasonal or brand-new sellers
Interchange-plus
You pay the card networks' wholesale cost (interchange and assessments) plus a fixed, disclosed markup. Every layer shows on your statement.
- Most transparent
- Markup stays fixed
- Usually lowest cost at higher volume
Fits: established businesses, larger tickets, B2B
Cash discount / dual pricing
Your posted prices account for card costs, and customers paying cash get a lower price. Card sales help cover processing instead of your margin.
- Offsets much of your processing cost
- Clear signage and receipts
- Not a surcharge
Fits: restaurants, auto, retail, service shops
Not sure which fits? Get a free statement analysis or read pricing explained.
Why business owners work with Cedarline
We're a small, independent agent. That means fewer layers between you and the person who set up your account.
One person who answers
You work with Tony directly, from the first statement review to go-live and after. No call-center queue to start.
Pricing you can read
Every quote shows the rate, per-item fee, monthly fees and any equipment terms in writing before you sign.
Options, not one platform
We compare programs from several partner processors and POS platforms, so the setup fits your business instead of the other way around.
Set up correctly
Cash discount signage, receipt settings, tip and tax settings, and test transactions are handled before you go live.
Get set up in three steps
From first call to first sale, without the guesswork.
Send a statement or tell us your plans
Existing business? Send one recent processing statement. Opening soon? Tell us what you'll sell and when.
Compare your options
You get a side-by-side of pricing models, equipment and terms, priced against your numbers.
Go live, tested
Approval, equipment programming, signage and test transactions, done before you rely on it.
Approval timing depends on the processor's underwriting. Most complete applications get a decision in a few business days.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to lease a terminal?
No. We generally steer clients away from long, non-cancelable equipment leases. Options include equipment at no upfront cost with a qualifying processing agreement, an outright purchase, or reprogramming compatible equipment you already own.
Who owns a no-upfront-cost terminal?
It depends on the program. Typically the equipment stays the property of the processor while you process with them and must be returned if you close the account. Those terms are spelled out before you sign.
Can my terminal do cash discount or dual pricing?
Most current terminals can, with the right programming and receipt format. We'll configure it and provide signage.
Will my old terminal work with a new processor?
Some can be reprogrammed; others are locked to their original provider. Send us the make and model and we'll check.
More services
Not sure what you're paying, or what you'll need?
Send a recent statement or tell us about the business you're opening. You'll get a plain-English breakdown and options, with no cost or obligation.