Magnetic Stripe Readers

Buyers Guides > Magnetic Stripe Readers

Magnetic stripe readers like the Posiflex FMR2000, are POS (point of sale) devices that are used for interpreting data found on a magnetic stripe of credit, debit and other payment cards. It is with the help of the magnetic stripe reader that the vendor can decide if it’s safe to accept cards for payment, and thus complete the transaction.

This is because it is the magnetic stripe reader that reads and verifies the information found on the card with the card issuer in real time and thus credits the vendor’s account while debiting the card holder’s account.

Magnetic stripe readers are also incorporated into ATMs and identification terminals wherein the information it scans is forwarded to the central data processing center to permit the withdrawal of money and for carrying out other transactions in ATMs, and to provide access to sensitive and secure areas.

Types of magnetic stripes

There are basically two types of magnetic stripes. One is the high-coercivity version that is harder to erase while the low-coercivity version that requires minimal magnetic energy to record. Magnetic stripe readers can however read both types of magnetic stripes.

These magnetic stripe readers may scan and read both or only one track of the magnetic stripe. However most of them read track two, which is the track with encoded details like account number and the expiry date of the card. There are also some magnetic stripe readers that also read track one, which features the name of the cardholder.

Different types of magnetic stripe readers

Different types of magnetic stripe readers are suggested for different types of use. if you are using it in retail stores, restaurants and other vendors for processing credit and debit cards and gift card payments, then magnetic stripe readers like VeriFone Omni 396 Terminal and Nurit 2080 Terminal.

If the magnetic stripe card reader is to be used for access control to read employee and guest ID badges, you should use magnetic stripe readers like the Matrix MX2 Magnetic Stripe Card Reader.

If you need magnetic stripe card readers to read smartcards, then you have to get smartcard readers that can read information on both the magnetic stripe and smart chip like the IntelliStripe 60 and the Swipe and Park.

The best type of magnetic stripe readers for ATMs, gas pumps and vending machines should be inserted into card readers like Magstripe insert card readers and the Semtek manual insert card reader.

Care of the magnetic stripe reader

Whichever type of magnetic stripe reader you buy, you can clean it using specially made cards that can remove the dirt, oil and residue of reading equipment. Though you may be able to rent magnetic stripe readers from some vendors, it is quite affordable for even small businesses to buy one.

If you plan to make sales away from the office, it would be better to invest in a wireless magnetic stripe reader. Though it may be a bit expensive, it is a good investment. While looking for magnetic stripe readers, consider factors like type of coercivity, type of track, data density of the card, magnetic head life, interface and thickness of the card so that you can buy the best reader for your establishment.

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