With the growing demand for seamless mobile and point-of-sale (POS) payments, payment providers like NMI, Authorize.net, and Square have emerged as popular choices for businesses looking to enhance their payment acceptance processes.
This article will provide an overview of the features and benefits of using these payment providers for POS and mobile payments, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to use them to accept payments.
Key Features and Benefits
1. Cards on File
A key feature offered by NMI, Authorize.net, and Square is the ability to store customer cards on file for quick and easy future transactions. This makes the payment process faster, as customers do not have to manually enter their card details each time they make a purchase. Instead, businesses can retrieve the stored card information, speeding up the transaction process, improving customer experience, and boosting sales.
2. Manual Card Entry
For those instances where customers do not have their physical card or a reader available, manual card entry provides a simple solution. Businesses can manually enter the card details during a transaction, ensuring they can still process payments even without a card reader.
3. Reader Support (Square Exclusive)
Square users have the added benefit of integrating Square Readers with their mobile app. This allows for a seamless in-person payment experience where customers can either tap or insert their card into the Square Reader for quick and secure payments. This integration offers a convenient, hands-free way to process payments on the go.
4. Integration with LeadConnector Mobile App
All three payment providers—NMI, Authorize.net, and Square—offer mobile app support, making it easier for businesses to process payments from anywhere. Whether you're managing in-person sales or mobile payments, these providers offer reliable and secure solutions that integrate seamlessly into mobile workflows.
How to Use These Payment Providers
Here is a general guide on how to start using NMI, Authorize.net, or Square for POS and mobile payments:
Step 1: Connect Your Account
Navigate to the "Payments" section and select "Integrations" on your Progreda platform.
Choose your preferred payment provider (NMI, Authorize.net, or Square) and connect your account.
Ensure that you have set the payment provider as your default option for transactions.
Step 2: Log in to the Mobile App
Open the mobile app and log in to the sub-account where the payment provider is connected.
Step 3: Link a Payment Device (Optional for Square)
For Square users, connect your Square reader by navigating to the "Settings" section in the mobile app and selecting "Payment Devices."
Link your reader to the mobile app for seamless tap-and-go payments.
Step 4: Start a Transaction
Open the POS feature within the mobile app and create a new transaction.
You can either enter a custom amount or add items from your product catalog.
Step 5: Select Payment Method
Review the transaction details and proceed to the payment section.
Select the "Cards on File" option if the customer has a stored card, or tap "Manual Card Entry" to manually enter the card details.
For Square users with a connected reader, choose the "Square Payments" option and have your customer tap or insert their card into the reader.
Step 6: Complete the Payment
After selecting or entering the payment details, simply tap "Charge" to complete the transaction.
Your payment will be processed securely, and you will receive a confirmation for the transaction.
Using NMI for POS and Mobile Payments
Connect your NMI or Authorize.net account via Payments → Integrations on Progreda platform.
Log in to the mobile app and open the sub-account with your connected payment provider.
Start a new transaction in the POS by entering a custom amount or adding items from the product catalog.
Link a contact and review transaction details, then select the Payment Instruments option.
Choose "Cards on File" to process payments using a saved card or tap "New Card" to enter details manually.
After selecting/adding a card, tap "Charge" to complete the payment.
Pro Tips
Card Storage: Encourage your customers to use the "Cards on File" feature for faster and more convenient payments in the future. This helps reduce friction in repeat transactions and can boost customer retention.
Manual Entry Considerations: Be cautious when entering card details manually, as there may be limits to the number of manual entries allowed in certain scenarios. Always ensure the information entered is accurate to avoid payment errors.
Reader Compatibility: Before relying on a reader for in-person payments, double-check that it is compatible with your mobile app and provider. For Square, ensure that your reader is properly linked to your app and ready for use.
Security: Always follow security best practices when handling payments. Ensure that customer card information is encrypted and securely stored, especially when using features like "Cards on File."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I set up a payment provider for mobile payments?
You can set up your payment provider by navigating to the "Payments" section of the web platform and selecting "Integrations." From there, choose your provider and follow the prompts to connect your account.
2. Can I use NMI, Authorize.net, and Square together?
While you can only have one payment provider active at a time, you can easily switch between providers by adjusting your default payment option on the platform.
3. Is it possible to store customer card details securely?
Yes, all three providers—NMI, Authorize.net, and Square—comply with PCI-DSS standards for secure payment processing and card storage.
4. Do I need any special equipment to use Square payments?
For Square payments, you will need a Square Reader to process in-person payments. Ensure that the reader is compatible with your mobile app before attempting to use it.
5. What happens if a payment fails?
If a payment fails, ensure that the card details are accurate and that your payment provider account is properly connected. Retry the payment after correcting any issues, and if the problem persists, contact customer support for assistance.