Card Present

Card Present transaction occurs when a customer physically presents their payment card, such as a credit or debit card, to a merchant for an in-person purchase. This transaction type is prevalent in traditional retail environments where customers physically interact with merchants at the point of sale.

During a card-present transaction, the merchant utilizes a card reader or terminal to capture the card’s information and initiate the payment process. The customer typically provides a signature or enters a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to authenticate the transaction.

Card-present transactions are generally considered more secure than card-not-present transactions, as the physical presence of the card adds an extra layer of verification. While advancements in technology have introduced contactless and mobile payment options, card-present transactions remain foundational in in-store retail experiences, combining convenience with established security measures.