QR payments and PIN pads: how to add card payments to an existing till
Ways to accept card, NFC and QR payments without replacing the till: PIN pad (TP10), QR terminal (Q1), integration methods (USB, Ethernet, cloud API) and the project stages.
A chain’s POS system took years to build and nobody wants to replace it. Yet customers want to pay by card, phone and QR. The good news: payment acceptance can be added without changing the till. Here are three typical scenarios.
Scenario 1. A PIN pad for a stationary till
A PIN pad connects to the till and handles only the payment: the cashier enters the amount in the till, the customer taps the card on the PIN pad. Models such as the TP10 support chip, contactless and magnetic stripe and connect via USB or Ethernet. The standard solution for supermarkets, pharmacy chains and fuel stations.
Scenario 2. A separate terminal for QR payments
QR payments through banking apps are spreading fast. A QR terminal such as the Q1 displays or reads a QR code and can also accept cards. A small-screen, low-cost device that takes little counter space; a fit for cafés, convenience stores and service points.
Scenario 3. An Android terminal as a bridge to the till
If the till software is cloud-based, an Android terminal (T6) receives the order through an API, takes the payment and returns the result to the till. This suits restaurants and delivery, because the terminal travels to the table.
How the integration goes
- Agreement with the acquiring bank. The bank confirms which models it supports and the integration protocol (ECR protocol).
- Link to the till software. Does the software vendor support the PIN pad protocol; if not, an integration module is written.
- Pilot. Two or three lanes, one week: failed transactions, refunds and receipt printing are tested.
- Rollout and service. Installation across the chain, spare devices, remote management with a TMS.
What to watch
The PIN pad’s PCI PTS certification, the durability of the cable connection (USB wears out, Ethernet is more reliable) and what the till does when a payment fails. These three questions must be answered in the pilot.
Gpolicy supplies TOPWISE PIN pads, QR terminals and Android POS in Azerbaijan on a project basis. See the payment ecosystem page or contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Which tills can a PIN pad connect to?
Any till that supports USB or Ethernet connection and an ECR protocol. Compatibility with specific till software is confirmed with the software vendor and the bank.
Is a separate device needed for QR payments?
Not necessarily: Android terminals scan and display QR codes. A separate QR terminal is the cheaper option for small points of sale.
How long does integration take?
It depends on the readiness of the bank and the software vendor; a typical pilot takes one to two weeks, and the full rollout is planned by chain size.