What is a PDQ Machine?

A PDQ (Process Data Quickly) machine also known as a card machine provides businesses with the facility to make safe card transactions. Originally used to describe early card machines, the term “PDQ” now includes various card payment devices, such as card readers and Chip and PIN machines, all serving the same purpose: handling card transactions. For a long time, PDQ machines improved their experience compared to the first models and are much more practical and secure. Have a look at this PDQ Machines

Evolution of PDQ Machines

The first PDQ machines that were used in operation only accepted cards where customers signed, which was a very slow process and full of fraud. The nature of signing for payment changed for the first time in 2006 with the implementation of Chip and Personal Identification Number (PIN) technology where a customer was allowed to type in the PIN. It greatly enhanced the security and efficiency of the transactions being made.

Currently, any typical PDQ device operates by asking the customer to insert their card and key in their PIN or just wave their card. The machine then requests authorization and debits the customer’s account on successful approval of the transaction then transfers it to the business’s merchant account. The option of not using a PIN for a payment has enhanced the transaction speed; a particular feature of the PDQ machines since they are suitable for quick service.

Types of PDQ Machines

Today, PDQ machines come in several types to suit different business needs:

1. Countertop Machines: Commonly installed at the known till points in shops and supermarkets, these machines are tied into the business’s POS, making it a secure, fixed option.

2. Portable Machines: These machines use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to navigate within a particular space say within a restaurant or around a store to facilitate payments at tables.

3. Mobile Machines: Depending on the merchant’s need, it is possible to run a mobile PDQ that is compatible with mobile data 3G, 4G or 5G, ideal for those who are mobile such as food truck owners and taxi drivers.

4. Touchscreen Machines: The newest in the range of PDQs, banda touchscreen PDQs are elegant and easy to operate, provide live reporting and have a broader functionality, compared with their counterpart – mobile PDQs.

PDQ machines are compatible with a range of payment methods, including:

• Chip and PIN: It also offers the conventional way of customers inserting their card and entering their personal identification number PIN., Still traditional method is safe and effective.

• Contactless Payments: More commonly utilized, contactless payments mean that a customer can use a credit card by simply placing it near the payment reader and paying up to £100 for goods and services.

• Mobile Payments: PDQs also accept mobile wallet options such as Apple Pay, and Google Pay whereby payment is made from a smartphone rather than a card.

Benefits of PDQ Machines

Using a PDQ machine offers multiple benefits for businesses:

• Enhanced Security: Thus, PDQ machines help to minimise fraud with the help of such functions as checking the transaction with the banks and the usage of PINs or encrypted methods.

• Flexible Payment Options: Companies can take various forms of payments apart from cash, to meet the needs of more clients.

• Faster Transactions: This means that are convenient to use, and they contribute immensely to the reduction of the time it takes to process checkouts.

• Improved Customer Experience: Activities involving the handling of cash may be reduced, and this makes processes efficient, and people become satisfied, others prefer to transact with businesses that do not involve physical handling of cash.