# Credit Card Readers And Swipers (updated)
To save you time in having to type credit card numbers into a payment system, you can use certain USB credit card swipers and credit card reader devices to swipe the guest's credit card.
Credit Card Readers can expand on the swiper functionality by providing more opportunities for these devices to be used, such as a "Standalone" device.
USB Credit Card Swipers will work with desktop or laptop computers running Microsoft Windows or macOS. USB credit card swipers are not compatible with tablets or mobile phones. Credit Card Swipers will only fill in the credit card number and expiration date, they will not trigger any additional functions in Auctria.
# Credit Card Reader Versus Swiper
| Device | Cost | Connects to... | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB Card Swiper | $20 | Laptop (USB port required) | Data entry only |
| Mobile Card Reader | $60 | Mobile device (requires app) | Has Tap |
| Standalone Card Reader | $300 | Laptop, no app needed | Has Tap |
# Stripe Credit Card Readers
For those organizations working with Stripe (opens new window), you may have the option to use a Credit Card Reader versus the older Credit Card Swiper devices.
# Mobile Card Readers Coming Soon!!
There are Mobile Card Readers available, such as the BBPos WisePad or Stripe Reader M2. These devices only work with Stripe (opens new window) in the US or Canada. To use these types of devies will require the organizaiton use the new Auctria Mobile Event application on a smartphone.
These readers will be supported for Checkout (August 2022) and Bidder Check-in (late Fall 2022).
- The
Stripe Reader M2is available in the US from Stripe (opens new window). - The
BBPos WisePadis availabble in Canada from Stripe (opens new window).
IMPORTANT
The cost per device is expected to be approximately $60 with each reader dedicated to a single device only.
# Standalone Card Readers Coming Soon!!
The Standalone Card Readers, for example, the WisePOS E, only works with Stripe in the US or Canada. This reader works in conjunction with the Auctria Dashboard on a laptop or desktop computer.
These readers will be supported for Checkout (August 2022) and Bidder Check-in (late Fall 2022).
- The WisePOS E (from Stripe) (opens new window) is available for the US and Canada.
WARNING
The device will require a direct connection to the WIFI/hotspot and does not work with captive portals (Wikipedia) (opens new window). There is an ethernet option available.
IMPORTANT
The cost per device is expected to be approximately $300 with each reader dedicated to a single device only.
# Compatible USB Swipers
USB swipers do not appear to be standardized, so we can't guarantee certain brands will work.
It is also possible that manufacturers may change the specs from time to time. It's good practice to install the swipers with enough time to perform a test and trial run before your event. Please let us know if you run into any issues.
Currently, we are only able to recommend the following:
- Computer Credit Card Reader for Auctria and Charity Auction Organizer (opens new window)
from USBSwiper.com (opens new window)
There is also a rental option (opens new window) available.
You only need the Credit Card Swiper hardware, no other hardware or software is needed to use these swipers to enter the credit card number and expiration date with Auctria.
# Using a Card Swiper
On pages that accept a credit card number you will see a Swipe card button.
Click Swipe card to use an external USB card reader.
A popup Swipe credit card window will appear prompting you to swipe the card through the reader.
Swipe the card through the reader.
If the swipe is successful, then the window will close, and the card number and expiration date will appear.
# CVC Check
When using a credit card reader, only the credit card number and expiration date are read. The Card Verification Code (CVC), found on the back of most credit cards, is not present on the magnetic strip, so it is not available by swiping the card.
You can either type the CCV security code in manually or you can Checkout Payment Options to make the CCV security code optional.
Last Revised: July 2022