Credit Card Readers And Swipers
To save you time in having to type in credit card numbers, you can use credit card reader devices and certain USB credit card swipers for faster processing.
In our documentation a Credit Card Readers refers to a newer style of device that supports tap payments. These are available as devices used with a smart phone, or as standalone devices used alongside the webiste.
USB Credit Card Swipers refers to the older, but cheaper style of device that will work with desktop or laptop computers running Microsoft Windows or macOS. Swipers do not support tap and are simply a quicker way of entering a credit card number than typing it in. 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.
Video: Credit Card Readers
Credit Card Readers vs. Swiper
There are several classes of device currently supported.
| Device | Additional Cost | Connects to... | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compatible iPhone | -- | Requires app | Tap only |
| Mobile Card Reader | $60 | Mobile device (requires app) | Has Tap |
| Standalone Card Reader | $300 | Laptop, no app needed | Has Tap |
| USB Card Swiper | $20 | Laptop (USB port required) | Data entry only |
Using Card Readers
If you are only using a laptop, the only option would be the "Standalone Card Reader" ($300); or, you could use a "USB Card Swiper" ($20).
If you are using a laptop AND the Auctria Admin app on an iPhone, you can use the iPhone as a "tap" reader either directly or with a "Mobile Card Reader".
You would need one iPhone paired to each reader.
iPhone Tap To Pay
INFORMATION
Transactions completed using the iPhone Tap To Pay functionality will not save the credit card details in Auctria.
Tap To Pay on iPhones lets you accept in-person contactless payments via your Stripe account with a compatible iPhone (iPhone XS or later, running iOS 16.0 or later). Tap To Pay includes support for Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover contactless cards and NFC-based mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay).
If you have a compatible iPhone and are using Stripe then you do not need any additional hardware to accept in-person tap payments at your event.
This feature is accessed through the mobile Auctria Admin app. See ∞ Unknown link 'AuctriaAdminAppApp' for more information.
IMPORTANT
The Admin App requires a location be set for its functionality to work correctly.
Apple Confirmation
Apple will send a confirmation of a "Tap-to-Pay" device being added to the AppleID; this is to be expected. However, the credit card charge runs through Stripe and would look the same on a bidder's statement as any other payment (e.g.: the bidder paying online).
Mobile Card Readers
Currently Mobile Card Readers are only supported with a Stripe account. These readers are currently supported for Checkout. We hope to add Bidder Check-in functionality in 2023.
Stripe currently offers two Mobile Card Readers: the Stripe Reader M2 and BBPos WisePad. These devices only work with Stripe in the US, Canada and parts of Europe. To use these devices will require the organizaiton use the new Auctria Admin application on a smartphone.
For more details on these readers see Stripe.com - Compare readers and platforms at a glance.
Stripe Reader M2
The Stripe Reader M2 is available in the US from Stripe.
BBPos WisePad
The BBPos WisePad is available in Canada from Stripe.
The cost per device is expected to be approximately $60 with each reader dedicated to a single device only.
The Mobile Card Readers are used in conjunction with the mobile Auctria Admin app. See ∞ Auctria Admin App for more information.
Standalone Card Readers
Currently Standalone Card Readers are only supported with a Stripe account.
WisePOS-E
Stripe offers the WisePOS E which is available for the US, Canada and Europe.
This reader requires wifi access at your venue and works in conjunction with the standard Auctria Dashboard on a laptop or desktop computer.
WARNING
The device will require a direct connection to the WIFI/hotspot and does not work with captive portals (Wikipedia). There is an ethernet option available.
The cost per device is expected to be approximately $300 with each reader dedicated to a single device only.
USB Swipers
USB swipers are an older technology but are not appear standardized, so we can't guarantee a given brand 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 device:
- Computer Credit Card Reader for Auctria and Charity Auction Organizer from USBSwiper.com
- There is also a rental option available.
- Swipers available from Amazon.com that will work with Auctria:
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 be able to use a USB Swiper to enter the credit card number.
CVC Check
When using a credit card reader or swiper, only the credit card number and expiration date are read. The Card Verification Code (CVC, or CCV), 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 CVC security code in manually or you can Checkout Payment Options to make the CVC security code optional.