> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.alternativepayments.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.alternativepayments.io/payments-and-invoicing/pos/taking-a-pos-payment.md).

# How to Take a POS Payment

**Tap, insert, or swipe — collect payment in person and see it in your Transactions table right away.**

***

Enter the amount on the terminal, have the customer tap, insert, or swipe, and you are done. No invoice required.

***

### **Before you start**

* The terminal is charged and powered on.
* Printer paper is loaded. See [Unboxing and First-Time Setup](/payments-and-invoicing/pos/setting-up-your-terminal.md).
* The terminal is connected to Wi-Fi.
* You know the amount you want to collect.

***

### **Collect the payment**

1. **Wake the terminal**\
   \
   Make sure the screen is on and the terminal shows it is connected.
2. **Enter the amount**\
   \
   Type the payment amount on the terminal and start the sale.
3. **Have the customer pay**\
   \
   They can:
   * **Tap** the card or digital wallet on the contactless reader
   * **Insert** the card in the chip slot
   * **Swipe** the card in the magstripe reader
4. **Wait for approval**\
   \
   The terminal will show an approved or declined result. If the payment is approved, the printer will produce a merchant copy and a cardholder copy. Hand the cardholder copy to your customer.
5. **You're all set!**\
   \
   The payment will appear in [Transactions](https://app.alternativepayments.io/dashboard/all-transactions) with type **Point of Sale (POS)**.

***

### **Which cards you can accept**

POS accepts major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Customers can tap, insert, or swipe. In-person card payments are priced at **3% flat** across all brands, with no $0.30 fee. If you pass fees to customers, that 3% shows on the sale. See [Managing POS in Your Dashboard](/payments-and-invoicing/pos/managing-pos-in-the-portal.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** Some cards are issued as "online only" and will decline on swipe. If swipe fails, ask the customer to tap or insert instead.
{% endhint %}

You do not pick card brands per sale. If a card is declined, try another method (tap or chip) or another card.

***

### **If you need to stop a payment in progress**

Tap **X** on the terminal **before** the payment is approved to cancel it. That payment will not appear in your dashboard.

If the payment already approved, do not cancel it on the terminal — [issue a refund](/payments-and-invoicing/pos/pos-refunds-cancels-and-payouts.md) from your dashboard instead.

***

### **Where the payment shows up**

POS payments are standalone. They are not attached to an invoice and they do not sync to your PSA or accounting software.

To find them:

1. Log into your [Alternative Payments dashboard](https://app.alternativepayments.io/)
2. Go to **Accounts receivable** > [**Transactions**](https://app.alternativepayments.io/dashboard/all-transactions)
3. Stay on the **Payments** tab. Use the **Type** column, or open **More filters** > **Type** and check **Point of Sale (POS)**

The payment details page shows **Transaction type** as Point of Sale (POS) and the **Device serial number**. For how those line up with the receipt, see [POS Receipts and Reference Numbers](/payments-and-invoicing/pos/pos-receipts-and-reference-numbers.md).

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---

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