Virtual Point of Sale (VPOS)

Accept card-present transactions with Authorize.Net's Virtual Point of Sale software. Turn your computer into a complete POS terminal for retail stores, trade shows, markets, and in-person sales. Swipe, dip, or tap cards securely with EMV chip and contactless support.

Card-Present Processing

What is Virtual Point of Sale?

Virtual Point of Sale (VPOS) is desktop software that transforms your computer into a full-featured payment terminal for accepting card-present transactions. Connect a compatible card reader to process chip cards (EMV), magnetic stripe, and contactless payments including Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Complete Payment Terminal

VPOS provides all the functionality of a traditional credit card terminal without the hardware costs. Process payments, issue refunds, manage transactions, and generate reports - all from your computer with a simple USB card reader.

Lower Card-Present Rates

Card-present transactions qualify for significantly lower interchange rates than card-not-present eCommerce transactions. Save money on processing fees for all in-person sales with the lower rates that apply to swiped, dipped, and tapped cards.

EMV Chip & Contactless

Accept EMV chip cards for enhanced fraud protection and liability shift benefits. Support contactless NFC payments including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and tap-to-pay cards for faster checkout and improved customer experience.

Why Use VPOS?

Key Benefits of Virtual POS

VPOS combines the flexibility of software with the security and lower rates of card-present transactions.

Cost-Effective Solution

Avoid expensive traditional POS terminal purchases ($300-$1,000+) and monthly terminal rental fees ($30-$50/month). Use your existing computer with an affordable USB card reader ($50-$150) for a complete payment processing solution at a fraction of the cost.

Reduced Fraud Liability

EMV chip card processing provides liability shift protection against counterfeit card fraud. When you process chip cards properly, the card issuer assumes fraud liability instead of your business - critical protection for retail merchants.

Portable and Flexible

Use VPOS anywhere you have a laptop and internet connection - perfect for trade shows, farmers markets, pop-up shops, craft fairs, and mobile businesses. Process payments on-site without needing cellular connectivity for wireless terminals.

Integrated with Authorize.Net

VPOS transactions integrate seamlessly with your Authorize.Net account. All card-present and card-not-present transactions appear in one reporting interface, simplifying reconciliation and providing unified transaction management.

Fast Transaction Processing

Contactless NFC payments (tap-to-pay) provide the fastest checkout experience for customers. EMV chip transactions complete in seconds, while magnetic stripe remains available as a backup option for older cards.

Comprehensive Reporting

Access detailed transaction reports through the software interface and your Authorize.Net Merchant Interface. Track sales by date, payment type, card brand, and more. Export data for accounting and reconciliation purposes.

Perfect For

Ideal Businesses for VPOS

Virtual Point of Sale is ideal for any business that accepts in-person payments but wants to avoid expensive traditional terminal costs.

Retail Stores
Boutiques, specialty shops, and small retailers who need reliable card processing without expensive POS system investments. Save on terminal costs while accepting all payment types including contactless.
Trade Shows & Events
Vendors at trade shows, conventions, and events who need portable payment processing. Set up quickly at any booth or table with a laptop and USB reader for professional payment acceptance.
Farmers Markets & Craft Fairs
Artisans, farmers, and craftspeople selling at markets and fairs. Accept cards on-site with portable, affordable equipment instead of expensive mobile card readers with high per-transaction fees.
Service Professionals
Mobile service providers like contractors, plumbers, electricians, and repair services who collect payment on-site. Process cards at customer locations with laptop-based payment processing.

Technical Requirements

What You Need for VPOS

Virtual Point of Sale runs on Windows computers with a compatible USB card reader.

Windows Computer
Windows 7 or higher with available USB port. Desktop or laptop compatible. Requires stable internet connection for real-time transaction processing and authorization.
Compatible Card Reader
USB card reader supporting EMV chip, magnetic stripe, and NFC contactless. ID TECH and MagTek readers commonly supported. Contact START Merchant Services for specific model recommendations.
Internet Connection
Reliable broadband internet connection required for transaction authorization and processing. WiFi or wired ethernet both supported. Minimum 1 Mbps connection speed recommended.
Authorize.Net Account
Active Authorize.Net merchant account with card-present processing enabled. VPOS software provided free with account - download from Merchant Interface after activation.

Ready to Accept Card-Present Payments?

Start processing in-person card payments with Virtual Point of Sale. Our team will help you set up VPOS software and recommend compatible card readers for your business needs.

Ready to Get Started?

Complete our quick and secure form. We'll review your inquiry and present the best solution within 24 business hours.

Most accounts approved in 1-5 business days
Secure & confidential

Legal DBA or registered business name

Your business website or online presence

By submitting this form, you agree to our Privacy Policy and consent to be contacted about our services. We respect your privacy and will never share your information.

Call Us

888-573-7587

M-F: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM MST

Visit Us

1940 S. Fremont Dr STE 202
Salt Lake City, UT 84104