What Is a Manual Card Imprint and How Does It Work?
Uncover the foundational method of processing credit card information without digital systems, its function, and enduring relevance.
A manual card imprint involves physically transferring credit card details onto a paper sales slip without electronic systems. While less common today, it remains a practical solution when modern technology is unavailable or non-functional.
Understanding Manual Card Imprints
A manual card imprint is a physical impression of a credit card’s raised numbers and letters onto a multi-part carbon-copy sales slip. The device used for this purpose is often called an imprinter or, colloquially, a “knuckle buster.” It operates by pressing the card’s embossed information directly onto the paper.
How a Manual Imprint is Made
To create a manual card imprint, a carbon-copy sales slip is positioned in the imprinter, followed by the credit card. The card is placed within designated bezels to prevent movement, ensuring a precise impression. A metal or plastic handle is then slid firmly across the card, pressing its raised characters onto the paper below. This action transfers embossed details, such as the card number and expiration date, onto multiple layers of the sales slip through carbon paper. The process results in several identical copies for both the merchant and the customer.
Scenarios for Manual Imprints
Manual card imprints continue to serve a practical function in various scenarios, primarily as a backup when electronic processing is unavailable. Businesses may utilize them during power outages, internet connectivity issues, or equipment malfunctions that disable electronic card readers. They are also useful in remote locations where reliable internet access is limited or nonexistent. These manual devices ensure that transactions can still proceed, preventing lost sales.
Information Captured and Processing
The manual imprinting process captures specific information from the credit card, including the cardholder’s name, the full card number, and the expiration date. Once the imprint is made and the customer signs the slip, the physical sales slip requires further handling by the merchant. These slips are not processed instantly; instead, the merchant must manually enter the card details into an electronic system later or physically submit the slips to their payment processor. This manual entry often occurs at the end of the business day, classifying the transaction as “card-not-present” even if the physical card was present during the imprint.
This classification can lead to higher processing fees due to increased fraud risk. Merchants need to batch and submit these charges, often by the next business day, although settlement and funding can take one to three business days. Merchants must securely store these physical slips until processing is complete and for record-keeping purposes.