Which Way Do You Swipe a Gift Card?
Navigate gift card payments with confidence. Understand the essential steps for swiping your card accurately and completing your purchase.
Gift cards offer a convenient prepaid payment method for goods or services. Many consumers hesitate at the point of sale, unsure how to process payment. Understanding the proper technique for swiping a gift card ensures a smooth and efficient transaction. This guide provides clarity on the process, from identifying equipment to completing your purchase.
Identifying the Swipe Slot
Locating the correct input area on a payment terminal is the first step in using a gift card. Most terminals feature a narrow, horizontal opening specifically designed for magnetic stripe cards. This slot is found on the side or top, often indicated by a card icon or arrow. While newer terminals may also include slots for chip cards or contactless payment areas, the “swipe” action specifically utilizes the magnetic stripe reader.
The magnetic stripe reader appears as a thin channel, just wide enough for a standard payment card. Correctly identifying this slot prevents frustration and ensures you attempt the transaction using the appropriate method for your gift card.
Executing the Swipe
Once the swipe slot is identified, the next step involves correctly orienting and moving the gift card through the reader. The magnetic stripe on the back of the card must face the terminal or align with the reader’s internal components. This stripe contains the encrypted data necessary for the transaction to process. The card should be held with the magnetic stripe facing down if the slot is on the top of the machine, or facing the machine if the slot is on the side.
The physical act of swiping requires a consistent, moderate speed. Maintaining a straight path through the slot, without tilting or wobbling the card, also contributes to a successful read. A single, smooth swipe is sufficient to transmit the card’s data for authorization.
Completing the Transaction
After a successful swipe, the payment terminal will prompt for additional information to finalize the transaction. Many gift cards function similarly to debit cards, requiring a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for verification. If your gift card has a PIN, the terminal will display a keypad for its entry. Some gift cards may also offer a “credit” option, bypassing the PIN requirement, though this depends on the card issuer’s configuration.
Following PIN entry or option selection, the terminal processes the transaction against the card’s available balance. If the purchase amount exceeds the card’s value, the terminal may prompt for an additional payment method to cover the remaining balance. Upon successful completion, the terminal will print a receipt, serving as a record of the transaction and confirming the remaining balance.