Technical & POS Equipment Glossary
Understanding Payment Security, Hardware, and Software
Processing firearms transactions requires specialized technology that not only processes payments but also safeguards customer data and assists with compliance.
Elite 2A Pay provides integrated hardware and software solutions, ensuring your business benefits from the highest level of security and efficiency required in the 2A industry.
Table of Contents
Glossary Terms
PCI DSS
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, a mandatory set of global security requirements for all merchants who store, process, or transmit cardholder data. Non-compliance can result in large fines. We simplify PCI compliance for FFLs.
Payment Gateway
A secure web service that acts as a conduit, encrypting and transmitting transaction data from a website, POS system, or virtual terminal to the payment processor. Essential for e-commerce. Explore our high-speed payment gateway.
POS System
The Point-of-Sale System - the hardware and software used in a retail environment (e.g., a gun shop) to manage sales, inventory, and process payments. Modern POS systems often integrate with FFL compliance tools. Discover FFL-compliant POS systems.
Virtual Terminal
A web-based application that allows a merchant to manually key-in credit card information from a phone or mail order using any computer or tablet connected to the internet. Securely process MOTO sales with our Virtual Terminal.
Tokenization
The process of replacing sensitive card data (the 16-digit PAN) with a non-sensitive, unique identifier, or Token. This significantly reduces the merchant's PCI compliance burden. Tokenization is a core security feature.
EMV Chip
The microprocessor smart-chip technology embedded in modern cards. It creates a unique, single-use code for each transaction, making in-person card counterfeiting extremely difficult.
Mobile Reader
A compact terminal or device that connects to a smartphone or tablet, enabling a merchant to securely accept EMV and contactless payments on the go (e.g., at gun shows or events). Accept payments anywhere with our mobile readers.
Encryption
The fundamental security process of scrambling payment data into an unreadable format to prevent unauthorized interception during transmission. Used alongside tokenization for maximum protection.
Card-Not-Present (CNP)
A transaction where the physical credit card is not presented to the merchant. This includes e-commerce sales, phone orders (MOTO), and transactions processed through a Virtual Terminal. CNP processing for online firearm sales.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
The standard security protocol for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser, guaranteeing that all data passed between them remains private. Indicated by the "HTTPS" in the URL.
Hosted Payment Page
A checkout process where the customer is temporarily redirected from the merchant’s website to the Payment Gateway's secure server to enter payment information, minimizing the merchant’s PCI exposure.
API Key
An alphanumeric code used by the Payment Gateway and other integrated software to authenticate the merchant when sending transaction data to the processor. It is a critical security credential.
Recurring Billing
A system function that allows a merchant to securely store a customer's payment token and automatically charge it on a set schedule for range memberships, subscription boxes, or layaway payments. Set up secure recurring billing for members.
Processor
The company that manages the technical infrastructure, risk, and flow of funds between the Payment Gateway, the Acquiring Bank, and the card networks.
MOTO (Mail Order/Telephone Order)
A category of Card-Not-Present transactions processed when a customer submits payment information over the phone or via mail. This requires the use of a Virtual Terminal or similar secure method.
Near Field Communication (NFC)
The short-range wireless technology that enables Contactless Payments (tap-to-pay) via a card, smartphone, or digital wallet at a compatible POS terminal. All our terminals support NFC/tap-to-pay.
Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE)
A certified security method where card data is encrypted within the reading device (the terminal) and remains encrypted until it reaches a secure decryption environment, offering the lowest PCI scope for the merchant.
Gateway Integration
The technical process of connecting a merchant's e-commerce platform (like Shopify or WooCommerce) or POS system to the payment gateway using API keys and code.
Firewall
A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules, protecting a business’s internal systems from unauthorized access.
PIN Pad
A peripheral device connected to a POS system that allows the customer to securely enter their Personal Identification Number (PIN) for debit card transactions.
End-to-End Encryption
A broad term describing data being encrypted at the point of entry (the terminal or browser) and remaining encrypted until it is received and decrypted by the authorized payment processor.
Customer Vault
A secure, token-based storage system offered by the payment gateway to safely hold customer payment credentials (as tokens) for future use, such as returns, repeat orders, or recurring billing. Our vault protects customer payment information.
Digital Wallet (eWallet)
A service (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay) that securely stores and tokenizes payment card information, allowing customers to pay using their mobile device or web browser. Accept all major digital wallets.
Transaction ID
A unique number generated for every payment by the payment processor. This number is used for tracking, reconciliation, chargeback defense, and customer service inquiries.
SAQ (Self-Assessment Questionnaire)
The mandatory form merchants must fill out annually to self-validate their adherence to PCI DSS requirements based on how they process payments (e.g., mail order, e-commerce, terminal). We offer guidance on your annual SAQ.
TID (Terminal ID)
A unique identifier assigned to a specific payment terminal or POS device, which allows the processor and merchant to track transactions to that exact piece of hardware.
API (Application Programming Interface)
A general term for a set of defined rules and protocols that allows different software applications (e.g., a website and a payment gateway) to securely communicate with each other.
Load Balancing
The strategy of distributing payment traffic across multiple merchant accounts or gateways to stay below volume caps, mitigate risk, or maximize efficiency across different processors.
Fraud Scrubbing
A real-time feature of the payment gateway that uses configurable rules (e.g., blocking suspicious IP addresses or large orders) to review transaction data and block suspicious purchases before they are processed. Advanced fraud scrubbing protects your revenue.
Reconciliation
The accounting process of comparing transactions, fees, and deposit amounts recorded in the POS system or gateway reports with the final entries in the business's bank statements to ensure accuracy. Streamline reconciliation with integrated POS reports.
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