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Point of sale (POS) means either the place and moment a customer completes a purchase or the checkout equipment and software a merchant uses to accept payment and record the sale. The context makes clear which meaning is intended: a “POS terminal” usually means a payment device, while a “POS system” often means a wider checkout setup.
What does “point of sale” mean?
The phrase has two closely related meanings. It can refer to the checkout location and the moment the purchase is completed. It can also refer to the merchant’s technology for carrying out that checkout.
For card-present transactions, Visa’s glossary uses POS to describe the merchant location where the transaction originates (Visa glossary). PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) defines a POS system as merchant hardware and software used to accept payments (PCI SSC glossary).
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A POS system can combine payment hardware and software, but there is no universal parts list. Depending on the merchant and checkout, hardware may include a point-of-interaction device, PIN pad, electronic cash register, tablet, barcode scanner, or receipt printer. The software supports the checkout and sale-recording process; cloud-based software is one possible arrangement. A small or specialized checkout may use fewer components.
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- With Square Terminal, you can ring up sales, accept payments, and print receipts, all with one device. Use it at the counter or ring up customers anywhere in your store.
- Accept all major credit and debit cards and pay one low rate with no hidden fees and no long-term contracts.
- Process chip cards in just two seconds.
- Get your money as soon as the next business day.
- Use it cordlessly with the built-in battery, designed to last all day.
PCI SSC’s examples include point-of-interaction devices, PIN pads, and electronic cash registers. Salesforce describes setups that can include a tablet, barcode scanner, receipt printer, and cloud-based POS software. These are examples rather than required components (PCI SSC glossary; Salesforce POS overview).
How is a POS terminal different from a POS system?
A payment terminal is the narrower term: it is a device that captures payment card data and participates in processing a card payment. A POS system can mean the broader combination of checkout hardware and software, potentially including a register and connected peripherals as well as the payment device.
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- A complete countertop point of sale — Combine dual responsive touchscreens, built-in POS software, and durable hardware for a fast, reliable checkout experience.
- Serve customers faster — Run smoothly through busy shifts, complex menus, and big orders with high-speed processing, memory, and responsive touchscreen displays.
- Accept every way they pay — Take all major cards at one simple rate, with no hidden fees or long-term contracts. Receive funds as soon as the next business day.
- Handle real-world demands — Resist everyday spills, dust, and wear with a durable, IP54-rated design.
- Stay reliable through every rush — Maintain strong connectivity and consistent performance through your busiest hours.
The terminology can overlap. PCI SSC notes that payment terminals are also called POS systems, point-of-interaction devices, or payment devices. In practice, check the context: “terminal” usually points to the payment device, while “system” may describe a fuller setup.
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What can POS software do?
At its basic level, POS technology helps a merchant complete and record a sale and accept payment. Depending on the software and configuration, it may also support inventory tracking, customer information, or reporting. Those are possible business functions, not guaranteed features of every POS system (Salesforce; PayPal).
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- Windows 11 PROFESSIONAL POS TERMINAL - Equipped with Intel Core i5 High-Performance CPU, 4 GB Memory, and 128 GB Hard Disk. It also offers versatile connectivity options, including two serial ports, four USB ports, an HDMI output, an audio input, a DC 12V power input, and an Ethernet port.
- SLEEK & COMPACT DESIGN - Volcora POS Terminal is designed to take up as little space as possible so you can focus on better utilization of the counter space. Our sleek yet heavy-duty metal base ensures the terminal is well-stabled while taking orders with style. Suitable for any business such as retail stores, quick service restaurants, dine-in restaurants, cafes, bars, and more.
- DUAL WIDE TOUCHSCREEN - Terminal comes with one 15.6" capacitive LCD touchscreen and one 11.6” capacitive LCD touchscreen for customer display, combined with 1366x768 high-resolution, makes it easy to read and touch with minimal effort. Our POS Terminals can also withstand over 15000 hours of screen time with little to no quality sacrifice.
- IN THE BOX - Volcora 15.6" & 11.6” Dual-TouchScreen Windows 11 Professional POS Terminal, Power Adapter, Registration Card, and User Manual.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY & SUPPORT - Simply unbox, and set up your POS terminal like a Windows tablet with ease. We do understand that additional support might be needed for non-tech-savvy users and our US Based Customer Service team is committed to help. Plus, all Volcora products come with a limited lifetime warranty so you can purchase with peace of mind.
POS is not synonymous with a card-only checkout or a complete retail-management suite. Payment methods and software capabilities depend on how a merchant implements the system.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does POS mean for payment security?
Payment terminals are within PCI DSS scope because they directly store, process, or transmit payment account data. The controls that apply depend on the device and its configuration; PCI SSC states, “The requirements applicable to these devices will vary depending on the type of device being used” (PCI SSC FAQ on payment terminals).
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The label “POS” alone does not establish the security requirements for a particular setup. The actual devices, data flows, and configuration matter.
Quick Recap
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- With Square Handheld, you can accept payments, take tableside orders, or scan barcodes anywhere. With a slim design and comfortable grip, the POS is easy to carry in your palm or pocket. Square Handheld is designed to withstand water splashes and dust. Add an optional protective case for accidental drops. A long-lasting battery and offline payments let you keep selling.
- Slim, pocketable, and lightweight so you can accept payments wherever your customers are.
- Take tableside orders, bust lines, or use the built-in barcode scanner, all with one sleek device.
- A battery that can power through your shift and offline payments let you keep selling, even if your internet is down.
- Accept all major credit and debit cards and pay one simple rate with no hidden fees and no long-term contracts required.
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