Solutions › Virtual Terminals & Payment Gateway

Take Payments Without a Card in Front of You

Phone orders, mail orders, invoices — one gateway that lets you key in a payment from anywhere, without a physical terminal.

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Virtual Terminals

Built for Orders That Don't Happen at a Counter

Not every sale happens with a card physically present. Argent's virtual terminal for phone orders and mail orders gives you a secure, browser-based portal to key in payment details manually — no card reader required, and no writing a number down on paper in the meantime:

For businesses that take even a handful of orders by phone or email, a virtual terminal is the difference between a secure, trackable transaction and a card number written on a sticky note next to the register.

Common Challenges

Common Virtual Terminal Challenges

The same five issues come up again and again for businesses still handling orders that don't happen at a counter.

Writing Down Card Numbers on Paper

Insecure, easy to lose track of, and a real PCI compliance risk if it ever comes up in an audit.

No Way to Charge a Customer Who Isn't in Front of You

Relying on mailed checks or manual bank transfers instead of taking payment on the spot over the phone.

Juggling Separate Systems for Phone vs. In-Person Orders

Two vendors, two logins, two statements to reconcile for what should be one business.

Slow, Clunky Manual-Entry Tools

Outdated software that makes staff dread taking a phone order in the first place.

No Audit Trail on Manually-Keyed Transactions

Hard to track who charged what, and when, when there's no consistent system logging it.

Built For Your Business

We Work With Businesses Like Yours

From boutique retail to industrial distribution, Argent adapts to how your business actually accepts payments — not a one-size-fits-all setup. Every industry below gets its own processing setup, priced and built around how that business actually runs.

Boutique retail store checkout counter

Retail

In-store and online payment processing that keeps up with however you sell.

  • In-store, online, and BOPIS orders under one system
  • Barcode-scanning POS & SKU-level inventory sync
  • Built to handle holiday volume spikes
Boutique & SpecialtyMulti-LocationE-Commerce
Bright contemporary restaurant dining room

Restaurants

Table-side, counter, and online ordering, all under one processor.

  • Online ordering integrations
  • Tip adjustment support
  • Fast funding options
Quick-ServiceFull-ServiceBar & Nightlife
Technician servicing a home heating unit

Field Services

Get paid on the job site with mobile and virtual terminal options.

  • Mobile & virtual terminal payments
  • Job-site invoicing
  • Recurring service billing
HVAC & PlumbingContractingHome Services
Warehouse workers moving inventory between shelving aisles

Distribution

Lower-cost ACH processing built for larger B2B transactions.

  • ACH acceptance for large orders
  • ERP integrations
  • Accounts receivable automation
WholesaleB2B Supply
Dental clinic treatment tray

Healthcare

Secure, PCI-compliant payment collection for patient balances.

  • PCI compliance assistance
  • Recurring billing
  • Patient payment plans
Medical PracticesDentalSpecialty Clinics
Row of industrial fabrication machines on a factory floor

Manufacturing

Payment processing that matches your purchase order cycle.

  • Purchase-order aligned billing
  • ACH for large B2B orders
  • Net-terms invoicing support
Custom FabricationIndustrial Supply

See What Gateway Access Is Costing You

See what you're paying for gateway access today — send your last statement and we'll mark up exactly where you're overpaying, within 24 hours.

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Questions

Virtual Terminal FAQ

Pricing & Fees

Is there an extra fee for using a virtual terminal?

Access to the virtual terminal is included as part of your gateway setup rather than billed as a separate add-on. Standard card-not-present rates apply to transactions processed through it, the same as any phone or online order.

Do virtual terminal transactions cost more than in-person swipes?

Yes, typically — card-not-present transactions (phone, mail, manually keyed) carry a somewhat higher interchange rate than card-present transactions, since the physical card can't be verified the same way.

Is there a monthly minimum to use the virtual terminal?

No separate minimum applies specifically to virtual terminal usage — it's part of your standard account, priced the same way as your other processing.

Can I see a breakdown of what I'm paying for gateway access?

Yes — send a recent statement and we'll show you exactly what's being charged for gateway or virtual terminal access versus your actual processing costs.

Are there per-transaction fees on top of the rate?

Some accounts carry a small per-transaction fee alongside the percentage rate, disclosed upfront rather than buried in a statement. Ask your account contact for the exact structure on your account.

Setup & Compatibility

Do I need special hardware to use a virtual terminal?

No — it works from any computer, tablet, or phone with a secure internet connection and a browser. No card reader or terminal is required.

Can multiple staff members use the virtual terminal at once?

Yes, with individual staff logins rather than one shared account, which also gives you a clearer record of who processed which transaction.

Can I use a virtual terminal alongside a physical POS?

Yes — most businesses use both, with the virtual terminal handling phone, mail, and invoice orders while a physical terminal or POS handles in-person sales, all reporting into one account.

How long does it take to get access to a virtual terminal?

Once your account is approved, access is typically available the same day — there's no separate hardware shipment or installation to wait on.

Can I send an invoice with a payment link instead of manually keying a card?

Yes — our electronic invoicing solution pairs with the virtual terminal so customers can pay directly from an emailed link when you'd rather not key in their card yourself.

Support & Security

Is it safe to key in a customer's card number over the phone?

Yes, when it's entered directly into a PCI-compliant virtual terminal — the data is encrypted immediately and never written down or stored insecurely, unlike jotting it on a notepad.

Are manually-keyed transactions more likely to be disputed?

Card-not-present transactions in general carry somewhat higher dispute rates than card-present ones, which is a card network risk factor rather than something specific to virtual terminals. Clear order records and confirmation emails help reduce disputes on these transactions.

Who do I contact if the virtual terminal isn't working?

You'll have a named point of contact on your account team, not a general support queue, who can look into the issue directly.

Can I track which staff member processed a specific transaction?

Yes — individual staff logins mean every transaction is tied to the person who processed it, which is useful for both accountability and dispute research.

What happens if I need to issue a refund on a virtual terminal transaction?

Refunds can be processed directly through the same portal, without needing the customer's card in hand again.

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