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Manual Card Entry is used to process transactions over the phone or without a terminal. It involves entering card details manually, either through a terminal or a secure web component. This method is considered high-risk and can incur higher interchange fees.

Typical Uses

Manual Card Entry lets you key in card details directly, so it is useful for phone orders and on‑site service work without a terminal. These transactions are treated as Card Not Present, which generally carry higher interchange and higher fraud risk than Card Present payments.

Operation

There are two options for using the manual entry option to accept a payment:

• Through the Card Terminal
  • Manual Entry is done through the card terminal. You begin the transaction as normal but use the Manual entry on the POS when sending to the terminal. This gives the card holder the option to enter the card details manually on the terminal. If you do not see the Manual Entry tender type, please contact our Support team at the phone number at the bottom of the page so we can get that added for you.

• Payment Portal Virtual Terminal (recommended)
  • This method of accepting a manual entry transaction has you enter in the card details, including a ZIP Code or Postal Code into a secure online tool through your eTailPet Payment Portal's Virtual Terminal to complete the transaction.
  • Click here to learn how to use the Virtual Terminal.

Additional Risk Information

Manually-entered transactions are higher risk. Use the practices below to reduce fraud and chargebacks:

• Verify the billing ZIP/Postal Code and request the card’s Security Code.
• Confirm order details with the customer (name, phone, email, shipping address).
• For shipments, use trackable carriers and require delivery confirmation.
• Keep documentation (invoices, emails, IP/location details for web‑initiated orders).
• Decline suspicious orders (mismatched details, rush requests, unusual quantities).

Because these transactions run through as Card Not Present, expect higher interchange fees compared to card‑present transactions, especially if you price on IC+ instead of a flat rate.

Related Topics

P5 Card Reader

Payment Portal

Portal Virtual Terminal Page

Tips for Detecting Fraud

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Manual Card Entry secure?

A: Yes, when you enter details into secure fields from your provider. Always collect AVS (Zip/Postal Code) and Security Code, and keep order documentation.

Q: Why are fees higher for keyed transactions?

A: Card networks treat keyed payments as higher risk since there is a greater possibility for successful fraud. Interchange and network assessments are typically higher than for card‑present transactions.

Q: When should I use the virtual terminal?

A: Use it only when your POS is unavailable or when directed by your payment provider. Otherwise, use the Front End's Manual Entry flow.

Q: I have a question, but I can't find my answer here. How do I get more assistance?

A: You can ask any question at the number listed here. Contact our support team at (323) 370-0738 for the U.S. and (888) 370-2363 for Canada.