Three ways to connect the till and payment
Standalone
Staff key the sale total into the terminal. Simple to understand but creates a double-entry step and reconciliation risk.
Integrated
The till sends the amount to the terminal and receives the result. It can improve speed and accuracy when properly supported.
All in one
POS and payment run through one product family or device. This can simplify ownership but may reduce flexibility later.
What integration should actually improve
A good integration should remove a manual step, return payment status to the correct sale, support refunds and make end-of-day reconciliation clearer. If it only moves the total but complicates support, the value may be limited.
Run these tests in a demonstration
- Complete a sale and confirm the total cannot be mistyped.
- Cancel before authorisation and check the till state.
- Process a partial and full refund.
- Split a payment if the business needs it.
- Test tips or gratuities where relevant.
- Interrupt the connection and observe recovery.
- Reconcile the EPOS, terminal batch and bank settlement.
Map the contracts before signing
The software subscription, support, acquiring and terminal hire may be separate agreements even when sold together. Record the supplier, start date, minimum term, renewal, notice and exit position for each one.
The PSR identified proprietary terminal technology, renewals and early-termination charges as issues that can reduce merchants’ willingness or ability to switch.
Support ownership is part of the product
| Failure | Who should own the fix? |
|---|---|
| Till total not sent | EPOS or integration support route |
| Terminal cannot authorise | Payment provider and connectivity route |
| Sale approved but till not updated | Joint integration diagnosis with a clear lead |
| Settlement mismatch | Acquirer reporting and EPOS reconciliation support |
| Device failure | Hardware replacement service |
Compare the system, not isolated products
We can help define the payment requirements, examine the current agreements and compare suitable arrangements. The goal is one workable commercial picture, even when several products are involved.
Need the right setup—not another generic sales pitch?
Tell us how your business takes payments. We’ll help compare suitable machines, the complete costs and the contract terms that matter.
Compare My Payment SetupOfficial sources
About this guide
Published by Card Payment Connect, an independent card-payment consultancy for UK businesses. Reviewed by Matthew McCarthy, who has worked in UK merchant services for over a decade. Last reviewed 11 September 2026.