How to accept credit card payment without machine and get paid anywhere

Accepting card payments is no longer a luxury—it’s a must for every modern merchant. But investing in costly hardware, complicated terminals, and maintenance contracts isn’t always practical, especially for small businesses and independent sellers. That’s why many are now looking for ways to accept credit card payment without a machine and still give customers the seamless experience they expect.

The good news is that technology has made this easier than ever. Take JIM which turns your iPhone into a payment tool freeing you from the need to get bulky equipment, upfront costs and setup headaches while keeping the process secure and simple.

For merchants, this shift means more flexibility, lower expenses, and faster onboarding. Whether you sell online, at events, or in person, having a frictionless way to accept payments can be the difference between losing a sale and closing it instantly.

Why businesses need to accept credit card payments without machine

Imagine this: a customer walks into a small boutique, café, or service shop ready to buy. They pick what they need, approach the counter—and then realize the merchant only accepts cash. Without a card machine or payment processor in place, the customer hesitates. Often, they either leave without completing the purchase or experience unnecessary frustration. The result? Lost sales, poor customer experience, and potentially losing that customer for good.

This isn’t only about physical stores. If you’re selling to customers abroad, at events, or in markets where infrastructure for traditional terminals is limited, not offering an alternative payment option can close doors to entire groups of buyers. In today’s competitive world, businesses—big or small—need flexibility to accept payments anywhere, anytime.

Here are the core benefits you’ll enjoy if you can accept credit card payments without machine:

• Lower costs (no expensive hardware or setup fees)
• Easy onboarding and fast access to payments
• Flexibility to accept payments in-store, online, or on the go
• Improved customer satisfaction and loyalty
• Increased sales opportunities, especially with international buyers

6 ways to accept credit card payments without machine

For years, accepting card payments meant bulky machines, long contracts, and extra costs. But that model doesn’t fit today’s merchants who value speed, mobility, and low overhead. Thanks to digital innovation, there are now several smart ways to accept credit card payments without a machine—each designed to match different business needs.

JIM – the no-hardware solution that turns your smartphone into a POS

One of the most innovative ways to accept credit card payments without machine is JIM. Instead of investing in costly card readers or terminals, JIM transforms your iPhone into a secure POS system. For merchants, that means no upfront hardware costs, no installation headaches, and no waiting on third-party processors. It’s fast, simple, and designed for businesses that want mobility and flexibility without losing professionalism.

With JIM, pricing is refreshingly simple: you pay a flat 1.99% fee per transaction, no matter how many payments you process or how much they’re worth. Plus, right after each payment is made, you can access your funds instantly with your JIM Visa® Prepaid Card. Add it to your digital wallet and spend your earnings within seconds—wherever contactless payments are accepted.

How to use JIM

1. Install the JIM app on your iPhone and complete a quick registration.
2. Enter the sales amount and ask your customer to tap to pay.
3. Find your money ready to use in seconds after the sale is done without waiting for long bank transactions.
   

QR code payments – secure transactions on the customer’s device

QR code payments are becoming one of the most convenient ways to accept credit card payments without machine. Unlike traditional POS systems, where the merchant’s terminal processes the transaction, here the entire payment happens on the customer’s own device. This not only improves security but also eliminates the need for merchants to handle sensitive card data directly.

The process is simple: merchants generate a unique QR code using their payment app. Customers then scan the code with their smartphone camera, which redirects them to a secure payment page. From there, they can enter their card details or complete the purchase with a saved digital wallet.

For merchants, QR payments mean lower costs, easy setup, and the ability to accept transactions anywhere—even without physical hardware. For customers, it provides a smooth, contactless checkout experience that feels familiar and safe.

Manual key-in payments through mobile apps

Another way to accept credit card payments without machine is by manually entering card details into a secure mobile app. In this case, the merchant types the customer’s card number, expiration date, and CVV directly into the payment provider’s application. This method is usually available once you set up a merchant account with the provider.

Manual entry is particularly useful as a fallback option when modern contactless solutions aren’t possible. For example, if a customer’s card doesn’t support tap-to-pay or their device isn’t compatible, keying in the details ensures you can still complete the sale.

However, it’s worth noting that manually entered payments are often treated as card-not-present (CNP) transactions, similar to online purchases. Because of the increased risk of fraud, providers may charge slightly higher processing fees compared to in-person contactless payments. Still, it remains a dependable solution when no other method works.

Electronic invoicing – professional, hardware-free payments with a digital trail

Electronic invoicing is another practical way to accept credit card payments without machine, especially for service-based businesses or freelancers. Instead of relying on hardware, merchants create and send invoices through a payment platform or accounting tool. The customer then receives the invoice via email or SMS, clicks a secure link, and pays online using their credit or debit card.

This method is highly flexible because invoices can be customized with itemized details, due dates, and branding. It also provides a digital trail, making bookkeeping and payment tracking much easier for merchants. Customers appreciate the convenience of paying remotely without the need for physical interaction or a payment terminal.

For businesses working with clients abroad or managing recurring transactions, e-invoicing ensures payments are simple, professional, and fast. It reduces friction, improves cash flow, and helps even the smallest merchants operate with the same efficiency as larger enterprises.

Virtual terminals – turning any computer into a card processor

A virtual terminal is a web-based solution that lets merchants accept credit card payments without machine by using nothing more than a computer and an internet connection. Instead of relying on physical hardware, the merchant logs into a secure online dashboard provided by their payment processor and manually enters the customer’s card details to complete the transaction.

This method is especially useful for businesses that take orders over the phone, through email, or from remote clients who aren’t physically present. Since it doesn’t require a card reader, it provides flexibility to process payments anywhere—whether from an office, a home setup, or even while traveling.

While virtual terminals often have slightly higher processing fees (similar to card-not-present transactions), they offer merchants a reliable, professional option to accept payments when in-person or contactless methods aren’t possible. For many small businesses, it’s the bridge between traditional hardware and fully online commerce.

Merchant accounts – the classic route to accepting card payments

Another established way to accept credit card payments without machine is by setting up a merchant account. This is a special type of bank account created through a payment provider that allows businesses to process card transactions directly and receive funds into their business account.

With a merchant account, you gain access to secure processing tools, fraud protection features, and settlement services that ensure payments are handled reliably. Many providers also include online dashboards or virtual terminals, which means you can key in card details, send invoices, or create payment links without relying on physical hardware.

While the setup process can be more formal—sometimes requiring paperwork or approval checks—merchant accounts remain a trusted option. For businesses with consistent sales volume, they provide stability, professional credibility, and the ability to expand payment methods as the business grows.

Adding a payment page to your website – turning your site into a checkout hub

For merchants with an online presence, one of the most effective ways to accept credit card payments without machine is by adding a dedicated payment page to their website. Instead of relying on third-party platforms, you can integrate a secure checkout form directly on your site, giving customers a professional, seamless experience.

The setup usually involves connecting your website to a payment gateway (such as Stripe, PayPal, or Square). Once in place, customers can enter their card details safely and complete the purchase in seconds. For service providers, this page can be used to accept deposits, subscription payments, or one-off invoices, while for product sellers, it can function as a full e-commerce checkout.

This method is especially powerful because it strengthens brand trust: customers never have to leave your website to pay, and you maintain control over the look, feel, and flow of the transaction.

How to choose the right way to accept credit card payments without machine

With so many options available, the best method depends on your business model, customer base, and long-term goals. Here are key factors to guide your decision:

Choose based on your industry

Retail, hospitality, freelance services, and online-only businesses all have different payment needs. For example, a café might benefit from QR codes or JIM for quick in-person transactions, while a consultant might rely on invoicing or payment links.

Compare processing fees

Flat fees, percentage-based rates, and higher costs for card-not-present transactions can all affect your margins. Merchants with high sales volume should carefully evaluate fee structures before committing.

Consider customer experience

Frictionless payments reduce cart abandonment and boost loyalty. Digital wallets, instant payouts, and branded payment pages can enhance trust and convenience.

Factor in setup and flexibility

Some methods require formal merchant accounts or integrations, while others—like JIM or payment links—work instantly with minimal effort. Consider how fast you need to start accepting payments and how scalable the solution is.