Payment options for the Helcim Virtual Terminal
- 01 Mar 2025
- 1 Minute to read
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Payment options for the Helcim Virtual Terminal
- Updated on 01 Mar 2025
- 1 Minute to read
- Print
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Knowing how to process a payment on the virtual terminal is one thing, but understanding the different payment options available is key to running your business smoothly and efficiently.
This article breaks down the various choices you have when using the Virtual Terminal, from credit card pre-authorizations to partial payments and everything in between. Let's dive in!
In this article
Credit card payment options
When processing credit card payments, you have a few key choices:
Purchase: This is the most common option. Selecting Purchase will immediately charge the customer's credit card for the full amount.
Pre-authorization: This option allows you to hold funds on the customer's credit card for a specified amount before actually charging them. This is useful for situations where the final transaction amount might change, such as restaurant bills or hotel stays.
| Pre-authorizations typically have an expiration date (often 7 days), so you'll need to capture the funds before they expire. |
Bank payment options
For bank payments (ACH/EFT), your options depend on whether you have a pre-existing PAD agreement with the customer:
Charge Now (existing PAD): If you have a signed PAD agreement on file, you can select "Charge Now" to immediately debit the customer's bank account.
Request Authorization (new PAD): If you don't have a PAD agreement, you'll need to request authorization from the customer. Once they approve the PAD, you can then proceed with the bank payment.
Partial payments
The Virtual Terminal allows you to accept partial payments on existing invoices. This is handy for taking deposits or installment payments.
To process a partial payment, attach the relevant invoice to the transaction.
You'll see a "Partial Payment" toggle. Enable it.
Enter the amount or percentage of the invoice you want to charge.
FAQ & Troubleshooting
What happens if I don't capture a pre-authorization before it expires?
The pre-authorization will automatically expire, and the hold on the customer's funds will be released. You'll need to create a new transaction if you still need to charge the customer.
Can I change a pre-authorization to a different amount before capturing it?
This depends on your specific processor and settings. Some processors allow you to adjust the pre-authorized amount before capture, while others do not. Contact Helcim support to determine if this is possible with your account.
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