The other form of magnetic stripe reader requires that the card is passed or swiped through the reader. With an insertion magnetic stripe reader the card is inserted into the device and then pulled out. There are two types of magnetic stripe reader, an insertion reader or a swipe reader. The magnetic stripe reader is the hardware device, that when combined with the correct software, provides this magnetic reading head. The information is read and decoded by bringing the card into contact with a magnetic reading head. When a magnetic stripe is used on credit and debit cards the information is unique to the card holder and identifies that person. Tiny iron-based magnetic particles are embedded into a strip of magnetic material on a card, these particles contain unique information embedded in code within them. Magnetic stripes are one of the cheapest forms of information storage and are used millions of times every day. Most payments are now by credit or debit cards rather than cash so a reliable EPOS system is vital for the success of any business. The magnetic stripe reader is a vital part of this system. Any business or professional, such as a retailer, service provider or health care professional, will need an Electronic Point of Sale system (EPOS) for financial transactions with clients.

Magnetic stripe card reader software