Do you work at a fixed location? Then a physical payment terminal is often more robust, faster and a more reliable for many transactions. You can choose between fixed, countertop devices or wireless terminals with batteries.
Mobile working means mobile payments, for example, handyman services, taxis or food-truck catering. If you don’t take many payments, an app may be sufficient. With a mobile payments app (like ING SoftPos), you can turn your smartphone into a fully functioning payment terminal. This means you won't need to buy or rent an extra device, and you can get started in just a few minutes.
It is also an attractive option when a short-term solution is needed. Think of a festival that requires processing of thousands of payments in a single month, but which has no transactions for the rest of the year. Here, an app is more flexible and cost-effective than a fixed payment solution.
Do you receive payments frequently or require a device that can handle some wear and tear? Compact terminals that fit in your pocket or bag are also available.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","title":"Think about your business's future","richBody":{"value":"Are you planning to expand? Will you be attending trade fairs or pop-ups? If so, it's worth choosing a flexible solution that can grow with you.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"2. Do you have a stable internet connection?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Mobile payment solutions work via Wi-Fi or mobile internet. Fixed terminals can also be connected by cable.
Paying with a smartphone or payment terminal always requires connectivity. And that's where things sometimes go wrong. Do you work in different locations? Test the strength of your operator's mobile signal in advance.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"For fixed installations, a wired connection is more stable, although this means that you have less flexibility.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"3. Renting or buying a payment terminal: which is better?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Renting a payment terminal does not require a large initial investment and monthly costs may be easier to manage. Maintenance, updates and replacement in the event of defects are often included in the rental.
Buying is cheaper over the long term, especially if it is going to be used intensively. Don't forget to factor in associated costs such as terminal installation, maintenance, updates and potential replacement after a few years.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","title":"Get quotes and compare","richBody":{"value":"What exactly is included in the price? How long is the contract? Are there cancellation fees? Is service included? Flexibility and transparency often make the difference in the long run.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"4. Which payment methods do you want to accept?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are everywhere. Apple Pay and Google Pay are also becoming more popular, especially among younger customers.
Depending on your sector or target group, meal vouchers, eco vouchers or even AMEX may also be relevant.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","title":"Note","richBody":{"value":"Sometimes there are additional costs for certain payment methods. So, check carefully what is included as standard and what is extra (and at what price).
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"5. Do you need a printer on your terminal?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"A payment receipt is legally required, but only if the customer requests one. You may send it digitally (i.e. by email), but this requires a quick and easy way to enter the address. You no longer need to keep a paper copy yourself. Your payment service provider stores all the data digitally.
While some terminals have a built-in printer, others do not. If you use an app on your smartphone, printing will only be possible if you connect to an external printer.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","title":"Do you work in a sector where payment receipts are important (e.g. for refunds, warranty certificates or accounting)?","richBody":{"value":"If so, a terminal with a printer is still the recommended option. ING offers various models, with or without a built-in printer, so you can always find the right solution for your way of working.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"6. What are the costs?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"What may seem cheap at first can actually turn out to be expensive. A low rental price can mean higher transaction costs, or vice versa.
Also pay attention to installation costs, service, software updates, replacement in case of defects, and any extra features such as reporting or integrations.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","title":"Transparency is crucial","richBody":{"value":"Always ask for a full overview of costs before you sign. Also check the payment frequency: will you be paid daily, weekly or monthly? User-friendliness is also a factor: can you easily track transactions, generate reports and consult historical payments?
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"7. How soon do you want to start?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Some solutions are available immediately, others take a few days. An app for receiving payments (such as ING SoftPos) can be downloaded immediately. After a short registration and activation process, you can start taking payments.
If you want a physical terminal, you will have to wait for delivery and installation. During busy periods, this can take some time.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"When you start your search, ask about the expected delivery time. Especially if you know you will be starting a new business or event soon. Consider arranging an interim solution (such as an app) to use during the waiting time.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"8. Do you want to link to your accounting or cash register?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Some payment solutions allow you to automatically link your transactions to your accounting package or cash register system. This means less manual work, fewer errors and faster reporting.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"Ask your accountant or software supplier for recommendations. Some integrations are free; others are paid or require separate licences.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"9. What if something goes wrong?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"A broken terminal at a busy event with no backup? That can seriously impact your revenue. It’s important that you have quick insight into the status of your device, your transactions and any error messages.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"Check whether your payment solution includes access to a self-service portal, like ING does. This allows you to resolve common issues yourself immediately – without long waiting times or the intervention of a customer service team.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"One subscription. One contact point.","richBody":{"value":"ING offers payment solutions tailored to the needs of your business. Whether you opt for an app on your smartphone, a mobile or a fixed terminal, ING offers you a transparent range of products with clear rates, super-fast activation and integrated services. No hassle with separate contracts or suppliers: just one subscription, one point of contact and everything linked to your ING business account.
"},"textLinks":[{"url":"https://assets.ing.com/m/2d9aa4e0f85b0b4d/original/Checklist-How-do-you-choose-the-right-payment-solution.pdf","text":"Want an overview at a glance? Download an abbreviated version of this checklist here."}]},{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"url":"/en/business/services/getting-paid-advisor-feature","text":"Compare your options right now"}},{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"url":"/en/business/payments/open-a-professional-account","text":"Don't have an ING business account yet? Apply for one first!"}},{"componentType":"cards","cards":[{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"Are QR codes a suitable solution for taking payments?","body":"Read more about the pros and cons and what to consider when choosing the solution for your business.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/088e4f8f-fdc7-4c78-b13e-029480c85f8b/Newterminal-140","type":"image","width":7008,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/1764f63339a6ebc0/original/Newterminal-140.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2025-12-10","link":{"url":"/en/business/payments/receiving-payments-via-qr-code"}}]}]},"legalZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Disclaimer","richBody":{"value":"This article is for information purposes only and the information in this article may change over time. We therefore recommend that you always consult the specific rules and requirements with the competent authorities for the most up-to-date information. We also recommend that you seek professional advice on a case-by-case basis before making a decision. ING Belgium NV cannot be held liable for decisions made on the basis of the information provided here.
"}}]}}}