How to take manual entry (MOTO) payments
Manual entry (MOTO) allows you to process payments for phone or mail orders by typing card details directly into your Card Machine. Because the customer is not present to verify the transaction with a PIN, this feature requires specific security checks to protect your business.
Eligibility and activation
Manual entry is an additional feature that requires approval process to be enabled on your account. You can use this feature if your business passed the relevant security checks during Registration to accept MOTO payments. If approved, the feature will be enabled in your terminal.
If you believe you should have access but cannot see Manual entry transactions in your menu, contact our support team to review your account setup.
When to use manual entry
We recommend using Pay by Link for any payments where the card is not physically present. It provides higher security because customers enter their own details on a secure page and benefit from strong customer authentication. Click here to find out more about Pay by link.
Use Manual entry only in these specific cases:
- The customer does not have internet access.
- A Pay by Link attempt has failed, but you trust the order.
- Your business setup explicitly approves other exceptions.
How to take a payment
- Select Manual entry transactions from the main Menu on your Card Machine, or tap the shortcut icon (⋮) next to the Charge button.
- Enter the Payment amount and select Next.
- Ask the customer for their card details and type them in:
- Card number
- Expiry date
- CVV (security code)
- Select Next to confirm.
- The terminal connects to the customer's bank. The screen will show if the payment is approved or declined once checks are complete.
Security and preventing disputes
Manual payments do not use PIN verification, so the risk of a Chargeback is higher. Follow these steps to protect your business and handle data securely.
Before you process the payment
- Confirm customer identity: Ask for the customer's full name, phone number, and email address.
- Check for inconsistencies: Do not proceed if a customer feels rushed, avoids questions, or tries to split a large order across multiple cards.
- Verify on delivery: Deliver goods only to the billing address. If the customer collects the order, check their ID and confirmation details before handing over goods.
Handling card data
To comply with PCI DSS security rules:
- Input directly: Type numbers into the terminal while speaking to the customer.
- Never write it down: Do not record card numbers or CVV codes on paper.
- Never store data: Do not save card details in emails or messages.
Important: If you feel uncomfortable with a transaction, politely decline. You can say, "I am sorry, but we can only take this payment in person or via a secure payment link."
Fees and Settlements
Cost: A surcharge applies to MOTO transactions on top of your regular rate.
Settlements: These payments are processed like standard card sales. The funds appear in your Settlement reports and are settled to your bank account according to your usual cycle.
Need help?
If you have questions about your eligibility or want advice on the safest payment method for your business, contact our support team. We can review your setup and help you choose the right tools.