Technical requirements

Minimum equipment is a GeldKarte terminal

The minimum equipment needed to process payments made with the GeldKarte is a GeldKarte terminal. Here we provide details of the types of terminal available, and the technology needed by retailers operating in Germany.

Required equipment for retailers

GeldKarte acceptance points require a terminal to process cashless payments. Two types are available: GeldKarte terminals that enable only "tronic purse" functions, and multifunction terminals.

German Banking Industry Committee (GBIC) can provide a list of all the terminals approved by the German banking sector. Ask your payment provider for details of implementation.

Stand-alone GeldKarte terminals

these cannot be converted to electronic cash systems. They are installed as stand-alone terminals (e.g. at sales kiosks), as mobile/portable terminals (e.g. for taxis and restaurants), or as terminals integrated into machines.

Multifunction terminals

Multifunction terminals are retailer terminals that take all standard types of card and payment. They are also known as hybrid terminals, since they can read both magnetic strips and microchips. The following payment methods can be configured: GeldKarte, electronic cash, electronic direct debit, and maestro.

A number of types of terminal can be bought on the market. These are available with or without a connection to the cash register, or fixed multifunction terminals that can be adapted to accept the GeldKarte (depending on the model and age).

Retailers on the Internet

Micropayment system: secure and cancellation free payment method

If you wish to offer payment with the GeldKarte on the Internet, a specific billing software has to be integrated into your shop software, for example "SIZ Chipserver" from SIZ - Informatikzentrum der Sparkassenorganisation. It is up to you, if you licence your own system or use the system on demand.

Furthermore, you need at least two "Händlerkarten"  (chip cards) as well as two "Händlerdatensignaturen" (merchant data signatures). These you get from your bank.

For details, please contact one of GeldKarte's service providers, your bank or the GeldKarte team.

Vending machine operators

To vending machine operators a great variety of moduls is available. Some of these electronic modules not only handle payment transactions via GeldKarte, but also offer telemetry solutions and control hardware. If you are searching for vending solutions, our catalogue of suppliers lists contact information.