Virtual Terminal

A virtual terminal is a secure, web-based payment interface that allows merchants to process card payments manually without needing a physical card machine.

It’s typically used when taking payments over the phone, by email, or through mail orders (MOTO). The merchant logs into an online dashboard provided by their acquirer or payment gateway, enters the customer’s card details, and submits the transaction for authorisation.

Because the cardholder is not present, virtual terminal transactions are classified as CNP (Cardholder Not Present)and are subject to additional fraud prevention measures.

Example:

A dental clinic takes a £150 deposit over the phone. The receptionist enters the patient’s card details into the clinic’s Stripe virtual terminal, and the payment is processed instantly.

Used in:

Phone and mail order payments, service-based businesses, remote billing, and professional practices without in-person checkout systems.