Troubleshoot card swipe problems

QuickBooks Payments is available at an additional cost. Learn more and apply.

Suggestions

Test the card reader connection

Double-check that the card reader is firmly connected to your computer via the USB port, and that your computer is on.
Be sure the reader is ready before you swipe the card. When the light on the card reader is green, it's ready to accept a card.

Use a direct USB connection

Plug the reader directly into one of your computer's USB ports, not through a keyboard or a USB hub. Switch ports and restart the computer if needed.
Try a different direct USB port on your computer.

Swipe the card correctly

Face the card's magnetic stripe in the correct direction, towards the light.
Swipe the card just one time. You can start from either end.
Don't swipe the card at an angle.
Swipe the card quickly.

Inspect the magnetic strip on the card

If the card can't be read, its magnetic strip may be damaged. Check the strip for residue and wipe any off.

Examine the card reader

If the light is red, it means the reader didn't read the card correctly. If this happens a lot, the magnetic head may need cleaning. You can purchase cleaning cards at office supply stores.
If the card reader beeps or blinks, or if card data seems incomplete or garbled onscreen, the card reader may be damaged or improperly configured. Contact the manufacturer.

Try a different card or computer

Try multiple cards, preferably different card types, to see if the card itself or the card type is causing the issue.
Try using the card reader and swiping the card on another computer. A computer's security setting could be blocking the reader from working properly.

Switch from HID to keyboard mode

If the card reader is unresponsive, try switching from HID (human interface device) to keyboard emulation mode. For Magtek readers, the Magtek website has a page that lets you toggle easily between the two modes with your reader plugged in. Search the site for "HID mode" to find the page. If you have a different card reader, search the manufacturer site for information about switching modes.

If a card can't be swiped

If you still can't swipe a card after following the troubleshooting recommendations, enter the card information manually so you don't lose the sale or payment. The rate for the transaction will be a higher, key-entered rate.

Troubleshoot card swipe problems

Suggestions

See also