Two things, one till
| Card machine (bank terminal) | POS system | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Takes card and tap payments | Sales, stock, VAT invoices, reports, staff and branches |
| Who supplies it | A bank or payment provider | A POS supplier such as Quicknet |
| What you pay | Fees and terms set by the provider; ask for them in writing | Hardware, software, set-up and support; see our price page |
| Prints a VAT invoice | Usually a card slip only | Yes, from the POS software |
| Stock and reports | No | Yes |
| Best for | Accepting cards | Running the shop; connect it to a card machine |
Terms and fees differ by bank and provider and change. Get current figures from the provider itself.
How they work together
- 1
Staff ring up the sale in the POS
Items, discounts and VAT are on the POS invoice.
- 2
The amount goes to the card terminal
With an integrated terminal the amount is sent across; with a stand-alone one staff type it in. Ask your provider which is possible with your POS.
- 3
Payment result returns to the POS
Integration marks the sale paid and avoids mismatches at closing.
Soft POS and tap to pay
- SOFT
What it is
Soft POS and tap-to-pay apps let a phone or tablet accept contactless cards without a separate terminal. Availability and terms depend on the provider.
- FIT
Where it fits
Mobile sellers, pop-ups and small counters. Busy tills usually still prefer a dedicated terminal. Mobile and tablet POS
- ASK
What to ask
Fees, settlement time, supported cards and whether it connects to your POS.
What to ask before you sign
- FEES
Fees and contract
Ask for the full list of charges, minimums, rental and contract length in writing.
- LINK
Integration
Ask whether the terminal can connect to your POS software and which models.
VAT invoices and e-invoicing come from the POS, not the card slip
A card terminal slip is not a VAT invoice. The POS software issues the tax invoice and must follow UAE VAT and e-invoicing rules. See our e-invoicing page for the dated position and primary sources.
Where Quicknet fits
- Our own POS software (QuickERP POS and Rigid BOS POS) plus hardware supply
- Hardware, software, installation, training and AMC from one team
- ADMCC approved; ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 27001:2022 certified; in business since 2012
- Free site visit and a written quote
Tell us how you take payments today
We will tell you what to keep, what to add and give a written quote for the POS side.
- Business type
- Number of tills
- Card machine you already have (if any)
- What you need: billing, stock, VAT invoices
- When you want to go live
Send the details on WhatsAppRequest a quoteCall +971 50 852 9609
POS Machine vs POS System: FAQs
What is a POS machine in the UAE?
The term is used for two things: a bank card terminal that takes card payments, and a full POS system that runs sales, stock and invoices. Check which one a seller means.
Do I need both a card machine and a POS system?
Most shops that accept cards need both. The card machine takes the payment and the POS system handles billing, stock and VAT invoices.
Does Quicknet supply bank card machines?
Quicknet supplies POS systems and hardware. Card acceptance comes from your bank or payment provider; we help you connect it where the provider supports it.
Is a card slip a VAT invoice?
No. The POS software issues the tax invoice.
What is soft POS or tap to pay?
An app that lets a phone or tablet accept contactless cards. Terms and availability depend on the provider.
Can a card machine connect to my POS?
Often yes when the model and the software support it. Ask both the provider and your POS supplier before you buy.