This article helps guide you through the steps to set up a card reader terminal as an input device for filling in the card number (without processing the payment directly through the card reader); you can use a basic card swiper for this purpose.
Note: While this setup has been reported to work in similar systems, GB Members CRM has not officially tested or validated specific card reader models. Schools may test this method at their own discretion.
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Contents
- Steps to Implement
- Input Device Functionality
- Setting It Up
- Using It
- Compatibility & Limitations
Steps to Implement
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Purchase a Basic Card Reader: Look for a simple USB card reader on Amazon or another retailer. Look for terms like MSR (Magnetic Stripe Reader) and "keyboard emulator."
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Plug into Your Computer: The reader will act like a keyboard once plugged in. No drivers or special software are typically required.
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Test in Various Fields: Open your CRM or POS system and ensure the card data is entered correctly in the card number field when swiping.
Recommended Card Readers
Here are some common USB card readers you could consider:
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MagTek USB Swipe Reader: Popular and reliable.
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ID Tech MiniMag: Simple and works with most systems.
These should work fine as input devices without any extra setup.
1. Input Device Functionality
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Card Reader as a "Keyboard": Many basic card readers can function like a keyboard. When you swipe a card, it simply types out the card number into the input field (such as a member registration form, update credit card form, or Pro Shop).
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No Direct Integration Needed: Since you don’t need the card reader to process payments (just input the card details), you don’t need it to be integrated with Bambora/Worldline or any other payment gateway.
2. Setting It Up
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Plug-and-Play: Most basic card readers are plug-and-play, meaning you can just plug the device into a USB port on your computer, which should function as a keyboard.
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Swipe to Enter Data: Once plugged in, you can swipe a card, and the reader will automatically populate the card number and other track data into the fields where your cursor is active. Make sure your cursor is in the correct card number field when swiping.
4. Using it
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Member Registration Form: When filling out the member registration or updating credit card details, you can automatically swipe the card to fill in the card number field.
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Pro Shop POS: When checking out, if you select to use a new card instead of the one on file, the reader will populate the new card's field with the swiped data, allowing you to hit "submit" afterward for processing.
5. Compatibility & Limitations
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Most Basic Card Readers Work: You can buy a basic card swiper off Amazon that functions as a keyboard emulator. Ensure it is a magnetic stripe card reader (MSR) that works via USB for simple plug-and-play use.
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Testing Required: You’ll want to test it to ensure that the data entered from the swipe is formatted correctly for the fields (e.g., does it correctly enter only the card number, or does it input additional, unnecessary data from the card's magnetic strip).
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No Validation: Since it only inputs the card number, there’s no built-in validation at the swipe. All validation (such as checking the card’s billing address, expiry date, etc.) will still happen when you submit the form in your CRM or POS system.
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Manual Process: After swiping the card, you’ll still need to manually input other required fields, like the card’s expiration date, CVV, and billing address.
Conclusion
Using a basic card reader as an input device should work well for your needs in the member registration, credit card update, and Pro Shop. It won’t handle payment processing itself, but it will speed up manual data entry for card details.
Planned Improvements by End of 2025
We are working to confirm and integrate a new billing provider by the end of 2025 that will expand our capabilities, including:
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In-School Card Terminals: Support for tap/swipe/chip transactions at the front desk.
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ACH / EFT Capabilities: More flexible options for families who prefer direct bank debits.
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Improved Checkout Flows: Streamlined experiences for both staff and students.
We will provide implementation timelines and testing opportunities once vendor selection is finalized.
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Need Assistance?
For further assistance or clarifications, please contact northamerica@graciebarra.com
You can also schedule a 1-1 consultation: https://graciebarra.link/gbmembers-consultation