# Virtual Terminal Quickstart Learn how to create a payment using the Virtual Terminal in the Finix Dashboard. ## Step 1: Open the Virtual Terminal ### Option 1: From the Payments List Page 1. From the left navigation, click **Transactions** > **Payments**. 2. Click **Take a Payment**. Payments List Page - Take a Payment ### Option 2: From the Virtual Terminal Page From the left navigation, click **Transactions** > **Virtual Terminal**. Virtual Terminal Page ## Step 2: Enter Payment Details From the **Virtual Terminal**, you have the option to create a sale or authorization. - **Sale**: A one-step transaction that immediately charges the buyer. - **Authorization**: A two-step transaction that places a hold on funds, which you can later capture or void. Sale ### Transaction Details | Field | Description | | --- | --- | | **Total Purchase Amount** | The total amount charged to the buyer's debit or credit card, including taxes, tips, or other fees. | | **Description** | Add any helpful details, such as order numbers or invoice information. | #### Buyer Fees (Optional) Click **+Add Buyer Fee** to add a buyer fee to the transaction. You can choose from: - **Surcharge Fee**: Enter a percentage up to 3%. Surcharge fees are only applied to credit cards. For more information, see [Surcharge Fees](/low-code-no-code/virtual-terminal/buyer-fees/surcharge-fees). - **Convenience Fee**: Enter a flat rate amount. For more information, see [Convenience Fees](/low-code-no-code/virtual-terminal/buyer-fees/convenience-fees). Click **Remove** to remove the buyer fee. #### Statement Descriptor (Optional) Click **+Custom Card Statement Descriptor** to add a custom descriptor that appears on the buyer's card statement. The statement descriptor must be 1–20 characters long. Click **Remove** to remove the statement descriptor. ### Payment Details Select how to collect the buyer's payment method: | Option | Description | | --- | --- | | **Manually Enter Payment Method** | Select the buyer. If the buyer isn't listed, click **Add New Buyer** to enter their details. Then select the payment method to charge. You'll only see the first six and last four digits of the card number. If the buyer's card isn't shown, click **Add a new payment method** to add it. | | **Send to a Payment Device** | Process the payment [using a payment device](/low-code-no-code/virtual-terminal/using-payment-devices). The device must be provisioned and have an open connection. See our [in-person payments guides](/guides/in-person-payments) to learn how to set up a device. | ### Additional Processing Data (Optional) After selecting a payment method, you can add additional data to qualify for lower interchange rates. Select **Level 1** (default), **Level 2**, or **Level 3** processing. For more information, see [Level 2 and Level 3 Processing](/guides/online-payments/payment-features/level-2-level-3-processing). ### Additional Options - **Split this transaction across multiple merchants** (Optional): Tick this checkbox to split the transaction across multiple merchants. For more information, see [Split Transactions](/guides/online-payments/payment-features/split-transactions). Click **Review Transaction** when ready. Virtual Terminal - Form Authorization We recommend filling out every field to make the authorization easier to search for later. ### Transaction Details | Field | Description | | --- | --- | | **Total Purchase Amount** | The total amount that will be held on the buyer's debit or credit card, including taxes, tips, or other fees. | | **Description** | Add any helpful details, such as order numbers or invoice information. | #### Buyer Fees (Optional) Click **+Add Buyer Fee** to add a buyer fee to the transaction. You can choose from: - **Surcharge Fee**: Enter a percentage up to 3%. Surcharge fees are only applied to credit cards. For more information, see [Surcharge Fees](/low-code-no-code/virtual-terminal/buyer-fees/surcharge-fees). - **Convenience Fee**: Enter a flat rate amount. For more information, see [Convenience Fees](/low-code-no-code/virtual-terminal/buyer-fees/convenience-fees). Click **Remove** to remove the buyer fee. ### Payment Details Select how to collect the buyer's payment method: | Option | Description | | --- | --- | | **Manually Enter Payment Method** | Select the buyer. If the buyer isn't listed, click **Add New Buyer** to enter their details. Then select the payment method to charge. You'll only see the first six and last four digits of the card number. If the buyer's card isn't shown, click **Add a new payment method** to add it. | | **Send to a Payment Device** | Collect payment method details using a payment device. The device must be provisioned and show a **Connected** status. For more information, see [Using Payment Devices](/low-code-no-code/virtual-terminal/using-payment-devices). | ### Additional Processing Data (Optional) After selecting a payment method, you can add additional data to qualify for lower interchange rates. Select **Level 1** or **Level 3** processing. For more information, see [Level 2 and Level 3 Processing](/guides/online-payments/payment-features/level-2-level-3-processing). Click **Review Transaction** when ready. Virtual Terminal - Form ## Step 3: Review and Submit This applies if you selected "Manually enter the payment method" in Payment Details. If you selected "Send to a Payment Device", see the [Using Payment Methods with the Virtual Terminal](/low-code-no-code/virtual-terminal/using-payment-devices#3-send-to-a-payment-device) guide. Sale 1. Review the **Purchase Details** and **Billing Details** to confirm the transaction is correct. 2. Choose to send a receipt to the buyer, to yourself, or both. 3. Click **Process Payment** to complete the transaction. Virtual Terminal - Review Payment Authorization 1. Review the **Purchase Details** and **Billing Details** to confirm the authorization is correct. 2. Choose to send a receipt to the buyer, to yourself, or both. 3. Click **Process Authorization** to submit. Review Authorization ## Step 4: Confirmation Sale After submitting, a confirmation message appears. - Use the **Payment ID** to [manage the payment](/low-code-no-code/virtual-terminal/managing-transactions). The **Payment ID** is taken from the [Transfer](/api/transfers) created to debit funds from the buyer. - Click **View Receipt** to view and print payment details and to provide your buyer with a receipt. - Click **Create Another Transaction** to take another payment. - Click **View All Payments** to view all your payments. Virtual Terminal - Confirmation Sale Authorization After submitting, a confirmation message appears. - Use the **Authorization ID** to [manage the authorization](/low-code-no-code/virtual-terminal/managing-transactions). The **Authorization ID** is taken from the [Authorization](/api/authorizations) created to hold funds from the buyer. - Click **View Receipt** to view and print payment details and to provide your buyer with a receipt. - Click **Create Another Transaction** to take a payment or create an authorization. - Click **View All Authorizations** to view all your authorizations. Virtual Terminal - Confirmation Authorization ## Step 5: Manage the Transaction You can [manage the transaction](/low-code-no-code/virtual-terminal/managing-transactions) from the Finix Dashboard. - For sales, this helps view payment status and issue refunds. - For authorizations, you can capture and void authorizations.