Verifone vx520 | Review, Features, reviews, and more

The vx520 countertop terminal offers secure payment processing at fast speeds. The terminal connects via dialup or high-speed Ethernet connection but a model with optional 3G connectivity may be available. An optional battery and rugged design ensure both portability and durability. Additionally, the vx520 allows multiple users, ensuring that each has access to the functions they need. Here’s a brief overview video from Verifone:

Acceptable Payment Types

The good news is that the Verifone vx520 takes just about every imaginable payment type your customers may want to use: traditional magstripe major credit cards (including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners’ Club), PIN-based debit cards, gift and loyalty cards, EBT cards, EMV chip cards, and new NFC payment technology. The vx520 supports contactless payments, including MasterCard PayPass, Visa payWave, Discover Zip, and American Express ExpressPay. Contactless (NFC) payments allow your customers to use the Tap & Pay option with stored cards in their mobile wallet.

The machine has a magstripe reader to the side, and an EMV slot along the bottom edge, both pictured.

VX520 Features

Countertop credit card machines don’t have as many features as full point of sale systems, but still offer plenty of convenient options.

Payments

The ”sale” screen on the vx 520 lets you quickly enter the total transaction amount and run your customer’s card.
In addition to taking payments, you or your staff can easily process returns, refunds, or voids directly from the terminal.

If you have trouble swiping a card, you can use a manual entry option so that you can still make the sale. Using the Verifone vx520 in a location where customers may want to leave a tip? No problem – enable gratuity options and customers can add the tip when they pay.

Security

The terminal is PCI PED 2.0 approved for PIN security, and PCI PTS 3.x approved. End-to-end encryption is offered through VeriShield
Protect. The terminal is also EMV Levels 1 and 2 approved.

Store and Forward Mode

The vx 520 includes a ”store and forward” mode designed to allow you to continue taking payments even if you don’t have a connection.
The mode can be enabled or disabled easily through the Store and Forward menu, as shown.

VX520 Reporting

Just because it’s not a full POS system doesn’t mean you can’t get important details about your transactions. Reporting options are available directly from the terminal. You can view and print detailed reports for batches, including history, totals, and more, as well as gift card reports and reporting by user.

VX520 Specifications

Looking for just the quick technical specs? The terminal can connect via Ethernet or dialup (unless you choose a 3G capable model) and boasts a large backlit LCD, a durable backlit keypad, generous 160MB of memory, fast built-in thermal printer, and multiple available connections for optional accessories.

Connectivity and Communication

The Verifone vx520 offers quick connections in a variety of ways, including Ethernet or dialup. The terminal offers an Ethernet port, serial port, phone port, and USB ports for ease of connecting no matter what method is needed.

Display

A high-contrast, white backlit display provides enhanced visibility. Generous 128 x 64 anti-glare LCD screen supports up to 8 lines of 21 characters. The display also features a screensaver to help prolong the screen’s life. Main menus boast large, easy-to-read text, as pictured.

Memory

The vx520 offers a generous 160MB, including 128MB of flash memory and 32 MB of SDRAM. The terminal can support up to 500MB of optional additional memory.

Size

As a countertop terminal, the vx520 is intended to be fairly small and light. It measures 8” L x 3.4” W x 3” H and weighs just over 1 pound.

Keypad

The vx520’s durable keypad features blue backlighting for high visibility. The terminal features alphanumeric keys, screen choice keys, and additional function keys. The metal dome keypad is designed for 1 million key presses for long life.

Printer

The built-in printer features a quick-release transparent paper door to easily see when receipt paper is getting low and change it quickly. The machine accepts standard 58mm paper rolls. The printer offers graphics capabilities and fast printing of 24 lines per second in either 24 or 32 columns. The terminal easily allows you to reprint receipts as necessary.

Accessories

For attaching optional accessories such as PIN pads so you don’t have to hand the terminal to customers to enter their PIN, the vx520 includes USB and serial ports for fast connections.

Additional Information

In August 2016, Verifone announced that additional features are available on the Vx 520 contactless model for customers using it with a TSYS processor. Those features include the ability to adjust the total to account for tips after a credit card is run, the ability to bypass entering a PIN for debit transactions, support for MasterCard BIN range starting with the number 2, functionality for opening and closing tabs, and the option to get cash back. While the machine can support these features, you’ll need to check with your processor to ensure that they’re available for your business.