FD55 Review

The low-cost terminal allows merchants to accept a variety of payments, including PIN-based and signature-based debit cards and major credit cards that use magnetic strip technology, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners’ Club, and JCB. The terminal can also process EBT cards, and First Data gift and loyalty cards. Optionally, the FD55 can accept checks using additional peripherals.

The terminal also includes additional features for convenience, such as Dynamic Currency Conversion for businesses with international customers, and recurring billing for merchants who offer subscriptions or other recurring-transaction services.

The FD55 terminal offers several reporting options, including gift card balance inquiries, gift card history and details, gift card sales by user, batch totals by card, batch totals by user, batch histories, and more.

Security

High levels of security are offered with the FD55, including Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption and Address Verification Services (AVS). AVS helps merchants verify the cardholder’s address with the address on file at the credit card company. The terminal also includes shortened card numbers on printed receipts for extra security.

The FD55 is also eligible for First Data’s TransArmor security solution, which utilizes encryption and tokenization to keep card information securely stored and prevent fraudulent transactions.

Features

The FD55 terminal provides a range of features, including multiple connection options, a bright screen, integrated printer, and connectivity with optional peripherals.

Connectivity and Communication

The FD55 offers several connection options, including internet, Ethernet, and dialup. When connecting through the internet or an Ethernet cable, dialup can be used as backup with a traditional phone line in case of connection problems.

The terminal includes 1 USB port, 2 serial ports, 1 Ethernet port, and 1 phone port.

Display and Keypad

The large, bright 128 x 32 LCD is designed for easy reading in any lighting conditions. The FD55 features a 16 button keypad, and also offers hot keys for common transactions.

Size

The FD55 is a compact terminal designed to take up the least amount of counter space while offering a high degree of functionality. The terminal is 3.6” W x 2.9” H x 8.4” L.

Memory

The terminal includes 128MB flash memory and 32MB SDRAM.

Printer

The terminal features a built-in printer for quick receipt printing at 18 lines per second. The printer is jam-free and features drop-in reloading of standard 2.25” size receipt paper. Card numbers are automatically shortened to the last few digits when printed, for customer data security.

Accessories

The FD55 terminal is compatible with most other First Data equipment, including the FD35 PIN pad and FD20 contactless reader. Some peripherals may be necessary to accept certain types of payments, such as contactless cards. The FD55 may also be compatible with certain other PIN pads, such as the VeriFone PINPad 1000SE.