MagTek tDynamo Reader Review

Technically a mobile credit card reader, a compatible countertop charging dock lets you turn it into a stationary machine if you prefer. The compact design gives the reader a small footprint in your store, saving valuable counter space.

Let’s take a closer look at the features, security options, and processing cards with the tDynamo.

See also: Differences Between EMV and NFC.

Features

As mentioned above, the key benefit of the tDynamo is its ability to take all three commonly-used payment types: magstripe cards, chip cards, and NFC (contactless) transactions.

The tDynamo boasts flexibility to use it as a fixed countertop reader or as a portable system. The small countertop stand doubles as a charging dock and can be mounted to a countertop if desired. Weighing in at just 4 ounces, the reader measures approximately 3.9" long x 3.15" wide x 0.6" deep.

MagTek Vice President and General Manager for Retail Products John Arato says that typically, businesses have to decide if they need a countertop reader or a mobile one. Now, tDynamo gives them both.

MagTek’s website boasts that the tDynamo has one of the highest read rates for the first swipe, meaning that you’ll spend less time re-swiping cards attempting to complete the transaction. The company further claims that you’ll get 1 million magnetic strip swipes or 300,000 EMV chip card "dips" out of the machine, ensuring long life.

The tDynamo connects visa USB port to Windows-enabled computers for easy setup.

Credit Card Processing with tDynamo

As a MagTek reader, the tDynamo is not limited to a single credit card processor. MagTek products are universal, meaning virtually any processing company can support them and you’ll typically be able to take them with you to a different processing company if you need to switch in the future. The processing company (not MagTek) will be the one to set your pricing to accept credit cards using the tDynamo, so be sure you’re getting a competitive processing solution.

Need help finding the right processor for your needs? Try CardFellow’s free processor comparison tool to see real pricing for your business with no sales calls. Try it now!

Security

These days, it’s more important than ever to ensure transactions are secure. The tDynamo reader offers MagneSafe technology, providing encryption at the point of sale, making it more difficult for skimmers and thieves to steal card data. It also offers tokenization, tamper recognition, counterfeit detection, and more, ensuring security at every point of the transaction.

Since the reader can accept EMV chip cards, you’ll also be on the right side of the EMV liability shift. Businesses that accept a chip card but swipe it through a magstripe reader are liable for fraudulent transactions. Additionally, some credit card processors have begun implementing extra fees or penalties for businesses that don’t utilize chip readers. You can avoid the fees and the liability by using an EMV-capable reader like the tDynamo.

Related Article: EMV Non-Enabled Fees.

Have you used the MagTek tDynamo at your business? Leave a review!