What is a PIN pad?

Point of Sale (POS) Glossary

A pin pad is a device used for a consumer to enter their secret personal identification number when completing a card-based transaction. Some merchants may have customers input their PINs into an integrated all-in-one credit card terminal, and in other cases, a separate pin pad is used at the point of sale register.

Generally, merchants configure POS terminals not to require PINs for credit card transactions, similar to how they may also not require a signature for some or all transactions. A PIN is most frequently required for debit transactions, cash back, and at automatic teller machines. PINs add an additional layer of security but slow down transactions, and many consider it an inconvenience to be required to use them.