What does Card reader mean?

The card reader is a data capture device which reads the information on a credit or debit card, that has a magnetic stripe, it comes in contact with. It is also called a card swipe machine or simply a swipe machine. In order to read the stored information on any card it has to be passed or swiped through a slot on the reader.

Card readers are getting more and more common today in locales like stores or any establishment with a point of sale.