What Is An Imprinter?

An imprinter is a manual device used to imprint embossed credit card information onto sales drafts for transaction records.  An imprinter only captures card information. It cannot authorize a transaction.  Imprinters are primarily used as a backup when the other processing equipment is unable to read data on the card’s magnetic stripe.  For Merchants without an electronic printer, an imprint is needed to prove a card was present if a customer disputes a key-entered transaction.