Canadians make more than 20 million Interac transactions every day. With 6.6 billion Interac Debit transactions processed by 2024, and a 53% increase in mobile contactless payments, accepting debit card payments is no longer an option for Canadian merchants, it’s a necessity.
An Interac machine, also known as a payment terminal or POS (point-of-sale terminal), enables your business to accept payments by Interac debit cards, credit cards and contactless payments. This comprehensive guide explains why integrating this solution into your business can transform your operations and profitability.
What is an Interac machine? A quick reminder
A Interac machine is an electronic payment terminal that enables merchants to accept debit card payments via the Interac network. In Canada, Interac connects nearly 300 financial institutions via more than 500,000 compatible payment terminals. Unlike international networks such as Visa or Mastercard, which process transactions via global servers, Interac operates entirely in Canada. Each transaction is verified by a PIN (personal identification number) or contactless technology (tap) authentication system, with network availability exceeding 99.99% annually.
The modern Interac machine accepts several payment methods: Interac debit cards with chip and PIN, Interac Flash contactless payments, Visa and Mastercard credit cards, and mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
7 reasons to use an Interac machine in your business
Transaction fees significantly lower than credit cards
This is the most significant advantage for merchants. Interac Debit transactions generally cost less than $0.10 per transaction, with a maximum of around $0.40 depending on your provider. This amount is fixed, regardless of the purchase amount. By way of comparison, credit card fees vary between 1.5% and 2.5% of the transaction amount, and can reach 3% to 4% for premium cards with rewards.
Let’s take a concrete example: for a $500 sale, you’ll pay around $0.10 to $0.40 in Interac Debit fees, compared with $7.50 to $12.50 in credit card fees. Over a year with 10,000 transactions of this type, the savings can exceed $100,000.
This difference explains why 42% of Canadians were unaware that paying by Interac Debit helps small businesses save on transaction fees. Since this information has become more widely available, Canadian SMEs have recorded 15 million more Interac transactions between April and July 2025 than during the same period in 2024.
Transaction speed that enhances the customer experience
In retail, every second counts. The Interac machine processes payments in seconds, thanks to Interac Flash contactless technology. For purchases under $250, your customers simply hold their card or phone up to the terminal. The transaction is completed instantly, without PIN entry. This speed reduces queues, improves customer flow during peak periods and increases overall satisfaction.
In 2024, Interac Debit mobile contactless transactions increased by 53% over the previous year. Your customers have come to expect this speed; not to offer it is to risk losing them!
Enhanced safety for you and your customers
Security is at the heart of the Interac system. Every transaction uses PIN authentication or secure contactless technology. Information is never stored on the card itself: it is verified in real time on a secure central server. Unlike credit card payments, Interac Debit transactions are not subject to chargebacks. Once payment has been authorized by the customer’s PIN, the funds are guaranteed. This protection eliminates a major risk for merchants, who sometimes experience unjustified disputes with credit cards.
The Interac network continually invests in fraud prevention. In 2025, the launch of the Interac Verified Credential service further strengthens confidence in online and face-to-face interactions.
Significant reduction in cash costs
Managing cash is expensive. Between daily counting, cash register errors, secure transport to the bank, the risk of theft and the time spent by your employees, cash represents a significant hidden cost. Since the pandemic, the use of cash has fallen by 44% in terms of transaction volume in Canada. Consumers now prefer electronic payments for their convenience and hygiene.
By encouraging payments with an Interac machine, you reduce your dependence on cash and all the associated costs. You can end your day faster, reconcile your accounts more accurately and simplify your accounting.
Access to valuable sales data
An Interac machine connected to a POS system gives you access to detailed data on each transaction: amount, time, type of card used, products sold. This information enables you to identify your peak hours, analyze sales trends, better manage your inventory and plan your promotions. You know exactly what sells, when and how your customers prefer to pay.
Some systems even track the purchasing habits of your regular customers, making it easier to set up personalized loyalty programs.
A competitive edge with Canadian consumers
Canadian consumers prefer businesses that offer flexible payment options. According to a 2025 Interac survey, 78% of Canadians have redirected at least one monthly purchase to a local Canadian business since the tariffs were announced. Small restaurants have particularly benefited from this trend. Between April and July 2025, SME restaurants recorded twice the volume growth of large chains.
Offering payment with an Interac machine positions you as a business that supports the local economy and understands its customers’ preferences. It’s a selling point in a highly competitive market.
An ecological approach appreciated by consumers
Encouraging electronic payments reduces the use of paper receipts and cuts down on cash handling. Many modern terminals can send receipts by e-mail or text message, eliminating paper altogether.
This approach responds to growing consumer demand for sustainable business practices. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of Canadians say that small, affordable pleasures lift their spirits, and 59% say they feel even better when these purchases support local, responsible businesses.
Interac Debit vs. credit card: what’s the difference for merchants?
The main difference is in fees. Here’s a comparison table:
50 transaction :
- Interac Debit: ~$0.10 to $0.20 (fixed fee)
- Standard credit card: ~$0.75 to $1.25 (1.5% to 2.5%)
- Premium credit card: ~$1.50 to $2.00 (3% to 4%)
Transaction of $200 :
- Interac Debit: ~$0.10 to $0.20 (fixed fee)
- Standard credit card: ~$3.00 to $5.00
- Premium credit card: ~$6.00 to $8.00
500 transaction:
- Interac Debit: ~$0.10 to $0.40 (fixed fee)
- Standard credit card: ~$7.50 to $12.50
- Premium credit card: ~$15.00 to $20.00
The higher the transaction amount, the greater the advantage of Interac Debit payment. That’s why many merchants encourage their customers to pay by debit for large purchases. In Quebec, the Consumer Protection Act prohibits additional charges for credit card payments. However, you can offer a discount to customers who pay by cash or debit, a practice that is permitted across Canada.
How do you choose the right Interac machine for your business?
Choosing an Interac machine depends on your type of business.
- For a retail business (store, restaurant with counter), a conventional counter terminal is all you need. It connects to your cash register or POS system and stays put.
- For a restaurant with table service, a wireless terminal allows your waiters to cash out directly at the customer’s table. This mobility enhances the customer experience and speeds up table turnover.
- For mobile businesses (food trucks, markets, home services), portable terminals operating on cellular or WiFi networks enable you to accept payments anywhere.
Geasy Pay, as an official Global Payments reseller, offers a complete range of Interac machines to suit every need. Our terminals accept all payment methods: Interac Debit, Interac Flash, Visa and Mastercard credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and other mobile wallets.
Get your Interac machine with Geasy Pay!
Geasy Pay supports Canadian merchants in the installation and management of their Interac machines. As an official Global Payments partner, we offer competitive rates on transaction fees and 24/7 bilingual technical support.
Our advantages :
- Quick installation and complete configuration
- Training for your team included
- Technical support in English and French
- No hidden costs
- Negotiated rates for SMEs
Contact us at +1 438-806-0450 or fill in our form for a personalized quotation. Take advantage of a 90-day trial of your Interac machine when you open your account.