Knuckle Buster

A manual credit card imprinter is called a knuckle buster or a zip zap machine that creates multiple receipts by sliding handles. 

Historical facts  

In the 1960s, such machines were found at banks or commercial payment units, where the clerks would place the customer's card in a slot under the inked paper and slide a press over it to get the imprint of the information embossed on it.  

The shopper would then sign the slip of agreement. Many banks make use of such options for giving credit card advance financial. 

Electronic cash registers were introduced in the 1970s, replacing manual transactions and in the 1980s; the standalone payment terminal was introduced.

In most such transactions, the credit card is placed at the bottom of the machine, and the receipts can be found on the top.

The user then slides the handle across the machine and back to make the impression.  

Merchants use the terminal under the counter as an emergency stop. 

How is it used?

A manual machine requires – a machine/imprinter, paper of receipts and imprints and the method to process the transaction or the merchants' account with appropriate software and hardware. 

To accept a credit card in person, the terminal process is preferred by most low-average ticket merchants or retailers. 

Virtual Terminals are considered better than physical swiping of the card. 

If the customers require a paper receipt, they can provide the receipt to the donors through standalone terminals.

This method provides an easy and fast way to deliver services. 

Price 

Such imprinters are still being made and are not very expensive. The knuckle buster can cost below $50. 

Risk factors  

Knuckle buster or imprinters' are used in certain limited conditions as it provides a great backup solution in case the terminal goes down or loses power. Still, such a system carries all the card's data, which can pose security risks. 

Modern-day use 

The merchants long left it under the counter, especially for emergencies.

It emerged curiously due to credit card frauds to accommodate such transactions following the merchant data breach. 

Many recent breaches affect major retailers and card data collected electronically, but inadequately securing such data can lead to costly problems. 

Such imprinters are not used in modern digital currencies and payment systems system but are ready to emerge to deliver secure and convenient customer systems.