# Virtual POS

> A virtual POS is the service that lets a website or mobile app take card payments online. It is the internet version of the card terminal in a shop. In Turkey it comes from a bank or a licensed payment institution and is integrated into your site.

- URL: https://radkod.com/en/glossary/virtual-pos
- Publisher: RadKod
- Published: 2026-07-30

## What is a virtual POS?

A virtual POS is the infrastructure for taking card payments online. Think of the card terminal in a shop. A virtual POS does the same job on your checkout page, with no device. Elsewhere it is often called a payment gateway. In Turkey you get one either directly from a bank or from a payment institution licensed by the central bank. Which suits you depends on turnover, instalment needs, fees and how fast money reaches your account.

## How does it work?

Here is an everyday case. A customer confirms the basket and enters card details. Those details go straight to the provider's secure page, not to your server. The provider checks with the card-issuing bank, which in most cases asks the cardholder for an SMS code or banking app approval through [3D Secure](/en/glossary/3d-secure). Once approved, the payment goes through, the provider reports the result to your site and the order is confirmed.

Keeping card data off your server matters. Systems that store or process card data must meet a strict security standard called PCI DSS. Using the provider's hosted payment page or payment form leaves most of that burden with the provider.

## Why does it matter?

Checkout is the most sensitive step in online selling. A payment page that errors, loads slowly or looks untrustworthy makes people abandon the basket. We cover provider choice, instalments, refunds and error handling in [payment gateway integration](/en/blog/payment-gateway-integration), and we build payments as part of our [e-commerce](/en/services/e-commerce) projects.

## Frequently asked questions

### Should I get a virtual POS from a bank or a payment provider?

A bank usually offers lower fees but has stricter application terms. A payment institution opens faster and can offer instalments from several banks in one place. Turnover and needs decide.

### Are card details stored on my site?

They should not be. In a correct setup, card data goes straight to the provider's secure page. If you need to charge a card again, the provider's card storage service handles it.

### Do I need a registered company?

Banks and payment institutions usually require a tax-registered business, and there are options for sole traders. Ask the provider and your accountant about current requirements.