First Data has introduced their new FD-30 PIN pad, providing the ability to accept contactless payments. Supporting cardholder-initiated, contactless, PIN-based debit and traditional magnetic strip transactions, the First Data FD-30 allows merchants to offer their customers the ability to initiate and complete their transaction while maintaining control of their card during the entire process.

“With this device we have the opportunity to equip thousands of merchants with the ability to accept contactless payments, potentially giving consumers exponentially more places to use this payment type,” said Barry McCarthy, general manager, Mobile Commerce Solutions and POS. “Merchants can ready themselves for contactless adoption reaching a critical mass thanks to new form factors, as well as eventually the chip residing inside the mobile phone, while still being able to accept PIN and magnetic stripe payments.”

Yankee Group’s June 2009 predictions estimate that 23.6 billion contactless transactions will be made in 2012, and 31.8 billion will be made in 2013. Coupled with the speed at the point of sale and convenience of contactless payments, the device could benefit merchants with a high volume of low dollar transactions such as quick-service restaurants, convenience stores and grocers

The FD-30 connects to the First Data proprietary terminal line and many First Data certified terminals by a USB or RS232 port. It does not require a separate power supply, and is able to upgrade to accept new payment types and enhancements as they become available.