Tips for Maintaining Your Credit Card Imprinter

When managing a bustling restaurant, a temporary retail space, or a kiosk at an event, you need to ensure that your credit card imprinter is well-maintained to guarantee smooth transactions at critical times.

In this article we will be discussing the best practices for maintaining your credit card imprinter to ensure its durability and reliable performance.

1. Clean the Imprinter Regularly

Dust, paper particles, and grease can build up inside the imprinter, affecting print quality and damaging your machine over time.

Cleaning tips:

• Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down the platen (the flat surface where the card sits).

• A cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol can clean tight spaces and ink residue.

• Avoid using water or harsh chemicals—these can damage internal parts or cause rust.

2. Inspect the Ink Rollers or Carbon Paper

If you're using carbon paper or ink rollers, check for signs of wear. Faded impressions mean it's time to replace the roller or carbon sheet.

• Carbon sheets should create crisp, clear imprints. If you see smudges or missing text, they’re probably worn out.

• Ink rollers lose effectiveness over time—usually after hundreds of swipes.

Keeping extra carbon slips or replacement rollers on hand ensures you’re never caught off guard.

3. Store It Properly

Improper storage is one of the most common reasons imprinters wear out too quickly. When not in use, store your credit card imprinter in a clean, dry area.

Avoid:

• Leaving it near heat sources or in direct sunlight.

• Placing heavy objects on top of it.

• Storing it where dust and debris can accumulate inside the moving parts.

If you use your imprinter seasonally or only during emergencies, consider keeping it in a protective case or bag.

4. Replace Worn Plates and Straps

The plastic plate that holds the card or merchant information may degrade over time. So can the rubber straps that hold everything in place. These components are usually easy to replace—and doing so extends the life of your imprinter.

Check for:

• Cracks or splits in the plate.

• Straps that have lost their elasticity or are beginning to tear.

• Misaligned elements that affect how well the impression comes out.

Many credit card imprinter manufacturers offer affordable replacement parts, so there’s no need to toss the whole device.

5. Train Your Staff

Yes, training matters! Misuse is often the reason imprinters break prematurely.

Make sure your team knows:

• How to position the card and paper correctly.

• How much pressure to apply—too much can damage the device, too little can result in weak impressions.

• How to clean and store the imprinter when it’s not being used.

Even if it’s a backup system, treating your credit card imprinter like vital equipment will go a long way.

6. Test It Monthly

Even if you haven’t had to use your imprinter lately, test it at least once a month. This will help you:

• Ensure all moving parts still function.

• Catch signs of wear before they cause failure.

• Keep your team familiar with the process.

This simple habit keeps you prepared for the unexpected—like a power outage or payment system crash.

Final Thoughts

A credit card imprinter may seem old-school, but it’s a reliable tool that never goes out of style—especially when technology lets you down. 

 If you’re looking to restock imprinting supplies or upgrade your manual credit card machine, POSPaper has everything you need.