Card Present — Regional API (V2) Overview

The Card Present (CP) solution within the Single Entry Point (SEP) enables merchants to process physical card transactions inserted, tapped, or swiped using secure hardware devices integrated directly into the Getnet Regional API ecosystem.
By utilizing the same API endpoints as e-commerce but switching to hardware-secured data strings (EMV Tags and Track Data), developers can achieve a true omnichannel reconciliation experience. This integration shifts the security burden from the merchant to the hardware and the issuer, leveraging Liability Shift protection.

The Unified SEP Architecture

The Card Present flow is part of the Regional API (V2), meaning it shares the same base URLs, authentication mechanisms, and core logic as digital payments. However, the integration focus shifts from customer-entered data to hardware-generated payloads.

Key Technical Pillars

  • Terminal Identity: Every request must include a terminal_number within the terminal object to identify the specific registered physical device.
  • Hardware Generated Payloads: Instead of raw card numbers, the API expects encrypted EMV (TLV) strings, Track 2 data, and PIN Blocks.
  • Direct Payment Methods: Integration requires specific "Direct" enums ( DIRECT_CREDIT, DIRECT_DEBIT) to trigger hardware-specific processing logic.
  • DUKPT Encryption: PIN-based transactions utilize Derived Unique Key Per Transaction (DUKPT), requiring the transmission of a pin_block and a ksn (Key Serial Number).

Connectivity Topologies

Your integration strategy depends on how your hardware communicates with the Regional API:

TopologyConnectivity PathPrimary Responsibility
Direct IntegrationTerminal Getnet APIThe terminal firmware acts as the API client, handling OAuth and JSON construction.
Merchant HostTerminal Merchant Server Getnet APIThe terminal captures data; the merchant's backend server manages the API request and business logic.

Core Transaction Models

The Card Present API supports three primary business flows across the region:

  1. Single-Step (Sale): A direct transaction where authorization and capture happen simultaneously.
  2. Two-Step (Pre-authorization): Funds are reserved on the physical card (e.g., at hotel check-in) and captured later via a separate API call.
  3. Installments: The purchase total is split into multiple payments, with options for merchant-financed (INSTALL_NO_INTEREST) or issuer-financed (INSTALL_WITH_INTEREST) plans.

Regional Availability Matrix

Card Present features are available across the Getnet Regional footprint, supporting localized requirements such as Chile (CLP) and Mexico (MXN).
FeatureBrazilMexicoArgentinaChileUruguay
Chip + PIN
Contactless (NFC)
Magnetic Stripe
Installments

Security and Compliance

Integrating via Card Present significantly reduces your PCI-DSS scope through hardware encryption:

  • Liability Shift: Transactions processed via EMV Chip or Contactless protect the merchant against fraud-related chargebacks.
  • End-to-End Encryption: Sensitive card data is encrypted within the hardware reader before it ever reaches your network.