Internet Based Features:  

First Data offers a variety of internet tools, including a virtual terminal, a payment gateway, API tools, shopping carts and secure transaction protocols.

First Data provides to its’ Global Connect subscribers:
• A web-based terminal to process credit cards
• HTML code for credit card images or buttons
• First Data Global Secure Payment Gateway access A merchant account to accept credit cards on your website
• 24/7/365 support

Global Connect safety features it offers include:
• Address Verification Service (AVS)
• Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2)
• Automatic lockouts when fraud checks notice a hacking attempt
• 'Verify user' tests
• The ability to block specific credit card numbers, IP addresses and names
• Secure Sockets Layer (SSL

First Data Global Gateway Provides:
(First Data Global Gateway is provided to all First Data Global Gateway and First Data Global® API merchants, this service is for those needing things like phone and mail sales options).
• Internet based POS terminal
• Online store administration and reporting tools
• Reporting options and tools
• Stores 90 days of transaction data online
• Partial return capability
• Email receipts
• Multiple transactions by multiple users supported
• Customization of fraud settings and store controls
• Supports CVV2/CVC2, retail, ecommerce and mail order/telephone order
• Supports tax exempt transactions
• Supports international addresses
• Level II purchase card transactions, including tracking of purchase order numbers

P.O.S./Swiper Based:  

First Data offers a few options here, a mobile version or retail versions. You can purchase three different types of terminals from them, two standard types and one mobile. The two non-mobile versions work through an Internet connection and can process credit cards, debit cards, checks and gift cards. The mobile version costs a bit more at $799 but it supports sales anywhere, which is a good option for those that do outdoor sales or sales on the go, such as limos and taxicabs.

We did not see if they support the option of buying your equipment from another vendor or if you can use a terminal that you already own provided by a different credit card processor.

First Data is quite capable of providing you with everything you need to start accepting credit card payments from your customers, whether you have an Internet based company or a traditional brick and mortar or a mobile/outdoor type business. They offer a high approval rating and even accept clients who are just starting out their companies. We liked that they offer 24/7/365 support and a variety of account options. Though we would like to see a bit lower prices, especially in regards to their retail option, which is higher than most services.