How to Integrate Payment Providers into a POS System: A Strategic Overview for Modern Restaurants

Point of Sale systems have evolved into multi-functional platforms that support diverse payment methods, helping restaurants offer seamless and cashless customer experiences. In recent years, benefit-linked discount cards like 10bis, Sodexo, Square, Stripe, Benefit Systems, and Edenred have also become popular—especially as part of company benefit programs.

So, how do you integrate such providers into a POS system efficiently and securely? Let’s explore the key options.

Why Integrate with Payment Providers?

• Meet customer expectations for fast, flexible, cashless payments

• Enable support for company benefit programs and loyalty schemes

• Improve operational speed and reduce manual errors

• Unlock analytics on payment behavior

Key Integration Variants

1. API-Based Integration

The POS communicates with the payment provider’s servers directly via REST APIs in real time.

• Ideal for iPad, Windows, and cloud-based systems
• Supports cards, mobile wallets, benefit cards
• Requires strong security compliance (e.g., PCI DSS)

2. Payment Terminal Integration

The POS connects to a physical terminal via USB, Bluetooth, or LAN.

• Common in fixed hardware setups
• Works with terminals from vendors like Verifone or banks

3. SDK-Based Integration

Payment functionality is embedded directly into the POS app via a software development kit.

• Great for mobile-first apps or custom user flows
• Requires tracking SDK updates and maintenance

4. Middleware / Aggregator Integration

A third-party provider handles communication with multiple payment platforms.

• Fast to implement
• Reduces the need for custom development
• Ideal for businesses scaling across regions

Real-Time Payment Flow Example

• Customer places an order
• At checkout, they choose a payment method: cash, credit card, or benefit-linked card
• If using a benefit card, the system checks its validity and applies relevant discount rules (e.g., 10% off lunch orders)
• Payment is processed
• The order is automatically sent to the kitchen or bar
• The transaction is recorded in the daily financial summary

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Real Client Use Case

A fast-growing restaurant chain wanted to expand their payment options to include employee benefit cards like 10bis and Value Card. We integrated their iPad and Windows-based POS system with a real-time API flow, enabling customers to apply benefit-linked discounts at checkout.

The result: Employee meal redemptions increased by 35% in the first month, and order processing became faster and more error-free for staff.

Our Know-How:

As a POS development company, we’ve helped restaurants and retail brands design smart, integrated payment solutions. Whether you’re integrating a single provider or scaling across platforms and regions, we’ve got the experience to support you. Let’s talk!