Glossary

Zip-Zap Machine

A Zip-Zap Machine, also known as a Knuckle Buster, is an old-style device that was once commonly used for processing credit card transactions. This manual, non-electronic device creates an imprint of a credit card's details by physically placing the card in the machine and sliding a bar across carbon paper placed over the card. The pressure exerted by the sliding bar transfers the card's embossed information, including the card number and cardholder's name, onto the carbon paper.

The process involves the following steps:

The Zip-Zap Machine was widely used before the advent of electronic payment processing systems. Although it is now largely obsolete, having been replaced by modern point-of-sale (POS) systems and electronic card readers, it serves as a backup in situations where electronic systems are unavailable. The device earned the nickname "Knuckle Buster" due to the manual effort required to operate it, which often resulted in scraped knuckles for the user.

Despite its rarity in contemporary settings, the Zip-Zap Machine represents an important chapter in the history of credit card processing, highlighting the evolution of payment technologies from manual to digital. Its legacy continues to be recognized, particularly in discussions about the development of secure and efficient transaction methods.

Ready To
Start Saving?