# Virtual Terminal
The **ArgoFire** Virtual Terminal is a secure, browser-based interface that allows authorized users to manually enter and process payments without needing to build or integrate through the API. It is ideal for back-office staff, support teams, or nonprofits processing donations over the phone. *** #### Overview While ArgoFire’s Secure Electronic Payments API is designed for developers building integrated donation forms or eCommerce workflows, the **Virtual Terminal** provides a ready-made interface for directly entering payment data, including: * One-time credit card and ACH payments * Processing sale, pre-authorization, return, and force authorization transactions * Accessing stored customer payment methods * Issuing refunds or voids on previous transactions * Viewing basic reporting and transaction search *** #### Key Features | Feature | Supported | | -------------------------------- | -------------------------------- | | One-time credit card payments | ✅ | | One-time ACH / eCheck payments | ✅ | | Recurring billing setup | ❌ | | Use of stored payment tokens | ✅ | | Refunds and voids | ✅ | | PCI-compliant entry | ✅ (browser-based, secure) | | User role and permission control | ✅ (via Admin Console) | | Supported transaction types | SALE, PREAUTH, RETURN, FORCEAUTH | *** #### Use Cases * Phone-in donations or purchases * Staff-assisted payments * Refunds without developer involvement * Quick resolution of failed or rejected transactions * Manual processing of force authorizations and pre-authorizations *** #### Access and Permissions Access to the Virtual Terminal is granted through the **FrontStream Admin Console**. All users with admin credentials have full access to all terminal features. Permissions are not role-based at this time. Key functional notes: * **Full access for admins:** Any user with Admin Console access can process payments, issue refunds, and manage transactions. * **Activity visibility:** Transactions processed via the Virtual Terminal are visible in Admin Console reports and associated with the user account used for entry. *** #### Relationship to API While the Virtual Terminal does **not** use your custom API integration, it operates on the **same ArgoFire gateway and account**. This means: * Transactions appear in the same reporting and export tools * Stored tokens created via the Virtual Terminal are accessible via API * API-created records (e.g., customer tokens) can be used in the Virtual Terminal *** #### Important Notes * **No development required.** The Virtual Terminal is fully managed and hosted by FrontStream. * **Great for testing:** You can use the Virtual Terminal to test payment credentials, card behavior, or even failure scenarios without needing to write code. * **Useful fallback:** In case of downtime or integration delays, the Virtual Terminal provides a manual backup for critical payment flows.