--- title: EMV Middleware Slows Processing Speeds description: EMV middleware slows down processing speeds and puts your business within the scope of PCI. Avoid EMV middleware all together. image: https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/emv-middleware-slows-processing-speeds.svg --- [tel:1-800-601-0230](tel:1-800-601-0230) 800-601-0230 - Features - Solutions - Developers - [Pricing](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/pricing.html) - Resources [See a Demo](https://www2.payjunction.com/tour-payjunction) Features - EXPLORE PRODUCTS [No-code Payments Integration®](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/no-code-payments-integration.html) [ZeroTouch Terminal](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/smart-terminal.html) [Portable Terminal](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/portable-credit-card-reader-terminal.html) - ACCEPT PAYMENTS [Invoices](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/electronic-invoices.html) [ACH Electronic Checks](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/ach-payments.html) [SmartSurcharge®](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/smart-surcharge.html) [Cards on File](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/store-credit-card-info.html) [Rapid Refunds](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/credit-card-refund.html) [Recurring Billing](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/recurring-payments.html) [Ecommerce](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/ecommerce-merchant-services.html) [Mobile App](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/payjunction/id1324839420?ls=1&mt=8) - EXPLORE CAPABILITIES [Overview](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-processing-solutions.html) [Integration Marketplace](https://integrations.payjunction.com/) [Remote Signature](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/signature-capture.html) [Multi-Location](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/enterprise-payments.html) [Sales Reports](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/sales-reports.html) [Search and Export](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/transaction-history-search.html) [Customization](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/custom-payment-software.html) Solutions - [Veterinary Streamline payment workflows and get paid faster with up-front deposits and payment schedules for high-cost procedures. Get time back and spend it with furry patients.](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-veterinarians) - [Dental Simplify patient payments with multiple means of collection at your dental practice. Meet patient expectations and elevate the payment experience.](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-dentists) - [Auto Dealer Manage dealership payments by department, brand and location. Get automated reports for simplified end-of-day close and save on processing fees.](https://www2.payjunction.com/automotive-merchant-services) Developers - [API Documentation See how to embed omnichannel payment features into your software, using your choice of our intuitive integration methods.](https://developer.payjunction.com/) - [Developer Experience Explore the developer journey and learn how our full-service partnership model helps you maximize merchant payment adoption rates.](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-api.html) - [No-code Payments Integration® Rapidly integrate payment acceptance features into any SaaS application in minutes using our easy-to-use Chrome browser extension.](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/no-code-payments-integration.html) - [Integration Marketplace Check out our growing marketplace of integrated solution partners that streamline payment acceptance and help businesses automate and scale.](https://integrations.payjunction.com/) [Pricing](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/pricing.html) Resources - [About Us Learn how our people-first culture at PayJunction helps us earn widespread recognition and awards.](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/about.html) - [Careers Join us in our pursuit to deliver exceptional experiences to customers and partners.](https://www2.payjunction.com/careers) - [Support Get helpful information about how to use features, troubleshoot problems and contact us.](https://support.payjunction.com/) - [Blog Gain useful insights into payment industry trends and PayJunction solutions.](https://blog.payjunction.com/) - [Guides Up your payment processing knowledge with our in-depth eBooks and White Papers.](https://guides.payjunction.com/) - [Tutorials Read articles and watch videos about how to use valuable features on the PayJunction platform.](https://blog.payjunction.com/topic/pj-university) # EMV Middleware Slows Processing Speeds ![EMV Middleware Slows Processing Speeds](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/emv-middleware-slows-processing-speeds.svg) [![Picture of Christina Lavingia](https://blog.payjunction.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Christina%20Lavingia%2c%20Content%20Marketing%20Manager.jpg?width=48&height=48&name=Christina%20Lavingia%2c%20Content%20Marketing%20Manager.jpg) Christina Lavingia](https://blog.payjunction.com/author/christina-lavingia) 11/22/2016 If you run a business taking credit card payments, you likely have a point-of-sale (POS) system that needs to be connected to a credit card reader. There are two types of software that your business might be using. The first type is native software, which requires installation and runs on your computer. The second type is software as a service (SaaS), which is web-based, runs through a browser and communicates through the cloud. Traditionally middleware, also known as software drivers, was needed to connect your POS system to your card reader to take transactions. Middleware is an additional piece of software downloaded to the computer you run transactions on. Because it’s on your computer, it puts the computer running it within [PCI scope](https://blog.payjunction.com/pci-scope-defined). This means the computer and network running the middleware is responsible for adhering to PCI compliance and is subject to the following: - Annual PCI audits to evaluate systems and check for security vulnerabilities - Potential quarterly scans on security systems that store cardholder data As an added piece of software, middleware comes with its own installation and troubleshooting, and it makes already complex [EMV transactions](https://blog.payjunction.com/emv-terminal-certification-explained/) even more involved, slowing down transaction times. ## Payment Processing Demo Schedule 15 minutes with a payments expert Get a customized PayJunction product walk-through Understand requirements and pricing Determine your SAVINGS! GET DEMO NOW ## How EMV Middleware Delays Chip Card Processing [EMV](https://blog.payjunction.com/emv-chip-readers) middleware runs outside the credit card reader’s hardware whereas the Level 2 kernel, which transmits payment information, is securely situated in the terminal. This means the middleware has to communicate with the Level 2 kernel to pass transaction information to the terminal, then the POS system and finally the processor for every transaction. In the case of EMV, a code is sent and confirmed with the cardholder’s bank as well. That’s partly why EMV transaction speeds are so slow — most [Merchant Account Providers](https://blog.payjunction.com/merchant-account-provider) use middleware with their customers. Middleware is an option for businesses that use native software applications but not for SaaS-based solutions as these browser-based platforms cannot connect to middleware on the business network. Instead, SaaS-based POS systems require a cloud-based solution. Enter PayJunction’s [payment API](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-api.html) and semi-integrated solution — which works for native-based application as well. ## PayJunction Bypasses EMV Middleware PayJunction built its product using its own API. Software developers looking to become EMV Level 3 certified and remain outside of the scope of [PCI DSS](https://blog.payjunction.com/pci-dss-compliance-checklist) can do so easily while maintaining all the functionality of PayJunction’s [Virtual Terminal](https://blog.payjunction.com/virtual-terminal-credit-card-processing). Why’s that? Our proprietary Smart Terminal connects to your computer via Ethernet, not middleware. Our [credit card terminal](https://blog.payjunction.com/credit-card-terminal-guide/) is cloud controlled, rather than downloaded onto your computer. It communicates with any native or SaaS-based POS system while never storing cardholder data on your computer. We take care of PCI DSS — in fact, we’re PCI Level 1 compliant — and help you reach EMV Level 3 certification with no work on your end. Integration is fast and simple, which is why hundreds of software systems have done so already. Transactions are faster, too. EMV middleware is bypassed, which is one reason among many why the Smart Terminal is one of the fastest credit card terminals in the market — processing EMV transactions in just [3.61 seconds](https://blog.payjunction.com/card-reader-speeds-emv/). That’s nearly four times faster than the average EMV terminal. Because cloud-controlled terminals exist, there’s no good reason to use EMV middleware. It makes transactions inefficient and opens your business up to PCI audits and compliance. ## Are you within PCI scope with your current provider? ## [![LEARN WHAT DEFINES PCI SCOPE](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/635739/b2e66917-9b3d-4906-a189-d385848c169a.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/635739/b2e66917-9b3d-4906-a189-d385848c169a) Does your terminal connect to your POS system via middleware? Are you able to currently accept EMV payments? Share your experience processing chip cards with a middleware-dependent terminal in the comments section below. We’d love to hear about your experiences. [EMV](https://blog.payjunction.com/topic/emv) [Developer Resources](https://blog.payjunction.com/topic/developer-resources) [Smart Terminal](https://blog.payjunction.com/topic/smart-terminal) --- ##### [![Compare Card Readers: Which Is the Fastest?](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/card-reader-speeds-emv.svg) Compare Card Readers: Which Is the Fastest?](https://blog.payjunction.com/card-reader-speeds-emv) ##### [![What Are Pending Transactions?](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/pending-transactions-explained.svg) What Are Pending Transactions?](https://blog.payjunction.com/pending-transactions-explained) ###### About Author ![Picture of Christina Lavingia](https://blog.payjunction.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Christina%20Lavingia%2c%20Content%20Marketing%20Manager.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=Christina%20Lavingia%2c%20Content%20Marketing%20Manager.jpg) ### Christina Lavingia Christina Lavingia delights in crafting content that helps business owners fight fraud, reduce risk and process payments with ease. ###### Related Posts ## [![How to Select the Best API for Integrated Payments](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/payment-api.svg) How to Select the Best API for Integrated Payments An API, or application programming interface, is a set of protocols and tools that let different types of software interface with each other. Developers use APIs to quickly add new features to their software. Payment service providers like PayJunction publish APIs that allow software providers and developers to easily add credit, debit and ACH payments within their core software for in-person and online acceptance.](https://blog.payjunction.com/payment-api) ## [![EMV API Makes Life Easy for Developers](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/emv-api-developers.svg) EMV API Makes Life Easy for Developers Building business-to-business software and point of sale systems isn’t easy. You build, then refine, then re-build, then refine again ... and again. Finally, you have a worthy product that’s ready for use, except for one small detail: your customers are businesses and they need to accept payments.](https://blog.payjunction.com/emv-api-developers) ## [![ezyVet Veterinary Software Now Offers PayJunction Integration](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/HERO%20IMAGES/ezyvet-veterinary-software-integration.svg) ezyVet Veterinary Software Now Offers PayJunction Integration Managing a veterinary clinic involves a lot of juggling. Between physician schedules, patient records, historical data and financial reporting, veterinary clinics require a system to help them manage the chaos. Luckily, ezyVet — a cutting-edge veterinary software provider — crafted an affordable and customizable software that fits veterinary clinics of all sizes and compositions.](https://blog.payjunction.com/ezyvet-veterinary-software-integration) ## Meet a Payment System You’ll Love - ###### FEATURES [No-code Payments Integration®](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/no-code-payments-integration.html) [ZeroTouch Terminal](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/smart-terminal.html) [Portable Terminal](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/portable-credit-card-reader-terminal.html) [Invoices](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/electronic-invoices.html) [ACH](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/ach-payments.html) [SmartSurcharge®](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/smart-surcharge.html) [Cards on File](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/store-credit-card-info.html) [Recurring Billing](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/recurring-payments.html) - [Ecommerce](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/ecommerce-merchant-services.html) [Customization](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/custom-payment-software.html) [Remote Signatures](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/signature-capture.html) [Rapid Refunds](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/credit-card-refund.html) [Multi-Location](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/enterprise-payments.html) [Sales Reports](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/sales-reports.html) [Search and Export](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/transaction-history-search.html) [Mobile App](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/payjunction/id1324839420?ls=1&mt=8) - ###### BUSINESS SOLUTIONS [Auto Dealers](https://www2.payjunction.com/automotive-merchant-services) [Veterinary](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-veterinarians) [Dentistry](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-dentists) - ###### RESOURCES [Product Overview](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-processing-solutions.html) [Integrations](https://integrations.payjunction.com/) [Blog](https://blog.payjunction.com/) [Guides](https://guides.payjunction.com/) [Support](https://support.payjunction.com/) [Service Status](https://status.payjunction.com/) [Tutorials](https://blog.payjunction.com/tag/pj-university/) [API](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-api.html) - [Trust Center](https://trust.payjunction.com/) [Request a Demo](https://www2.payjunction.com/payjunction-demo) [Pricing](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/pricing.html) [About Us](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/about.html) [Careers *HIRING*](https://www2.payjunction.com/careers) [Press](https://media.payjunction.com/) - ###### RESOURCES [Integrations](https://integrations.payjunction.com/) [Guides](https://guides.payjunction.com/) [Tutorials](https://blog.payjunction.com/tag/pj-university/) [API](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-api.html) [Request a Demo](https://www2.payjunction.com/payjunction-demo) [About Us](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/about.html) [Careers *HIRING*](https://www2.payjunction.com/careers) [Press](https://media.payjunction.com/) [Trust Center](https://trust.payjunction.com/) [Service Status](https://status.payjunction.com/) - ###### BUSINESS SOLUTIONS [Auto Dealers](https://www2.payjunction.com/automotive-merchant-services) [Veterinary](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-veterinarians) [Dentistry](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-dentists) ##### 800-601-0230 SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER  Become a better advocate for your business. 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