What is the first step in processing a sale using a credit card?

The initial step in processing a sale using a credit card involves swiping the customer’s card or entering the credit card number. This action captures the necessary payment information, including the card number, expiration date, and cardholder's name, which are essential for the transaction to proceed.

By swiping the card or entering its details, the point-of-sale system obtains the relevant data to initiate communication with the payment processing network. This first action sets the stage for the subsequent steps, such as transmitting information for approval, which happens once the data has been collected. This foundational step is critical as it establishes the means by which the sale can be authorized and completed.