How does a cashier complete a transaction with a credit card?

A cashier completes a transaction with a credit card primarily by swiping or inserting the card into the terminal. This method allows the terminal to read the card's magnetic stripe or chip, which contains essential information needed to process the payment securely and efficiently. When the card is swiped or inserted, the payment terminal communicates with the payment processor and bank to authorize the transaction, ensuring that the funds are available and that the transaction is legitimate.

This process is not only faster than manual entry but also reduces the risk of human error during data entry. Additionally, this method is designed to enhance security features, such as EMV technology with chip cards, which help in preventing fraud.

The other options do not align with standard cashier practices for credit card transactions. Manual entry of card details can lead to errors and is less secure. Issuing a paper invoice is generally related to billing rather than immediate payment processing. Calling the bank for verification is usually unnecessary in standard transactions, as the electronic processing through the terminal is meant to handle verification in real-time.