To use plastic gift cards:
Procure plastic cards that have unique identifiers (Numeric or Alphanumeric). These come with a magnetic strip encoded with the card information.
Procure a card reader which can read magnetic strips on cards.
Configure the card reader on a computer where the Point of Sale (POS) window is accessed.
Test the card reader as follows:
a) Open a Notepad and place the cursor on the Notepad.
b) Swipe a gift card on the card reader.
The card number displays on the Notepad.
This indicates that the configuration is successful.