Feature Request: Add True Debit Transaction Support

Currently, Linga POS allows merchants to configure a Debit payment type; however, selecting this payment type does not result in a true debit transaction being initiated on the payment device. Instead, selecting Debit simply adjusts surcharge calculations but still sends the transaction to the device and processor as a standard credit transaction.

The key issue is that Linga POS does not currently send any instruction or indicator to the integrated payment device to initiate debit transaction logic. As a result, while the cardholder may be prompted to enter a PIN, the transaction is still processed as credit at the device and processor level.

Business Need:

For solutions like ours, the ability for the POS to correctly initiate debit vs credit at the device level is essential. Most payment devices expect a specific transaction type to be initiated to handle debit properly:

• Initiating debit triggers the device to handle routing, PIN entry, network logic, and correct processing with the processor.

• Initiating credit bypasses debit networks entirely, even if a PIN is entered.

Without Linga sending the correct transaction type to the payment device, debit-capable cards are always routed as credit, resulting in:

• Incorrect interchange qualification.

• Missed cost savings for merchants who intend to process true PIN-debit.

• Inability to comply with some processor requirements or merchant agreements.

• Confusion at the merchant level when "Debit" is selected but does not function as expected.

Requested Enhancement:
We are requesting that Linga POS implement proper debit support by:

1. Allowing the POS system to distinguish between credit and debit when communicating with the integrated payment device.

2. Sending the appropriate transaction type instruction to the device when the Debit tender type is selected in Linga.

3. Ensuring that when Debit is selected:

   • The device initiates a debit transaction flow.

   • The device controls PIN entry, routing, and processing in accordance with the card brand and processor requirements.

4. Maintaining the existing surcharge logic as applicable.

Why This is Critical:

• The current behavior prevents merchants from leveraging true PIN debit.

• Payment processors and devices rely on POS software to properly identify the intended transaction type.

• Proper debit support is already expected and standard across many other POS platforms.

• Linga already handles EBT properly, which shows device-level transaction type control is possible.

Reference Ticket:
Case #206888 (Joshua Fox, Partner Support)