A Virtual Terminal is defined as: (1) Software in a user's computer that emulates a particular type of hardware terminal in order to access a server. When personal computers began to proliferate in the late 1980s, virtual terminals enabled users to access the corporate minicomputers and mainframes from their PCs without having to use dedicated terminals. Also called "terminal emulation."
(2) Providing access to a database or an information system via a common interface such as a Web browser on any user's computer.

In essence, a Virtual Terminal allows a merchant to process transactions from a cardholder electronically. No processing equipment, no hardware, just access to the internet is all that is needed to run transactions through a Virtual Terminal.

A Virtual Terminal can be used for a Call Center that would take credit card information over the phone, or it could be used for service businesses and delivery business.
		Screenshot of SecurePay at the Virtual Terminal, click to enlarge