How to Put a Roll in a Card Machine (Step by Step)

To change a card machine roll: open the paper cover, take out the old core, drop the new roll in so the paper comes off the bottom of the roll towards the screen, pull a few centimetres out past the edge, and snap the cover shut. Tear off the extra paper and print a test receipt. If the receipt comes out blank, the roll is upside down, so turn it over and try again. It takes under a minute on almost every Irish card terminal.

That is the whole job for most machines. Below are the steps in more detail, plus the fixes for the usual problems.

In this guide

• How do I put a new roll in a card machine?
• Which way up does the roll go?
• What if it still does not print?
• How do I know I have the right roll?
• FAQ

How do I put a new roll in a card machine?

1. Open the paper cover. Most terminals have a latch or tab at the top or back. Lift or slide it and the cover springs open. On Ingenico and Verifone portables, it is usually at the top edge behind the screen.
2. Remove the old core. Take out the empty cardboard core or any leftover paper.
3. Drop in the new roll. Place it in the well so the loose end of the paper comes off the bottom of the roll and points towards the screen.
4. Pull out a little paper. Draw a few centimetres of paper out past the edge of the housing.
5. Close the cover firmly. Press down until it clicks. The paper should stick out through the slot.
6. Tear off the excess against the serrated edge.
7. Print a test. A duplicate receipt or a report from the admin menu will confirm it is printing.

Fits most card machines

57x40mm Credit Card Rolls, Box of 50

BPA-free thermal rolls for Ingenico, Verifone, PAX, Dojo, Castles and bank-issued terminals.

€27.75 ex VAT Shop 57x40 rolls →

Which way up does a card machine roll go?

Card machine rolls are thermal paper, which only prints on one side: the smooth, slightly shiny side. That side has to face the print head.

On nearly all terminals, that means the paper unrolls from the bottom of the roll and feeds towards the screen. Many machines have a small diagram inside the cover showing the direction. If in doubt, look for it before you drop the roll in.

Quick test: scratch the paper with your fingernail. The side that leaves a dark mark is the printing side. Our thermal vs bond guide explains why.

What if my card machine still does not print?

• Receipt comes out blank: the roll is upside down. Turn it over.
• "Paper out" message after changing the roll: the cover is not fully closed. Open it and press it shut until it clicks.
• Paper jams or will not feed: check nothing is caught in the cover hinge, and that the roll is not too fat for the bay. A roll with a bigger diameter than the machine is designed for will jam.
• Faint or patchy print: the print head may need a gentle clean, or the paper may be low grade. See how to clean a print head.
• Coloured stripe on the paper: that is the end-of-roll warning. Have a new roll ready.
• Receipts fading after a few weeks: heat, light and some plastics fade thermal paper. See why thermal paper fades.

How do I know I have the right roll?

All card machines take 57mm wide thermal rolls. What changes is the diameter. Most take 57x40mm, compact readers like the SumUp 3G take 57x30mm, and some Clover and older Verifone units take 57x45mm. Our card machine roll guide lists terminals by brand and model.

You can always fit a smaller diameter roll than the machine is designed for. You can never fit a bigger one.

For Clover Flex

Clover Flex Thermal Rolls 57mm, Box of 50

The right roll for the Clover Flex handheld.

€26.75 ex VAT Shop Clover rolls →

Frequently asked questions

How do you put paper in a card machine?

Open the paper cover, drop the new roll in so the paper feeds from the bottom of the roll towards the screen, pull a little paper out, and close the cover until it clicks.

Why is my card machine printing blank receipts?

The thermal roll is in upside down. Turn it over so the shiny side faces the print head.

Why does my card machine say paper out when there is paper in it?

Usually the cover is not fully closed. Press it firmly until it clicks. If the error stays, check the roll is the right size.

What size roll does a card machine take?

Most take 57x40mm thermal rolls. Some compact readers take 57x30mm, and some Clover and older Verifone models take 57x45mm.

How often should I change the card machine roll?

When the coloured end-of-roll stripe appears. Keep a spare roll next to the terminal so a busy shift never stalls.