UNSPSC 43211702: Magnetic stripe readers and encoders

Magnetic card readers are designed to read the magnetic stripe data on credit cards, debit cards, drivers licenses, and I.D. cards with just a swipe and send the data to a PC. They require no software for their operation. The data sent to the PC will be the input for processing by a software which outputs the results.

UNSPSC 43211702 Magnetic stripe readers and encoders, a Commodity code, covers payment processing terminals, card readers, and point-of-interaction hardware that state and local governments deploy across law enforcement, higher education, and transaction-processing functions. Recent solicitations reveal that state and local buyers are procuring integrated payment solutions with magnetic stripe, EMV, and contactless card acceptance; credit card terminals with PCI compliance and encryption; and associated software integration and support services. The issuing bodies include state purchasing divisions, county governments, cooperative purchasing vehicles serving multiple jurisdictions, and public higher education institutions. Magnetic stripe readers function as components within broader classroom technology systems, law enforcement equipment packages, and point-of-sale infrastructure rather than as standalone products—vendors typically supply them as part of turnkey payment or equipment solutions bundled with installation, integration, maintenance, and support.

Recent activity spans Utah, Florida, Washington, and Minnesota. The State of Utah Division of Purchasing issued RFP CS26-18 on January 20, 2026, closing February 13, 2026, to establish a five-year single-award contract for point-of-interaction credit card machines with hardware terminals, encryption, EMV and contactless support, and PCI compliance integration. Sourcewell, a Minnesota local government cooperative, posted RFP #061626 on May 12, 2026, closing June 16, 2026, to establish law enforcement equipment contracting solutions available to thousands of public entities across multiple states and Canada, with participation from Washington counties including Franklin, Grant, Grays Harbor, Chelan, and Yakima. Valencia College District in Florida issued RFP 2026-26 (due April 30, 2026) for classroom and conference room technology services across nine campuses, incorporating interactive document cameras, control panels, and related hardware as components of a $1.6 million annual spend. Cooperative purchasing vehicles and multi-jurisdiction frameworks dominate the current opportunity pipeline, reflecting state and local preference for standardized contracting solutions across participating entities.