Card Machine Rolls: The Complete Guide to Receipt Rolls for Payment Terminals
Card machine rolls, also called PDQ rolls, are the small thermal paper rolls that print receipts in a card payment terminal. Like other thermal rolls they print with heat, so there is no ink to replace. Almost all are 57mm wide; the length is what changes, 57 x 40mm is the everyday size, with 57 x 30mm common on smaller and contactless terminals. This guide covers the sizes, which roll your terminal takes, how to load one, and where to buy in bulk.
What are card machine rolls (PDQ rolls)?
A card machine roll is a narrow thermal receipt roll made to fit a card payment terminal, the unit your customer taps or inserts their card into. "PDQ" is an old trade name for these terminals (Process Data Quickly), so card rolls are often called PDQ rolls. They print the same way as any thermal roll: the terminal's print head heats the paper to form the receipt, so there is no ribbon or cartridge, you just drop in a fresh roll when one runs out.
Because terminals are small, the rolls are narrow (57mm) and short, which is the main thing that sets them apart from a normal till roll.
What size card machine roll do I need?
Most card machines take a 57mm-wide roll, the difference is the length. 57 x 40mm is the standard, longer-lasting size that fits the majority of terminals. 57 x 30mm is shorter, for smaller or contactless machines with less paper space. The numbers are width × diameter × core (the core is almost always 12.7mm).
| Size (W × Dia × Core) | Roll length feel | Typically fits |
|---|---|---|
| 57 x 40 x 12.7mm | Standard, longer-lasting | Most card terminals (the default) |
| 57 x 30 x 12.7mm | Shorter | Smaller / contactless terminals |
| 57 x 25 x 12.7mm | Shortest | Compact mobile terminals |
| 57 x 46 / 57 x 50mm | Extra-long | High-volume terminals, fewer changes |
For the full size range and which fits your machine, see our credit card rolls page.
57 x 40mm vs 57 x 30mm: what is the difference?
Both are 57mm wide, so both fit a 57mm terminal; the second number is the roll length. A 57 x 40mm roll holds more paper and lasts longer between changes, while 57 x 30mm is shorter and made for terminals with a smaller paper bay. Use the size your terminal is designed for, an oversized roll will not close into the flap.
The deeper comparison is in 57 x 40mm vs 57 x 30mm credit card rolls.
What rolls does my card terminal take?
Nearly every modern card terminal takes a 57mm thermal roll, so the question is really the length. As a rule: handheld and countertop terminals from Ingenico, Verifone, Clover, SumUp, Zettle, Dojo and Worldpay take 57 x 40mm; small mobile readers and contactless-only units often take 57 x 30mm. Check your terminal's manual or last roll if you are unsure.
| Terminal | Usual roll |
|---|---|
| Ingenico (Move, Desk, Lane) | 57 x 40mm |
| Verifone (V200, V400) | 57 x 40mm |
| Clover (Flex, Mini) | 57 x 40mm |
| Dojo / Worldpay | 57 x 40mm |
| SumUp / Zettle (small readers) | 57 x 30mm |
Model-by-model detail is in what rolls does my card terminal take. Taking orders through a delivery platform? See rolls for Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats terminals.
How do I load a roll into my card machine?
Most terminals are drop-in. Open the printer flap on top, drop the new roll in so the paper feeds from underneath and out the front, leave a short tail sticking out, then close the flap until it clicks. The terminal grips and tears the paper itself, no threading required.
If the receipt prints blank, the roll is in upside down, only the coated (outer) side of thermal paper takes the print, so flip the roll. Step-by-step with photos: how to put a roll in a card machine.
Are card machine receipts thermal, and do they fade?
Yes, card machine rolls are thermal, so the receipts fade over time, typically staying clear for one to three years if kept cool and dark. Some thermal paper still contains BPA; BPA-free card rolls are available if staff handle receipts all day.
Tip: keep merchant copies of card receipts somewhere cool and dark, and photograph any you need long-term. More in is receipt paper safe.
Where to buy card machine rolls in Ireland
Shop4Rolls supplies card machine rolls in every common length, 57 x 25, 30, 40, 46 and 50mm, at trade prices with free delivery on qualifying orders from our Cavan warehouse. Buy by the box and the cost per roll drops.
Order card machine rolls by the box
Every 57mm size, thermal, BPA-free options, trade prices and fast Irish delivery.
Need wider receipt rolls for the till itself too? See the full till rolls range or the till rolls buyer's guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are card machine rolls?
Card machine rolls (also called PDQ rolls) are thermal paper rolls that print receipts in card payment terminals. They use heat, not ink, so there is nothing to replace but the roll. Almost all are 57mm wide, with the length varying by terminal.
What size roll does my card machine take?
Most card machines take a 57mm-wide roll. The common size is 57 x 40mm; smaller and contactless terminals often use 57 x 30mm. If unsure, check the size printed on your last roll's box, or measure the old roll's width and diameter.
What is the difference between 57 x 40mm and 57 x 30mm card rolls?
Both are 57mm wide; the second number is the roll length. A 57 x 40mm roll holds more paper and lasts longer between changes, while 57 x 30mm is shorter and suits smaller or contactless terminals with less paper space. Check which your machine is designed for.
Are card machine rolls the same as till rolls?
They are the same kind of thermal paper, but a different size. Card machine rolls are narrow (57mm) to fit payment terminals, while a typical till or receipt printer uses a wider 80mm roll. Using the wrong width will jam or misfeed.
How do I load a roll into my card machine?
Most terminals are drop-in: open the printer flap on top, drop the roll in so the paper feeds from underneath and out the front, leave a short tail sticking out, and close the flap until it clicks. The terminal grips and trims the paper automatically.
Where can I buy card machine rolls in Ireland?
Shop4Rolls supplies card machine rolls in every common size (57 x 30, 40, 46 and 50mm) at trade prices with free delivery on qualifying orders across Ireland. Buying by the box, usually 20 rolls, lowers the cost per roll.