How does a landline terminal process card transactions?

A landline terminal processes card transactions primarily by reading the information encoded on the card's magnetic stripe when it is swiped. This method provides a direct and secure way to capture cardholder information, including the card number, expiration date, and other necessary data for processing the transaction.

When a card is swiped through the terminal, the reader captures this information and then transmits it to the payment processor through the landline connection, ensuring that the transaction is completed efficiently and accurately. This process allows for real-time verification of the card's validity and whether the funds are available for the transaction.

The other options describe different methods of handling card transactions that are either not applicable to a traditional landline terminal or involve different technologies. For example, processing through the internet typically refers to online transactions rather than those conducted with a landline terminal. Wireless communication methods are associated with mobile payment solutions, while manual data entry may indeed occur in specific cases but does not represent the primary and most efficient method for a landline terminal.