Direct Connect
Build and deploy payment-ready devices with direct EMV processing on the NMI platform.
NMI Direct Connect — Developer Overview
What is Direct Connect?
NMI Direct Connect enables device manufacturers to pre-integrate payment terminals to process transactions directly through the NMI gateway.
It supports:
- EMV contact & contactless (chip + NFC)
- Magnetic stripe
- Keyed transactions
- Transaction types like authorizations, refunds, and more
This allows you to deliver fully payment-enabled devices out of the box.
Integration Approach
Direct Connect uses NMI APIs (not SDK-first), giving you full control over device behavior and payment flows.
What we provide:
- Integration examples
- Full API documentation
- Payment gateway integration guide
- SDKs (Java 8+, .NET)
Important:
Using APIs requires EMV Level 3 certification with each processor you intend to support.
Key Components
1. EMV Sandbox (Testing)
A self-service testing environment to validate your integration:
- Runs predefined EMV test cases
- Returns detailed issue reports in transaction responses
- Helps identify and fix issues before certification
Benefit: Reduces time and risk during formal EMV certification.
2. Processor Certification
Before going live:
- Devices must be certified with each processor
- NMI provides:
- Guidance on processor selection
- Support for certification strategy (including family certifications)
- Escalation support if needed
3. Solution Verification (NSVP)
Final validation before launch:
- End-to-end testing across real-world scenarios
- Covers approvals, declines, errors, and reporting accuracy
- Ensures proper behavior in the Merchant Portal
This is the final step before production readiness.
4. Device Configuration (Query API)
Use the Query API + Merchant Security Key to:
- Retrieve merchant configuration
- Automatically configure terminal settings
- Sync with NMI Partner & Merchant Portal settings
5. Full Platform API (v4)
NMI’s real-time v4 API enables:
- Merchant boarding
- Reporting
- Configuration management
- Full white-label payment experiences
Anything available in the Partner Portal can be built via API.
Security & Compliance
Security is built into every layer:
- PCI DSS Level 1 certified (since 2005)
- Listed on Visa & Mastercard service provider registries
- PCI SSC Participating Organization
Encryption & Device Security
- Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE)
- Tokenization support
- Secure key injection required before production
Devices must be injected with NMI encryption keys at a PCI P2PE-certified facility.
Getting Started
- Request access to:
- Direct Connect integration guide
- SDKs
- EMV Sandbox
- Start integration and testing in the sandbox
- Complete processor certification
- Pass Solution Verification (NSVP)
- Prepare devices with secure key injection
- Launch to production 🚀
Need Access?
Contact your NMI account manager or submit a request to:
- Join the Direct Connect program
- Access documentation and SDKs
- Get support for certification and testing
Contact your account manager or submit a request to learn more about the NMI Direct Connect program.
Updated 29 minutes ago