Is there a charge for the use of a merchant card reader if no finances are exchanged? I want to scan a card with magnetic strip on the back and scan it on the machine. I would like the card to be programed to connect to my server, exchange information and interact with my POS. Is this possible and what charges would I run across other than paying a fortune for a code writer?

Most merchant card readers are leased on a monthly basis. I don't believe there is a transaction charge for swiping, only if a charge is recorded.

You should be able to purchase a mag card reader to function as an input device. But I believe that you have to get credit card readers from the card issuer.