Abstract: Systems and methods for point of sale instant access are provided. In one aspect, a method for processing a payment transaction in real time is provided. The method uses a server system coupled to an input device, the input device is located at a point of sale (POS) of a merchant. The input device includes an Internet protocol (IP) address. The method includes capturing at the input device transaction data including an account number associated with a payment card used in the transaction and other information relating to the transaction, and receiving at the server system, directly from the input device, the transaction data. The method also includes processing, at the server system, the transaction data including determining whether to authorize the transaction, and communicating, directly from the server system to the input device, one of an authorization of the transaction and a denial of the transaction.