Whether you call it receipt paper, POS paper, chit paper, or till tape, thermal paper is an unsung hero in countless daily transactions. Found in retail stores, restaurants, banks, and medical offices, thermal paper plays a critical role in providing smooth, smudge-free receipts and order tickets — all without using ink or toner.
What Is Thermal Paper?
Thermal paper is a specially coated paper that reacts to heat, making it compatible with thermal printers that don’t require ink. It's fast, quiet, and ultra-reliable — ideal for high-volume environments like cafes, retail counters, and service desks.
Common Names for Thermal Paper in Different Industries
Depending on your business or region, you might hear thermal paper called by different names. Here’s a breakdown:
Receipt Paper
The most widely used term. You receive this at the end of a transaction — at restaurants, stores, gas stations, and more.
POS Paper
Used in point-of-sale systems, this term is common across retail, hospitality, and service industries.
Chit Paper
In bars and restaurants, thermal paper is often referred to as a chit — a small printout for kitchen or bar orders.
Till Tape
A more traditional term from legacy cash registers, still commonly used in stores and local markets.
Shiny Paper
A non-technical nickname, thanks to the paper’s smooth, glossy appearance.
Smooth Paper
Another informal term, highlighting how the paper glides through high-speed thermal printers.
🖨️ How Thermal Paper Works
Unlike traditional paper that requires ink or toner, thermal paper is heat-sensitive. A thermal printhead creates characters and images by activating the coating on the paper. This results in:
- Fast, clean printing
- No smudging
- Reliable results in heat or humidity
📏 Thermal Paper Sizes That Fit Your Business
At C-Pac, we carry the most common thermal paper roll sizes for:
- Standard POS receipt printers
- Credit/debit card terminals
- Wireless and mobile receipt printers
From restocking the register to keeping your terminal ready, C-Pac has the right size — without the guesswork.
🛒 Why Choose C-Pac Thermal Paper?
✅ Consistent, high-quality thermal coating
✅ Tight, even rolls that don’t jam
✅ Bulk packs in stock and ready to ship
✅ Trusted by restaurants, retailers, and service providers
No matter what you call it — Receipt Paper, POS Paper, Chit Paper, Till Tape, Shiny Paper, or Smooth Paper — you can count on C-Pac to keep your business running smoothly.
👉 Shop Thermal Paper Online
Ready to restock? Explore our full selection of thermal receipt paper rolls and POS supplies at C-Pac.com.
Get fast shipping, competitive pricing, and quality you can trust.
Still deciding which thermal paper rolls are right for your business? Here are answers to a few common questions customers ask when choosing between POS paper, chit paper, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is thermal paper the same as receipt paper?
Yes — thermal paper is often called receipt paper. It's heat-sensitive and works in thermal printers commonly used for printing transaction receipts in restaurants, stores, and banks.
How do I know what size thermal roll I need?
Check your printer model’s manual or current roll for dimensions (width and diameter). C-Pac offers standard sizes for all major POS systems, card readers, and kitchen printers.