A credit card reader is a device businesses use to accept credit card payments in-person, whether at the counter or on the go. The reader detects and transmits information on credit, debit or other payment cards — such as account number, authorization code or cardholder name — in order to complete a transaction.
Credit card processing companies typically offer card readers alongside processing services and other point-of-sale (POS) hardware. The best credit card reader for your small business depends on your budget, the features you need and whether you’re using it alongside a larger POS system.
All of our picks for the best credit card readers are chosen by our editorial team, who follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our coverage to help you choose the right card reader for your company. We independently evaluate credit card readers as part of their larger POS systems, scoring them on capabilities, cost, integrations and other features. View our full methodology.
Here is our list of the best credit card readers and what they can do for your business. You’ll notice some brands offer multiple best-in-class card readers for different business needs.
Our Nerdy picks for
Our pick for
Card reader with interchange-plus processing rates
If you’re looking for an alternative to flat-rate payment processing fees, Helcim is worth considering. Merchants pay each transaction’s interchange fee, which is set by card networks, plus Helcim’s set margin. This means your business saves when a customer uses a card with lower interchange rates.
Helcim card reader
4.5
NerdWallet rating
on Helcim card reader's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Helcim’s card reader accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments, and it provides POS software with well-developed features.
Read full review
Pros
- Has volume discounts.
- Has robust POS software features.
- Includes countertop stand, but is also portable enough to use on the go.
Cons
- Processing rates may increase if monthly transaction volume drops.
Read full review
Our picks for
Mobile card readers
These handheld, portable card readers can be paired with smartphones, making them best for businesses that need to accept payments on the go. And know that not all readers accept the same types of card transactions — some accept magstripe only while others focus on contactless and chip payments.
Square Reader
5.0
NerdWallet rating
on Square Reader's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Square doesn't charge a monthly fee for use of its basic point-of-sale system, which makes this low-cost reader and its software an affordable and efficient option for business owners.
Read full review
Pros
Has a compact design.
Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
Cons
Doesn't swipe credit cards.
Takes roughly two to three hours to charge.
Read full review
Clover Go
4.0
NerdWallet rating
on Clover Go's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Payments plan; $14.95 Essentials plan.
This credit card reader by Clover works with phones and tablets via Bluetooth. It accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
Read full review
Pros
- Charges via standard USB charger.
- Uses passcodes for employees.
Cons
- Takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to charge.
- Requires a monthly fee for advanced POS features.
Read full review
SumUp Plus
3.5
NerdWallet rating
on SumUp Plus' secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
The SumUp Plus credit card reader works through Bluetooth with Apple and Android devices and promises more than 500 transactions on one charge.
Read full review
Pros
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
- Has a screen to display transaction details.
Cons
- Has less robust POS software features than other card readers.
Read full review
Our pick for
Card reader that accepts PayPal and Venmo
PayPal’s card reader can be a good choice for businesses that need to accept alternative payment methods, like PayPal and Venmo. It also accepts Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.
PayPal Zettle
4.0
NerdWallet rating
Monthly fee
$0.00
PayPal Zettle delivers the essentials at a relatively low cost with a small commitment. But consider other options if you want features like customer loyalty and email marketing programs. Although Zettle can expand through hardware, it doesn’t offer plan upgrades or those types of add-ons.
Read full review
Pros
- Solid core features.
- No monthly fees.
- No long-term commitment.
- Low initial costs.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- No add-on features available.
- Doesn’t accept swiped payments.
Read full review
Our pick for
iPad systems
The Square Stand comes with a built-in card reader — you just need to pair it with an iPad and download Square’s POS software. It’s a good solution for small brick-and-mortar or pop-up businesses that need a system they can use at the counter or carry around.
Square Stand
5.0
NerdWallet rating
on Square Stand's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
The Square Stand enables you to create a desktop point-of-sale system with simply an iPad and Square's competitively priced reader. The swivel feature makes for a smoother transaction experience.
Read full review
Pros
Swivels for customers to use.
Can be mounted to a countertop.
Cons
Only works with certain iPad models.
Doesn’t allow swipe option.
Read full review
Our picks for
Handheld POS terminals
These handheld terminals take mobile card readers a step further by incorporating a screen and additional POS features. They can be useful for putting in orders tableside, printing receipts or scanning barcodes.
Square Terminal
5.0
NerdWallet rating
on Square Terminal's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
The Square Terminal is one of the lower-priced all-inclusive card readers. Couple affordable hardware with a fee-free software plan option, and Square makes great sense for a lot of businesses.
Read full review
Pros
Doesn't require a separate device.
Shows transaction details.
Is compact and easy to use.
Cons
Can take over four hours to charge.
Read full review
Toast Go 2
4.5
NerdWallet rating
Payment processing fees
2.49% + $0.15
if you buy hardware upfront; 3.09% + $0.15 for pay-as-you-go option.
Monthly fee
$0.00
Quick Start Bundle; $69 Core plan; $165 Growth plan. Custom plan also available.
The Toast Go 2 allows you to submit orders at tables and accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
Read full review
Pros
- Is designed specifically for restaurants.
- Offers 24/7 support.
- Is versatile and durable.
Cons
- Requires quotes for advanced monthly plans.
- Requires a contract.
Read full review
Clover Flex
4.0
NerdWallet rating
on Clover Flex's secure website
Monthly fee
$14.95
and up.
The Clover Flex is a small but powerful handheld credit card reader. It accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments. It can also scan bar codes and even print receipts.
Read full review
Pros
- Works with Bluetooth.
- Paid plans have good POS features.
Cons
- Requires monthly plan for advanced features.
Read full review
Our pick for
Compact, countertop card reader
Small countertop POS systems with built-in card readers, like the Clover Mini, are ideal for businesses that take most of their orders at the counter and need a solution with a small footprint.
Clover Mini
4.0
NerdWallet rating
on Clover Mini's secure website
Monthly fee
$14.95
and up.
The Clover Mini is a countertop setup that doesn't require a tablet.
Read full review
Pros
- Can be mounted to a countertop.
- Works without a third-party device.
Cons
- Requires paid monthly plan for advanced features.
Read full review
Our pick for
Full, single-screen register
These stationary countertop systems have built-in card readers and can be paired with other hardware, like a cash drawer and tabletop receipt printer.
Clover Station Solo
4.0
NerdWallet rating
on Clover Station Solo's secure website
Monthly fee
$49.95
and up.
The Clover Station Solo is a register-style system that offers merchants a 14-inch high-definition screen and a receipt printer for the full checkout experience.
Read full review
Pros
- Has fingerprint login.
- Has fast processing speeds.
- Has robust POS software options.
Cons
- Doesn't have a free monthly plan option.
Read full review
Our picks for
Full registers with customer-facing screens
Small businesses that experience long lines and accept tips may want a customer-facing screen to help speed things along. These screens offer gratuity options and often feature built-in readers that let customers tap or dip cards themselves.
Square Register
5.0
NerdWallet rating
on Square Register's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Square's fully integrated reader and countertop POS system accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments. Separate screens for business and customer use streamline the checkout experience. And for business owners wanting more robust POS features with their reader, the Square Register delivers.
Read full review
Pros
- Has two screens.
- Can be mounted to a countertop.
- Has advanced apps and software options.
Cons
- Must be plugged in at all times.
Read full review
Clover Station Duo
4.0
NerdWallet rating
on Clover Station Duo's secure website
Monthly fee
$49.95
and up.
The Clover Station Duo ups the game with a combination of a 14-inch screen for you and a 7-inch screen for your customers.
Read full review
Pros
- Has fingerprint login.
- Has fast processing speeds.
- Has robust POS software options.
- Has two screens.
Cons
- Doesn't have a free monthly plan option.
Read full review
Our picks for best credit card readers
Square Reader: Best for mobile card readers
Why we like it: Square’s free magstripe reader is a convenient option for businesses making the occasional on-the-go sale. However, the company’s contactless and chip card reader gives you more flexibility by enabling you to accept cards with chips and digital wallets, such as tap-and-pay credit cards and smartphone apps, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. It uses Bluetooth technology instead of connecting directly to a device, which lets you keep your cell phone or tablet nearby — but not out all the time.
The reader must be charged, but the charging dock can double as a support for the reader for a counter or table. You can also charge it with a USB charger.
Square also offers Tap to Pay on iPhone, which lets merchants accept card payments using only a regular iPhone with the Square point-of-sale app. Customers hold their cards or their own iPhone wallets near the merchant's phone to pay. Read our full Square review.
Style: Free magstripe reader plugs into a smartphone or tablet; the contactless and chip reader connects to a compatible phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
First magstripe card reader is free; additional readers cost $10 each; contactless and chip reader costs $59; $39 for optional dock.
$0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
$29 for Square Appointments Plus plan.
$60 for Square Restaurant Plus plan.
$69 for Square Appointments Premium plan.
$89 for Square Retail Plus plan.
$192 and up for Square Restaurant Essentials Bundle.
Custom pricing for Square Retail Premium plan.
2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions.
2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.
3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions.
3.3% plus 30 cents for invoices.
» MORE: What is a point-of-sale system?
Clover Go: Best for mobile card readers
Why we like it: This credit card reader by Clover works with iOS and Android phones and tablets via Bluetooth. It also processes every type of credit card payment your customers could want: magstripe-only cards, chip cards and contactless payments.
You can choose between the starter plan or the standard package. Both provide basic payment processing with 24/7 live support. However, the standard plan includes added features such as sales tracking, detailed reporting, inventory management and itemized orders. Read our full Clover review.
Style: Connects to compatible phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
$49 for reader.
$0 for Payments plan.
$14.95 for Essentials plan.
2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions.
3.5% plus 10 cents for online or keyed-in transactions.
SumUp Plus: Best for mobile card readers
Why we like it: Powerful and compact, the SumUp Plus credit card reader works through Bluetooth with Apple and Android devices and promises more than 500 transactions on one charge. In addition to having a screen to show transaction details, the reader comes with a few helpful POS software features that allow you to manage products in your catalog, track sales, send digital receipts and manage employee accounts. However, you might find that the overall POS is lacking when compared with the more robust options on the market. Read our full SumUp review.
Style: Connects to compatible phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
$54 for reader; $64 with cradle; $99 for SumUp Solo touchscreen reader; $169 for SumUp Solo Printer Bundle.
$0
2.75% for in-person transactions with SumUp card readers.
2.90% plus 15 cents for online invoice transactions.
3.25% plus 15 cents for manually keyed card reader transactions or payment-linked transactions.
2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions with SumUp POS system.
3.5% plus 15 cents for card-not-present transactions with SumUp POS system.
Helcim Card Reader: Best card reader with interchange-plus processing rates
Why we like it: Helcim’s card reader accepts chip and contactless payments, but it can’t read magstripe cards. Because it connects through Bluetooth, it needs to be charged. It also provides POS software through the Helcim app with features that include customer management and inventory tracking plus analytics and reporting. A standout feature is its self-service portal, which allows customers to log in to see their payment information and purchase history.
Helcim bases its fees on the type of card and interchange fees, which are set by card networks. It also offers volume-based discounts. The processor doesn’t require you to sign a contract, pay a monthly fee or pay to cancel your service. Read our full Helcim review.
Style: Connects to compatible phone or tablet via Bluetooth; can also be plugged into a desktop computer.
$99 for the reader.
$0
Interchange plus 0.4% and 8 cents per in-person transaction (if $50,000 or less in monthly card transactions).
Interchange plus 0.5% and 25 cents per online or manually keyed transaction (if $50,000 or less in monthly card transactions).
0.5% plus 25 cents for ACH payments.
PayPal Zettle: Best card reader that accepts PayPal and Venmo
Why we like it: PayPal’s Zettle accepts chip and contactless payments, but it doesn’t read magstripes. It does, however, let customers pay with QR codes on PayPal and Venmo platforms. Its POS software offers sales reports, inventory management, tracking sales performance and more.
Transaction fees generally fall in line with competitors. All funds go into your PayPal account rather than a bank account. You’ll need to request a transfer to move the funds to your business bank account before you can use them outside of PayPal. Read our full PayPal Zettle review.
Style: Connects to compatible phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
New customers can get their first card reader for $29; additional readers are $79.
$0
2.29% plus 9 cents for in-person and QR code transactions.
3.49% plus 9 cents for manual-entry card transactions.
2.89% plus 49 cents for online card payments.
2.99% plus 49 cents for invoicing (payment made with card).
3.49% plus 49 cents for invoicing (payment made with PayPal).
Square Stand: Best for iPad systems
Why we like it: The Square Stand is designed specifically for a single smart device: the iPad — although it works only with certain iPad models. Snap an iPad into the Square Stand, and use it as a desktop point-of-sale. The configuration allows you to provide a larger screen for transaction details, and the swivel feature allows customers to sign on the iPad without having to pass the device around. It can process chip and contactless payments but not magstripe unless you buy a Square Reader.
Style: Register that connects to a compatible iPad.
$149 for the reader.
$0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
$29 for Square Appointments Plus plan.
$60 for Square Restaurant Plus plan.
$69 for Square Appointments Premium plan.
$89 for Square Retail Plus plan.
$192 and up for Square Restaurant Essentials Bundle.
Custom pricing for Square Retail Premium plan.
2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions.
2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.
3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions.
3.3% plus 30 cents for invoices.
Square Terminal: Best for handheld POS terminals
Why we like it: Square Terminal allows you to accept all three methods of credit card payments: chip, contactless and magstripe. It comes in on the lower end of the all-inclusive card readers.
The company's standard flat-rate processing fees apply and depend on whether you run the card in person or enter it manually. There's no monthly contract.
Style: Standalone countertop reader.
$299 or $27 per month for 12 months.
$0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
$29 for Square Appointments Plus plan.
$60 for Square Restaurant Plus plan.
$69 for Square Appointments Premium plan.
$89 for Square Retail Plus plan.
$192 and up for Square Restaurant Essentials Bundle.
Custom pricing for Square Retail Premium plan.
2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions.
2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.
3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions.
3.3% plus 30 cents for invoices.
Toast Go 2: Best for handheld POS terminals
Why we like it: The Toast Go 2 allows you to submit orders at tables and accept all three styles of payment. It's also spill proof, will hold a charge for 24 hours and has a 6.4-inch touchscreen for quick checkout. The free version of Toast’s POS software comes with basic features, including point-of-sale and payment processing, but advanced features are available with paid plans. One downside: The company requires long-term contracts. Read our full Toast review.
Style: Standalone handheld reader.
$799.20 for Handheld Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee).
$0 for Quick Start Bundle.
$69 for Core plan.
$110 plus $4 per employee for Restaurant Basics plan.
$165 for Growth plan.
Custom plans available.
3.09% plus 15 cents per transaction, if you choose pay-as-you-go option on hardware.
2.49% plus 15 cents for card-present transactions, if you pay for hardware upfront.
3.50% plus 15 cents for card-not-present transactions, if you pay for hardware upfront.
» MORE: Best restaurant POS systems
Clover Flex: Best for handheld POS terminals
Why we like it: The Clover Flex is a small but powerful handheld credit card reader. It can process all three credit card payment types, scan barcodes and even print receipts. It's one of the few options in this category that has its own screen, removing your personal device from the equation and allowing customers a bit more of a professional experience when checking out on the spot.
Depending on your monthly plan, the Clover Flex can help you manage inventory, view sales data and set up individual logins for employees. The company offers payment plans to break up the cost. Payment processing rates depend on your pricing plan.
Style: Standalone handheld reader.
$599 for reader or $35 per month and up (for hardware + software) for 36 months.
$14.95 for Retail Starter, Personal Services Starter, Professional Services Starter and Standard and Home & Field Services plans.
$49.95 for Retail Standard, Personal Services Standard and Advanced and Professional Services Advanced plans.
$54.95 for Quick-Service Dining Starter and Standard plans.
$64.90 for Retail Advanced plan.
$69.90 for Quick-Service Dining Advanced plan.
$84.95 for Full-Service Dining Starter plan.
$99.90 for Full-Service Dining Standard plan.
$114.85 for Full-Service Dining Advanced plan.
2.3% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions for most plans, though rates may also vary by hardware type.
2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on Retail Starter, Personal Services Starter and Professional Services Standard plans, as well as Home & Field Services Standard and Advanced plans.
3.5% plus 10 cents for online or keyed-in transactions.
Clover Mini: Best compact, countertop card reader
Why we like it: The Clover Mini is a countertop setup that doesn't require a tablet. It allows your business to accept all types of payments and print receipts. You also get some nifty POS features, including inventory, customer and employee management functions with paid monthly plans.
Style: Standalone countertop register.
$799 or $45 per month and up (for hardware + software) for 36 months.
$14.95 for Retail Starter, Personal Services Starter, Professional Services Starter and Standard and Home & Field Services plans.
$49.95 for Retail Standard, Personal Services Standard and Advanced and Professional Services Advanced plans.
$54.95 for Quick-Service Dining Starter and Standard plans.
$64.90 for Retail Advanced plan.
$69.90 for Quick-Service Dining Advanced plan.
$84.95 for Full-Service Dining Starter plan.
$99.90 for Full-Service Dining Standard plan.
$114.85 for Full-Service Dining Advanced plan.
2.3% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions for most plans, though rates may also vary by hardware type.
2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on Retail Starter, Personal Services Starter and Professional Services Standard plans, as well as Home & Field Services Standard and Advanced plans.
3.5% plus 10 cents for online or keyed-in transactions.
» MORE: NerdWallet's best small-business apps
Clover Station Solo: Best full, single-screen register
Why we like it: The Clover Station Solo is a register-style system that offers merchants a 14-inch high-definition screen and a receipt printer for the full checkout experience. The system works with Clover’s POS for retail, offering payment processing, inventory and staff management, reporting and more. For restaurants, the Station Solo fits nicely with customizing and tracking orders, managing table mapping and much more for streamlined service.
Style: Standalone countertop register.
$1,699 or $125 per month and up (for hardware + software) for 36 months.
$14.95 for Retail Starter, Personal Services Starter, Professional Services Starter and Standard and Home & Field Services plans.
$49.95 for Retail Standard, Personal Services Standard and Advanced and Professional Services Advanced plans.
$54.95 for Quick-Service Dining Starter and Standard plans.
$64.90 for Retail Advanced plan.
$69.90 for Quick-Service Dining Advanced plan.
$84.95 for Full-Service Dining Starter plan.
$99.90 for Full-Service Dining Standard plan.
$114.85 for Full-Service Dining Advanced plan.
2.3% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions for most plans, though rates may also vary by hardware type.
2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on Retail Starter, Personal Services Starter and Professional Services Standard plans, as well as Home & Field Services Standard and Advanced plans.
3.5% plus 10 cents for online or keyed-in transactions.
Square Register: Best for full registers with customer-facing screens
Why we like it: The Square Register is the company’s fully integrated countertop POS system that can accept magstripe, chip card and contactless forms of payment. It boasts two screens — one for the employee and one for the customer to show transaction details — for a seamless experience. Its software provides merchants inventory, employee and customer relationship management functions, plus a reporting suite where you can view sales data.
Style: Standalone countertop register.
$799 or $39 per month for 24 months.
$0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
$29 for Square Appointments Plus plan.
$60 for Square Restaurant Plus plan.
$69 for Square Appointments Premium plan.
$89 for Square Retail Plus plan.
$192 and up for Square Restaurant Essentials Bundle.
Custom pricing for Square Retail Premium plan.
2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions.
2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.
3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions.
3.3% plus 30 cents for invoices.
Clover Station Duo: Best for full registers with customer-facing screens
Why we like it: The Clover Station Duo ups the game with a combination of a 14-inch screen for you and a 7-inch screen for your customers. This makes it easier for customers to confirm orders and pay however they want — credit card, debit card, and contactless payment methods. Designed for retail stores, restaurant environments and service businesses, the Station Duo offers the same features of the Station Solo with more power.
While this option tops the list for the most expensive system, the Station Duo is currently sold with a cash drawer and a receipt printer, giving you the gamut of checkout features.
Style: Standalone countertop register with dual screens.
$1,799 or $135 per month and up (for hardware + software) for 36 months.
$14.95 for Retail Starter, Personal Services Starter, Professional Services Starter and Standard and Home & Field Services plans.
$49.95 for Retail Standard, Personal Services Standard and Advanced and Professional Services Advanced plans.
$54.95 for Quick-Service Dining Starter and Standard plans.
$64.90 for Retail Advanced plan.
$69.90 for Quick-Service Dining Advanced plan.
$84.95 for Full-Service Dining Starter plan.
$99.90 for Full-Service Dining Standard plan.
$114.85 for Full-Service Dining Advanced plan.
2.3% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions for most plans, though rates may also vary by hardware type.
2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on Retail Starter, Personal Services Starter and Professional Services Standard plans, as well as Home & Field Services Standard and Advanced plans.
3.5% plus 10 cents for online or keyed-in transactions.
» MORE: How to choose a POS system
How does a credit card reader work?
Credit card readers gather, transmit and verify customers’ card information to complete transactions. Some card readers connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth while others are plugged into a more built-out POS register. Most often, you’ll see card readers that allow customers to swipe, dip or tap their cards to pay. Usually, they need to be paired with a mobile app or POS software to function and record your business’s sales.
Learn more about credit card processing
Credit card readers play a crucial role in payment processing. Dig into all the parties involved in the process and where card data travels to and from.
» MORE:How does credit card processing work?
Types of credit card readers
Mobile card readersHandheld, portable card readers that can be paired with smartphones allow your business to accept payments from just about anywhere.
Handheld terminalsThese take mobile card readers a step further by incorporating a screen and additional POS features so you can take orders tableside, print receipts or scan barcodes.
Countertop readersDesigned to sit on a counter but with a smaller footprint than a full register, countertop card readers are best for small brick-and-mortar businesses.
Full registersStationary countertop systems can be paired with other hardware, like a cash drawer and receipt printer, and may also include a customer-facing screen.
How much does a credit card reader cost?
To estimate the total costs associated with using a credit card reader, you’ll want to factor in more than the price tag on the physical device itself. Start by taking the following components into account.
Hardware
The upfront cost of a credit card reader varies depending on its functionality. A simple swipe or chip card reader for your iPhone or Android device is typically the cheapest option, ranging from $0 to $60 or more.
Mid-range options include handheld card readers, which can often scan barcodes, print receipts and even operate as a mobile POS system, in addition to reading cards. These can range from around $100 to $650 or more.
Full register and countertop POS systems also include card readers. These systems can cost closer to $800 and up.
Software
If you opt for a more robust hardware option, like a handheld or countertop POS system, you may need to pay a monthly POS software fee. These software subscriptions typically allow you to collect sales data, sync it with your accounting software, run reports and track inventory, among other features. Some providers offer basic software plans or mobile apps for free, but if you need more sophisticated features, expect to pay closer to $60 or more per month.
Payment processing
Regardless of your hardware and software expenses, your business will owe credit card processing fees. Oftentimes, credit card reader providers also offer in-house payment processing services. Otherwise, you may have to integrate with a third-party processor. While in-house options are usually the most convenient, you’ll have to calculate your business’s monthly sales volume to find the cheapest credit card processing company for you.
How to choose a credit card reader
To pick the best credit card reader for your small business, consider the following questions:
How much do you want to spend?
A card reader without a screen is the cheapest option, and sometimes free. But depending on brand, type and the features you want, you could pay hundreds of dollars. In addition to hardware and software fees, remember to keep processing costs in mind, too: If a payment processing company offers a free card reader but charges more per transaction, it may cost your business more in the long run than a reader with an upfront cost but lower transaction fee.
Does your credit card reader need to be mobile?
If you mostly accept payments at pop-up events, you may only need a mobile credit card reader that works with your smartphone. Businesses with a storefront, however, will probably opt for a countertop register with a cash drawer and receipt printer. If your storefront deals with long lines, you might consider purchasing a countertop register in addition to a portable handheld card reader that can accept payments from anywhere in the store.
What features are you looking for?
If you want to simply accept magstripe, chip and contactless payments, a basic card reader that pairs with your smartphone can likely do the job. There are also a variety of payment apps that let you accept contactless payments with just your smartphone — no additional hardware required. These options may work for freelancers, service-based businesses and other vendors that sell mostly at pop-up events. But if you're looking for more sophisticated features, like barcode scanning, receipt printing or gratuity screens, a standalone, handheld POS device could be a better fit.
Brick-and mortar businesses that need inventory management or advanced sales analytics, along with a cash drawer, should consider a comprehensive, countertop POS register as opposed to a card reader only.
What integrations do you need?
Being able to centralize all of your sales information in one system is important. Businesses that have a brick-and-mortar location plus an online store, for example, should be able to sync data from both places using their POS software. To do so, be sure that your card reader integrates with your POS software and payment processor.