Best Credit Card Readers for Small Businesses
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Input your business’s monthly transaction details and we’ll help you sort from the best valueProduct | Cost Estimate | Payment processing fees | Cost Estimate | Learn more | ||
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Helcim card reader Learn more on Helcim card reader's secure website | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | 4.5/5 Best for Card reader with interchange-plus processing rates | In-person: 0.4% + $0.08 Online: 0.5% + $0.25 Plus interchange | $0.00 | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | Learn more on Helcim card reader's secure website |
Square Reader Learn more on Square Reader's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Mobile card readers | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations. | Learn more on Square Reader's secure website | ||
Clover Go Learn more on Clover Go's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Mobile card readers | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $0.00 Payments plan; $14.95 Essentials plan. | Learn more on Clover Go's secure website | ||
SumUp Plus Learn more on SumUp Plus' secure website | 3.5/5 Best for Mobile card readers | In-person: 2.75% + $0.00 Online: 2.9% + $0.15 | $0.00 | Learn more on SumUp Plus' secure website | ||
PayPal Zettle | 4.0/5 Best for Card reader that accepts PayPal and Venmo | In-person: 2.29% + $0.09 Online: 2.89% + $0.49 | $0.00 | |||
Square Stand Learn more on Square Stand's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for iPad systems | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations. | Learn more on Square Stand's secure website | ||
Square Terminal Learn more on Square Terminal's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Handheld POS terminals | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations. | Learn more on Square Terminal's secure website | ||
Toast Go 2 | 4.5/5 Best for Handheld POS terminals | 2.49% + $0.15 if you buy hardware upfront; 3.09% + $0.15 for pay-as-you-go option. | $0.00 Starter Kit; $69 Point of Sale plan; custom Build Your Own plan. | |||
Clover Flex Learn more on Clover Flex's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Handheld POS terminals | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $14.95 and up. | Learn more on Clover Flex's secure website | ||
Clover Mini Learn more on Clover Mini's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Compact, countertop card reader | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $14.95 and up. | Learn more on Clover Mini's secure website | ||
Clover Station Solo Learn more on Clover Station Solo's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Full, single-screen register | In-person: 2.3% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $49.95 and up. | Learn more on Clover Station Solo's secure website | ||
Square Register Learn more on Square Register's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Full registers with customer-facing screens | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations. | Learn more on Square Register's secure website | ||
Clover Station Duo Learn more on Clover Station Duo's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Full registers with customer-facing screens | In-person: 2.3% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $49.95 and up. | Learn more on Clover Station Duo's secure website |
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
on Helcim card reader's secure website
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.
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
on Square Reader's secure website
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
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.
Clover Go
on Clover Go's secure website
Payments plan; $14.95 Essentials plan.
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.
SumUp Plus
on SumUp Plus' secure website
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.
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
Pros
- No monthly software fees for accepting in-person payments.
- No long-term contract or termination fees.
- Accepts a variety of payment types, including Venmo and PayPal payments.
- Inexpensive card reader with a keypad, plus built-in payment processing and a free mobile app lets you quickly accept in-person payments on the go.
Cons
- Online transaction rates are difficult to parse out, and selling online may involve additional monthly charges.
- No offline mode.
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
on Square Stand's secure website
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Pros
- Swivels for customers to use.
- Can be mounted to a countertop.
Cons
- Only works with certain iPad models.
- Doesn’t allow swipe option.
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
on Square Terminal's secure website
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Pros
- Doesn't require a separate device.
- Shows transaction details.
- Is compact and easy to use.
Cons
- Can take over four hours to charge.
Toast Go 2
if you buy hardware upfront; 3.09% + $0.15 for pay-as-you-go option.
Starter Kit; $69 Point of Sale plan; custom Build Your Own plan.
Pros
- Is designed specifically for restaurants.
- Offers 24/7 support.
- Is versatile and durable.
Cons
- Requires quotes for advanced monthly plans.
- Requires a contract.
Clover Flex
on Clover Flex's secure website
and up.
Pros
- Works with Bluetooth.
- Paid plans have good POS features.
Cons
- Requires monthly plan for advanced features.
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
on Clover Mini's secure website
and up.
Pros
- Can be mounted to a countertop.
- Works without a third-party device.
Cons
- Requires paid monthly plan for advanced features.
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
on Clover Station Solo's secure website
and up.
Pros
- Has fingerprint login.
- Has fast processing speeds.
- Has robust POS software options.
Cons
- Doesn't have a free monthly plan option.
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
on Square Register's secure website
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Pros
- Has two screens.
- Can be mounted to a countertop.
- Has advanced apps and software options.
Cons
- Must be plugged in at all times.
Clover Station Duo
on Clover Station Duo's secure website
and up.
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.
Square Reader: Best for mobile card readers
- $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 Go: Best for mobile card readers
- $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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- $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
- $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
- $0 for Starter Kit plan.
- $69 Point of Sale 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.
Clover Flex: Best for handheld POS terminals
- $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
- $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 Station Solo: Best full, single-screen register
- $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
- $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
- $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.
Learn more about credit card processing
Types of credit card readers