Credit card machines come in many shapes and sizes. Whether you’re considering a countertop terminal or a handheld device, the right choice will allow your business to accept credit card payments while fitting your budget and simplifying the checkout process for both your employees and customers.
Our picks for the best credit card machines and terminals are all competitively priced and accept a variety of payments. Beyond that, some include extras that help keep the line moving — like barcode scanning, customer-facing screens or the ability to accept payments offline.
All of our picks for the best credit card machines and terminals 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 solution for your company. We independently evaluate credit card machines and terminals, scoring them on capabilities, cost and other features. See our methodology for a more detailed rundown.
Here are the best credit card machines, also sometimes known as point-of-sale (POS) terminals, for small businesses, along with why they stand out.
» MORE: NerdWallet's best POS systems
Best Credit Card Machines and Terminals
Calculate your monthly cost estimate
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Clover Flex Learn more on Clover Flex's secure website | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | 4.0/5 Best for Handheld terminal + industry-specific plans | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $14.95 and up. | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | Learn more on Clover Flex's secure website |
Square Stand Learn more on Square Stand's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for iPad-based POS terminal | 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 | ||
SumUp Plus Learn more on SumUp Plus' secure website | 3.5/5 Best for Standalone card reader + mobile app | In-person: 2.75% + $0.00 Online: 2.9% + $0.15 | $0.00 | Learn more on SumUp Plus' secure website | ||
Clover Station Duo Learn more on Clover Station Duo's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Countertop terminal + customer-facing screen | In-person: 2.3% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $49.95 and up. | Learn more on Clover Station Duo's secure website | ||
Payanywhere Smart Terminal | 4.5/5 Best for Handheld terminal + barcode scanner | In-person: 2.69% + $0.00 Online: 3.49% + $0.19 | $15.00 | |||
PayPal Zettle | 4.0/5 Best for Card reader + scanning QR codes | In-person: 2.29% + $0.09 Online: 2.89% + $0.49 | $0.00 | |||
Square Register Learn more on Square Register's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Countertop terminal + customer-facing screen | 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 | ||
Square Terminal Learn more on Square Terminal's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Compact handheld terminal + printer | 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 | ||
Payanywhere Smart Flex | 4.5/5 Best for Handheld terminal + customer-facing screen | In-person: 2.69% + $0.00 Online: 3.49% + $0.19 | $25.00 | |||
Toast Go 2 | 4.5/5 Best for Handheld terminal for restaurants | 2.49% + $0.15 if you buy hardware upfront; 3.09% + $0.15 for pay-as-you-go option. | $0.00 Quick Start Bundle; $69 Core plan; $165 Growth plan. Custom plan also available. |
Our pick for
Handheld terminal + industry-specific plans
Clover Flex
Learn more
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 barcodes and print receipts.
Pros
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripes and digital wallets.
- Has a six-inch touch screen.
- Prints receipts and scans barcodes.
- Allows offline payments.
- Works without a smart device.
Cons
- Device is relatively expensive.
Our pick for
iPad-based POS terminal
Square Stand
Learn more
on Square Stand's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
The Square Stand uses an iPad as a screen, giving you the feeling of a register-style terminal without the high price. It also swivels so customers can see transaction details and accepts all types of credit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay and QR codes through Cash App.
Pros
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripes, digital wallets and QR codes.
- Features a swivel screen so customers can see transaction details.
- Built-in reader for contactless and chip payments.
- Allows offline payments.
Cons
- Requires an iPad to use as a screen.
- Can’t print receipts or scan barcodes on its own.
Our pick for
Standalone card reader + mobile app
SumUp Plus
Learn more
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.
Pros
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
- Has a small screen to display transaction details.
Cons
- Requires a smart device.
- Can’t print receipts or scan barcodes.
- Doesn’t process offline payments.
Our picks for
Countertop terminal + customer-facing screen
Clover Station Duo
Learn more
on Clover Station Duo's secure website
Monthly fee
$49.95
and up.
The Clover Station Duo ups the checkout game with a combination of a 14-inch screen for you and an eight-inch screen for your customers.
Pros
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripe, plus digital wallets and QR codes.
- Has a 14-inch main screen and an eight-inch screen for customers.
- Prints receipts.
- Comes with a cash drawer.
- Accepts offline payments.
- Works without a smart device.
Cons
- Device is relatively expensive.
- No free monthly software option.
Square Register
Learn more
on Square Register's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Square's fully integrated card reader and countertop point-of-sale 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 credit card terminal the Square Register delivers.
Pros
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripe and digital wallets.
- Accepts QR codes for Cash App.
- Has two screens, one for the business and one for customers.
- Accepts offline payments.
- Works without a smart device.
Cons
- Doesn’t print receipts or scan barcodes unless additional hardware is purchased.
Our pick for
Handheld terminal + barcode scanner
Payanywhere Smart Terminal
Monthly fee
$15.00
The Payanywhere Smart Terminal lets small businesses print receipts on the go and comes with a five-inch touch screen to show transaction details. It also scans barcodes for faster checkout and accepts credit card payments, including some digital wallets.
Pros
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripe and digital wallets.
- Has a five-inch touch screen.
- Prints receipts and scans barcodes.
- Accepts offline payments.
- Works without a smart device.
Cons
- Charges monthly $3.99 inactivity fee after 12 months.
- No free monthly software plan.
Our pick for
Card reader + scanning QR codes
PayPal Zettle
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.
Pros
- Accepts credit card payments, including chip and contactless payments and digital wallets.
- Creates QR codes for an additional payment method.
- No monthly fees or long-term commitment.
Cons
- Doesn’t accept swiped payments.
- Requires a smart device to work.
- Doesn’t support offline payments.
- Doesn’t print receipts or scan barcodes.
Our pick for
Compact handheld terminal + printer
Square Terminal
Learn more
on Square Terminal's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Square Terminal is a compact handheld credit card reader built for portability, but you can also connect it to a tablet to create a tabletop terminal for when customers come to you. It accepts all payment types and can print receipts for a smooth checkout process.
Pros
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripe and digital wallets.
- Has a five-inch screen and can connect to a tablet to create a tabletop terminal.
- Prints receipts.
- Accepts offline payments.
- Works without a smart device.
Cons
- Can't operate on cellular data.
- Can’t scan barcodes.
Our pick for
Handheld terminal + customer-facing screen
Payanywhere Smart Flex
Monthly fee
$25.00
Payanywhere’s Smart Flex has several features that make it great for on-the-go transactions, including a second screen for customers to see transaction details. It can also print receipts and scan barcodes.
Pros
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripe and digital wallets.
- Has two screens, one for the business and one for customers.
- Prints receipts and scans barcodes.
- Accepts offline payments.
- Works without a smart device.
Cons
- Double-screen setup is smaller than some competitors' screens.
- Charges monthly $3.99 inactivity fee after 12 months and a $49.95 setup fee.
- No free monthly software plan.
Our pick for
Handheld terminal for restaurants
Toast Go 2
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 directly from customers' tables and accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments. Built specifically for restaurants, its exterior can stand up to spills and being dropped.
Pros
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripe and digital wallets.
- Has a six-inch screen.
- Designed for a food service environment.
- Accepts offline payments.
- Works without a smart device.
Cons
- Doesn’t print receipts.
- Requires quotes for advanced monthly plans.
- Requires a contract.
Clover Flex: Best handheld terminal + industry-specific plans
Style: Handheld.
Why we like it: The Clover Flex lets customers swipe, dip and tap credit cards and accepts the trio of digital wallet payments: Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. The six-inch touch screen displays transaction details. It also includes a receipt printer and barcode scanner for faster checkout and has a free monthly plan available with limited POS features for those on a budget. Read our full Clover review.
- $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.
- $49 for chip, swipe and contactless Clover Go card reader.
- $599 for Clover Flex mobile POS with printer.
- $799 for Clover Mini POS.
- $1,699 for Clover Station Solo.
- $1,799 for Clover Station Duo.
- 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 Stand: Best iPad-based POS terminal
Style: Tabletop.
Why we like it: Despite being the cheapest tabletop reader on this list, the Square Stand offers small businesses a lot of value. The Stand uses an iPad as a screen, giving you the feeling of a register-style terminal without the high price. It also swivels so customers can see transaction details and accepts all types of credit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay and QR codes through Cash App. You’ll need to purchase accessories to print receipts or scan barcodes with this terminal. Read our full Square review.
- $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.
- $0 for Square magstripe-only card reader ($10 for each additional reader) or if using Tap to Pay for iPhone (iPhone not included).
- $49 and up for Square Reader contactless and chip card reader.
- $149 for Square Stand iPad POS or Square Stand Mount (iPad not included; monthly financing available).
- $299 for Square Terminal mobile card reader with built-in printer (monthly financing available).
- $799 for Square Register two-screen system (monthly financing available).
- 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.
SumUp Plus: Best standalone card reader + mobile app
Style: Handheld.
Why we like it: The SumUp Plus comes with all the basic features of a card reader and a low price. It connects to a smart device to process payments and features a small screen to display transaction totals for swiping, dipping and tapping credit cards and accepting Apple Pay and Google Pay. Although the Plus doesn’t print receipts, you can send digital receipts to customers’ email addresses. Read our full SumUp review.
$0.
- $54 for SumUp Plus card reader.
- $64 for SumUp Plus cradle bundle.
- $99 for SumUp Solo touchscreen.
- $169 for SumUp Solo Printer Bundle.
- $799 for SumUp POS bundle.
- 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.
Clover Station Duo: Best countertop terminal + customer-facing screen
Style: Tabletop.
Why we like it: The Clover Station Duo has two screens (one facing each side of the counter), processes credit card and digital payment options and prints receipts, giving customers a smoother checkout. It also comes with a cash drawer for an all-in-one setup. Clover offers two POS options for the Station Duo: one for retail and one for restaurants.
- $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.
- $49 for chip, swipe and contactless Clover Go card reader.
- $599 for Clover Flex mobile POS with printer.
- $799 for Clover Mini POS.
- $1,699 for Clover Station Solo.
- $1,799 for Clover Station Duo.
- 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.
Payanywhere Smart Terminal: Best handheld terminal + barcode scanner
Style: Handheld.
Why we like it: The Payanywhere Smart Terminal lets small businesses print receipts on the go and comes with a five-inch touch screen to show transaction details. It also scans barcodes for faster checkout and accepts credit card payments, including some digital wallets. However, it doesn’t accept Google Pay. Payanywhere’s POS features include reporting, employee tracking and inventory management. Read our full Payanywhere review.
$14.95.
$349.95.
- 2.69% for in-person transactions.
- 3.49% plus 19 cents for online, keyed and virtual terminal transactions.
PayPal Zettle: Best credit card reader + QR code scanning
Style: Handheld.
Why we like it: PayPal's Zettle goes one step further by letting customers pay by QR code directly from their PayPal accounts — just create a unique QR code on the card reader and let the customer scan the code with their phone to initiate payment. QR code payments are charged at the same rate as card-present transactions. It’s also a handheld design that’s easy to take on the go, accepts chip and contactless payments and has a screen to display simple transaction details. Read our full PayPal Zettle review.
$0.
- $29 for first card reader; additional readers cost $79. Price includes USB cable.
- $199 for terminal only.
- $239 for terminal with barcode scanner built in.
- $249 for Store Kit Mini (screen terminal with card reader).
- $339 for Store Kit Portable kit with mobile card reader and printer.
- $499 for Store Kit Standard (adds printer).
- $699 for Store Kit Plus (adds barcode scanner).
- 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 Register: Best countertop terminal + customer-facing screen
Style: Tabletop with two screens.
Why we like it: The Square Register accepts digital wallets and all credit cards and also lets customers pay via QR code through Cash App. This option can help businesses avoid the higher processing fees associated with card-not-present transactions and is available for customers online if you set up a Square Online website. The system also comes with two screens: a 13.25-inch screen for the cashier and a seven-inch screen for the customer. Although Square Register doesn’t scan barcodes or print receipts, you can order additional hardware to set up these features.
- $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.
- $0 for Square magstripe-only card reader ($10 for each additional reader) or if using Tap to Pay for iPhone (iPhone not included).
- $49 and up for Square Reader contactless and chip card reader.
- $149 for Square Stand iPad POS or Square Stand Mount (iPad not included; monthly financing available).
- $299 for Square Terminal mobile card reader with built-in printer (monthly financing available).
- $799 for Square Register two-screen system (monthly financing available).
- 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 compact handheld terminal + printer
Style: Handheld to tabletop conversion.
Why we like it: Square Terminal is a compact handheld credit card machine built for portability, but you can also connect it to a tablet to create a tabletop terminal with a second screen for when customers come to you. It accepts all payment types and can print receipts for a smooth checkout process. Although it requires an internet connection and won’t work on cellular data, it can connect to Wi-Fi or ethernet and can accept offline payments when Wi-Fi isn’t available.
- $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.
- $0 for Square magstripe-only card reader ($10 for each additional reader) or if using Tap to Pay for iPhone (iPhone not included).
- $49 and up for Square Reader contactless and chip card reader.
- $149 for Square Stand iPad POS or Square Stand Mount (iPad not included; monthly financing available).
- $299 for Square Terminal mobile card reader with built-in printer (monthly financing available).
- $799 for Square Register two-screen system (monthly financing available).
- 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.
Payanywhere Smart Flex: Best handheld terminal + customer-facing screen
Style: Handheld with two screens.
Why we like it: Payanywhere’s Smart Flex has several features that make it great for on-the-go transactions, including a second screen for customers to see transaction details. It can also print receipts and scan barcodes. It accepts all payment types and can process offline transactions.
$24.95.
$549.95.
- 2.69% for in-person transactions.
- 3.49% plus 19 cents for online, keyed and virtual terminal transactions.
Toast Go 2: Best handheld terminal for restaurants
Style: Handheld.
Why we like it: Toast’s Go 2 was built with food service in mind, with a 24-hour battery life and an exterior that can stand up to spills and being dropped. Working with Toast’s restaurant POS, the Go 2 lets you submit orders and check out customers at the table. The handheld reader works well for food trucks and smaller cafes and also integrates into Toast’s larger kitchen system if you decide to expand. You can accept all types of payments and never worry about losing sales with the ability to accept offline payments. Read our full Toast review.
- $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.
- $799.20 for Handheld Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee).
- $1,024.20 for Countertop Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee).
- $1,339.20 for Guest Self-Service Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee).
- 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.
Credit card machines and POS terminals are pieces of hardware that allow your business to accept card payments in person. They give customers a secure way to either swipe, dip or tap their card and share the information stored on it, so that their purchase can be authorized. Some options may also accept digital wallets or QR code payments.
However, you’ll need more than a machine or terminal to process credit card payments. Businesses typically pair these with a payment processing service and integrated POS software program. The payment processing service facilitates the movement of money from customers’ bank accounts to your business’s account, and the POS software records the sales data so that you can generate financial reports.
The right credit card processing hardware for your business will depend on multiple factors, including where and what you sell. But it’s also important not to choose hardware in isolation. Because while you may want a portable reader, for instance, that’s ultimately just one component of your broader POS system.
Considering the following factors will help guide the decision making process and ensure all of your POS components work together seamlessly.
Mobility
Some credit card machines and terminals are made to be stationary, and others can go wherever you do. Consider where most of your sales occur, and make sure your hardware can follow. Maybe it even means having a countertop POS system for your physical store and a more portable credit card reader for the occasional farmers market or pop-up booth sales.
» MORE: Best mobile POS systems
Types of payments accepted
Do you want customers to be able to scan QR codes or use digital wallet methods, like Apple Pay and Google Pay? Credit card machines commonly accept swiped, dipped or tapped cards, but not all accept these other methods of payment.
Extra features
Customer-facing displays can be great for businesses that accept tips and want to offer customers preset gratuity options while keeping the line moving. Barcode scanners, in particular, are ideal for high-volume retail shops that keep a close eye on their inventory. Some other credit card machine features include built-in receipt printers and the ability to accept payments if the Wi-Fi goes out.
Cost
Some basic card readers are free, but more complex terminals, like a countertop register, can cost hundreds of dollars. And if your card reader doesn’t have a built-in barcode scanner or receipt printer, you may have to consider purchasing those separately as well.
On top of hardware, don’t forget to also factor in the cost of POS software and payment processing fees. Lots of POS system providers offer free software plans, but you should always expect to pay per-transaction fees to process credit card payments.
POS software
Your business’s credit card machine is usually connected to a POS software program or app that collects data to give you insight into your sales. POS system providers may offer software subscriptions and hardware (including a credit card machine) as part of a package deal. Additionally, POS software is often industry specific, which can help you narrow down your choices.
Regardless, make sure the associated POS software does what you need it to do, whether that’s tracking inventory, calculating sales tax, helping you manage employees or generating advanced reports.
Payment processing
Credit card machines are also usually integrated with a payment processor that communicates with your customers’ banks and ensures money lands in your business’s account on time. Not all pieces of POS hardware and software are compatible with just any payment processor, so check to see what types of payments integrations are available before making up your mind. Ideally, the processor won’t charge extra fees for termination, PCI compliance or setup.
Last updated on March 12, 2024
Methodology
NerdWallet’s ratings of payment processing providers reward companies whose products and services are priced well and work in a variety of payment scenarios, among other criteria. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including overall cost, hardware and software options, system capabilities, customer service, contract requirements and integrations. Learn more about how we rate payment processing providers.
These ratings are a guide, but fees, hardware, software and contract requirements can vary widely from business to business and provider to provider. We encourage you to shop around and compare several providers.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines.
