Credit card machines and terminals can accept payments, print receipts and make transactions easier for businesses. Depending on your business, the best credit card machine might work offline and scan barcodes, or it may have a customer-facing screen and print receipts.
Below are the best credit card machines for small businesses, with a summary of the key features.
» MORE: NerdWallet's best POS systems
Best Credit Card Machines and Terminals
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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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Clover Flex Learn more on Clover Flex's secure website | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | 4.0/5 Best for Overall | In-person: 2.3% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $15 $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 Value for money | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0 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 Low-cost option | In-person: 2.75% + $0.00 Online: 2.9% + $0.15 | $0 | Learn more on SumUp Plus' secure website | ||
Clover Station Duo Learn more on Clover Station Duo's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Option with two screens | In-person: 2.3% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $15 $14.95 and up. | Learn more on Clover Station Duo's secure website | ||
Payanywhere Smart Terminal | 4.5/5 Best for Option to print receipts | N/A in-person; 3.49% + 19¢ online, keyed and virtual terminal transactions. | $10 | |||
PayPal Zettle | 4.5/5 Best for QR code payments | In-person: 2.29% + $0.09 Online: 3.49% + $0.49 | $0 | |||
Square Register Learn more on Square Register's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Alternative payment methods | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.10 | $0 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 Flexible setup | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0 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 On-the-go transactions | N/A in-person; 3.49% + 19¢ online, keyed and virtual terminal transactions. | $20 | |||
Toast POS Learn more on Toast POS's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Food service | 2.99% + $0.15 | $0 Quick Start Bundle; $69 Core plan; $165 Growth plan. Custom plan also available. | Learn more on Toast POS's secure website |
Our pick for
Overall
Clover Flex
Learn more
on Clover Flex's secure website
Monthly fee
$15
$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
- Works with Bluetooth.
- Paid plans have good POS features.
Cons
- Requires monthly plan for advanced features.
Our pick for
Value for money
Square Stand
Learn more
on Square Stand's secure website
Monthly fee
$0
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 on its own.
- Can’t scan barcodes on its own.
Our pick for
Low-cost option
SumUp Plus
Learn more
on SumUp Plus' secure website
Monthly fee
$0
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 screen to display transaction details.
Cons
- Has less robust POS software features than other card readers.
Our pick for
Option with two screens
Clover Station Duo
Learn more
on Clover Station Duo's secure website
Monthly fee
$15
$14.95 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.
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.
Our pick for
Option to print receipts
Payanywhere Smart Terminal
Payment processing fees
N/A
in-person; 3.49% + 19¢ online, keyed and virtual terminal transactions.
Monthly fee
$10
The Payanywhere Smart Terminal lets small businesses print receipts on the go and comes with a 5-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 5-inch touch screen.
- Prints receipts.
- Scans barcodes.
- Accepts offline payments.
- Works without a smart device.
Cons
- Charges monthly $3.99 inactivity fee after 12 months.
Our pick for
QR code payments
PayPal Zettle
Monthly fee
$0
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
- Solid core features.
- No monthly fees.
- No long-term commitment.
- Low initial costs.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- No add-on features available.
- Limited integrations.
- Funds are transferred to your PayPal account and not your bank account.
Our pick for
Alternative payment methods
Square Register
Learn more
on Square Register's secure website
Monthly fee
$0
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Square's fully integrated 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 reader, the Square Register delivers.
Pros
- Has two screens.
- Can be mounted to a countertop.
- Has advanced apps and software options.
Cons
- Must be plugged in at all times.
Our pick for
Flexible setup
Square Terminal
Learn more
on Square Terminal's secure website
Monthly fee
$0
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
On its own, Square’s Terminal can work as a handheld credit card reader for when you're on the go, but connect it to a tablet and you’ve got 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.
- Can connect to a screen to create a tabletop model.
- Prints receipts.
- Accepts offline payments.
- Works as a handheld reader independently of a smart device.
Cons
- Works only with an internet connection.
- Can’t scan barcodes.
Our pick for
On-the-go transactions
Payanywhere Smart Flex
Payment processing fees
N/A
in-person; 3.49% + 19¢ online, keyed and virtual terminal transactions.
Monthly fee
$20
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.
- 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.
Our pick for
Food service
Toast POS
Learn more
on Toast POS's secure website
Payment processing fees
2.99% + $0.15
Monthly fee
$0
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.
Pros
- Promises no additional transaction fees or markups.
- Restaurant-friendly features for managing tables, inventory and employee performance.
- Multi-location management and the ability to publish different menus and set different prices at different locations.
- Live support available by phone, email or instant message.
- Pay-as-you-go plan with no monthly fee available.
Cons
- Some features, like online ordering and the loyalty program, may cost extra based on the package you choose.
- If you close your account before your contract term ends, you’ll have to pay the remaining subscription and software financing fees.
Clover Flex: Best overall
Style: Handheld.
POS monthly fee:
- $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.
Hardware cost:
- $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.
Payment processing:
- 2.3% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions for most plans.
- 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.
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 5-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 point-of-sale, or POS, features for those on a budget. Read our full Clover review.
Pros:
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripes and digital wallets.
- Features a 5-inch touch screen.
- Prints receipts.
- Scans barcodes.
- Allows offline payments.
- Works without a smart device.
Cons:
- Device is relatively expensive.
Square Stand: Best value for money
Style: Tabletop.
POS monthly fee:
- $0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
- $29 for Square Appointments Plus plan.
- $60 for Square Restaurant and Retail Plus plans.
- $69 for Square Appointments Premium plan.
Hardware cost:
- $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).
- $299 for Square Terminal mobile card reader with built-in printer.
- $799 for Square Register two-screen system.
Payment processing:
- 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.
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.
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 on its own.
- Can’t scan barcodes on its own.
SumUp Plus: Best low-cost option
Style: Handheld.
POS monthly fee: $0.
Hardware cost:
- $39 for SumUp Plus card reader.
- $49 for SumUp Plus cradle bundle.
- $129 for SumUp Solo touchscreen.
Payment processing:
- 2.75% for in-person transactions.
- 2.90% plus 15 cents for online and invoice transactions.
- 3.25% plus 15 cents for manually keyed or payment-linked transactions.
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.
Pros:
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripes and digital wallets.
Cons:
- Displays only minimal details on screen.
- Requires a smart device.
- Can’t print receipts.
- Can’t scan barcodes.
- Doesn’t process offline payments.
Clover Station Duo: Best option with two screens
Style: Tabletop.
POS monthly fee:
- $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.
Hardware cost:
- $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.
Payment processing:
- 2.3% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions for most plans.
- 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.
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.
Pros:
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripe and digital wallets.
- Has a 14-inch main screen and a 7-inch screen for customers.
- Prints receipts.
- Comes with a cash drawer.
- Accepts offline payments.
- Works without a smart device.
Cons:
- Device is relatively expensive.
Payanywhere Smart Terminal: Best option to print receipts
Style: Handheld.
POS monthly fee: $9.95.
Hardware cost: $349.95.
Payment processing:
- 2.69% for in-person transactions.
- 3.49% plus 19 cents for online, keyed and virtual terminal transactions.
Why we like it: The Payanywhere Smart Terminal lets small businesses print receipts on the go and comes with a 5-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.
Pros:
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripe and digital wallets.
- Has a 5-inch touch screen.
- Prints receipts.
- Scans barcodes.
- Accepts offline payments.
- Works without a smart device.
Cons:
- Charges monthly $3.99 inactivity fee after 12 months.
PayPal Zettle: Best for QR code payments
Style: Handheld.
POS monthly fee: $0.
Hardware cost:
- $29 for first card reader; additional readers cost $79. Price includes USB cable.
- $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).
Payment processing:
- 2.29% plus 9 cents for in-person and QR code transactions.
- 3.49% plus 9 cents for manual-entry card transactions.
- 2.99% plus 49 cents for invoicing (payment made with card).
- 3.49% plus 49 cents for invoicing (payment made with PayPal).
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.
Pros:
- Accepts credit card payments, including chip and contactless payments and digital wallets.
- Creates QR codes for an additional payment method.
Cons:
- Doesn’t swipe magstripe credit cards.
- Requires a smart device to work.
- Doesn’t support offline payments.
- Doesn’t print receipts.
- Doesn’t scan barcodes.
Square Register: Best for alternative payment methods
Style: Tabletop with two screens.
POS monthly fee:
- $0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
- $29 for Square Appointments Plus plan.
- $60 for Square Restaurant and Retail Plus plans.
- $69 for Square Appointments Premium plan.
Hardware cost:
- $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).
- $299 for Square Terminal mobile card reader with built-in printer.
- $799 for Square Register two-screen system.
Payment processing:
- 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.
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 7-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.
Pros:
- Has two screens, one for the business and one for customers.
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripe and digital wallets.
- Accepts QR codes for Cash App.
- Accepts offline payments.
- Works without a smart device.
Cons:
- Doesn’t print receipts.
- Doesn’t scan barcodes.
Square Terminal: Best for flexible setup
Style: Handheld to tabletop conversion.
POS monthly fee:
- $0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
- $29 for Square Appointments Plus plan.
- $60 for Square Restaurant and Retail Plus plans.
- $69 for Square Appointments Premium plan.
Hardware cost:
- $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).
- $299 for Square Terminal mobile card reader with built-in printer.
- $799 for Square Register two-screen system.
Payment processing:
- 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.
Why we like it: On its own, Square’s Terminal can work as a handheld credit card reader for when you’re on the go, but connect it to a tablet and you’ve got a tabletop terminal 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.
Pros:
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripe and digital wallets.
- Can connect to a screen to create a tabletop model.
- Prints receipts.
- Accepts offline payments.
- Works as a handheld reader independently of a smart device.
Cons:
- Works only with an internet connection.
- Can’t scan barcodes.
Payanywhere Smart Flex: Best for on-the-go transactions
Style: Handheld with two screens.
POS monthly fee: $19.95.
Hardware cost: $549.95.
Payment processing:
- 2.69% for in-person transactions.
- 3.49% plus 19 cents for online, keyed and virtual terminal transactions.
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.
Pros:
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripe and digital wallets.
- Has two screens, one for the business and one for customers.
- Prints receipts.
- 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.
Toast Go 2: Best for food service
Style: Handheld.
POS monthly 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.
Hardware:
- $627 for Handheld Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee).
- $875 for Countertop Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee).
- $1,009 for Guest Self-Service Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee).
Payment processing:
- 2.99% 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.
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.
Pros:
- Designed for a food service environment.
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripe and digital wallets.
- Has a 6.4-inch screen.
- Accepts offline payments.
- Works without a smart device.
Cons:
- Doesn’t print receipts.
Last updated on March 16, 2023
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.
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