A credit card reader is essential to many small businesses, and choosing the right card reader can help your company operate more smoothly. The best choice depends on your budget, the features you need and whether you're accepting payments at a counter or on the go.
Below is a list of the best credit card readers for small businesses and what they can do for your business.
Our Nerdy picks for
Best Credit Card Readers for Small Businesses
Product | Payment processing fees | Learn more | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Square Chip Reader Learn more on Square Chip Reader's secure website | Best for Free option with basic functions | 2.6% + 10¢ in-person; 2.9% + 30¢ online. | $0 Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations. | Learn more on Square Chip Reader's secure website |
Clover Go Learn more on Clover Go's secure website | Best for On-the-go payments for all card types | 2.6% + 10¢ or 2.6% + 10¢ in-person; 3.5% + 10¢ online. | $15 $14.95 and up. | Learn more on Clover Go's secure website |
PayPal Zettle | 5.0/5 Best for PayPal and Venmo payment options | 2.29% + 9¢ in-person; 3.49% + 49¢ online. | $0 | |
SumUp Plus | Best for A low-cost do-it-all reader | 2.75% in-person; 2.9% + 15¢ online. | $0 | |
Clover Flex Learn more on Clover Flex's secure website | Best for An all-in-one handheld system | 2.3% + 10¢ or 2.6% + 10¢ in-person; 3.5% + 10¢ online. | $15 $14.95 and up. | Learn more on Clover Flex's secure website |
Helcim Card Reader Learn more on Helcim Card Reader's secure website | Best for Low-cost transaction fees with volume-based discounts | 0.30% + 8¢ plus interchange, in-person; 0.50% + 25¢ plus interchange, online. | $0 | Learn more on Helcim Card Reader's secure website |
Toast Go 2 | Best for Tableside payments at restaurants | 2.99% + 15¢ for pay-as-you-go option on hardware. | $0 Quick Start Bundle; $69 Core plan; $165 Growth plan. Custom plan also available. | |
Square Terminal Learn more on Square Terminal's secure website | Best for A compact countertop reader | 2.6% + 10¢ in-person; 2.9% + 30¢ online. | $0 Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations. | Learn more on Square Terminal's secure website |
Square Stand Learn more on Square Stand's secure website | Best for An iPad-compatible register | 2.6% + 10¢ in-person; 2.9% + 30¢ online. | $0 Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations. | Learn more on Square Stand's secure website |
Clover Mini Learn more on Clover Mini's secure website | Best for An all-in-one register | 2.3% + 10¢ or 2.6% + 10¢ in-person; 3.5% + 10¢ online. | $15 $14.95 and up. | Learn more on Clover Mini's secure website |
Clover Station Solo Learn more on Clover Station Solo's secure website | Best for A full register with a single screen | 2.3% + 10¢ or 2.6% + 10¢ in-person; 3.5% + 10¢ online. | $15 $14.95 and up. | Learn more on Clover Station Solo's secure website |
Square Register Learn more on Square Register's secure website | Best for A full register setup with a customer-facing screen | 2.6% + 10¢ in-person; 2.9% + 30¢ online. | $0 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 | Best for A full checkout experience | 2.3% + 10¢ or 2.6% + 10¢ in-person; 3.5% + 10¢ online. | $15 $14.95 and up. | Learn more on Clover Station Duo's secure website |
Our pick for
Free option with basic functions
Square Chip Reader
Learn more
on Square Chip Reader's secure website
Payment processing fees
2.6% + 10¢
in-person; 2.9% + 30¢ online.
Monthly fee
$0
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.
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.
Our pick for
On-the-go payments for all card types
Clover Go
Learn more
on Clover Go's secure website
Payment processing fees
2.6% + 10¢ or 2.6% + 10¢
in-person; 3.5% + 10¢ online.
Monthly fee
$15
$14.95 and up.
This credit card reader by Clover works with phones and tablets via Bluetooth. It accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
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.
Our pick for
PayPal and Venmo payment options
PayPal Zettle
Payment processing fees
2.29% + 9¢
in-person; 3.49% + 49¢ online.
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
A low-cost do-it-all reader
SumUp Plus
Payment processing fees
2.75%
in-person; 2.9% + 15¢ online.
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
An all-in-one handheld system
Clover Flex
Learn more
on Clover Flex's secure website
Payment processing fees
2.3% + 10¢ or 2.6% + 10¢
in-person; 3.5% + 10¢ online.
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 bar codes and even print receipts.
Pros
- Works with Bluetooth.
- Paid plans have good POS features.
Cons
- Requires monthly plan for advanced features.
Our pick for
Low-cost transaction fees with volume-based discounts
Helcim Card Reader
Learn more
on Helcim Card Reader's secure website
Payment processing fees
0.30% + 8¢
plus interchange, in-person; 0.50% + 25¢ plus interchange, online.
Monthly fee
$0
Helcim’s card reader accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments, and it provides POS software with well-developed features.
Pros
- Has volume discounts.
- Has robust POS software features.
Cons
- Might change processing rate if monthly transaction rate drops.
Our pick for
Tableside payments at restaurants
Toast Go 2
Payment processing fees
2.99% + 15¢
for pay-as-you-go option on hardware.
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
- Is designed specifically for restaurants.
- Offers 24/7 support.
- Is versatile and durable.
Cons
- Requires quotes for advanced monthly plans.
- Requires a contract.
Our pick for
A compact countertop reader
Square Terminal
Learn more
on Square Terminal's secure website
Payment processing fees
2.6% + 10¢
in-person; 2.9% + 30¢ online.
Monthly fee
$0
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.
Pros
- Doesn't require a separate device.
- Shows transaction details.
- Is compact and easy to use.
Cons
- Can take over four hours to charge.
Our pick for
An iPad-compatible register
Square Stand
Learn more
on Square Stand's secure website
Payment processing fees
2.6% + 10¢
in-person; 2.9% + 30¢ online.
Monthly fee
$0
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.
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 pick for
An all-in-one register
Clover Mini
Learn more
on Clover Mini's secure website
Payment processing fees
2.3% + 10¢ or 2.6% + 10¢
in-person; 3.5% + 10¢ online.
Monthly fee
$15
$14.95 and up.
The Clover Mini is a countertop setup that doesn't require a tablet.
Pros
- Can be mounted to a countertop.
- Works without a third-party device.
Cons
- Requires paid monthly plan for advanced features.
Our pick for
A full register with a single screen
Clover Station Solo
Learn more
on Clover Station Solo's secure website
Payment processing fees
2.3% + 10¢ or 2.6% + 10¢
in-person; 3.5% + 10¢ online.
Monthly fee
$15
$14.95 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.
Pros
- Has fingerprint login.
- Has fast processing speeds.
- Has robust POS software options.
Cons
- Doesn't have a free monthly plan option.
Our pick for
A full register setup with a customer-facing screen
Square Register
Learn more
on Square Register's secure website
Payment processing fees
2.6% + 10¢
in-person; 2.9% + 30¢ online.
Monthly fee
$0
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.
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
A full checkout experience
Clover Station Duo
Learn more
on Clover Station Duo's secure website
Payment processing fees
2.3% + 10¢ or 2.6% + 10¢
in-person; 3.5% + 10¢ online.
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 picks for the best card readers for small businesses
Square’s contactless and chip card reader enables you to accept credit 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.
Style: Connects to a compatible phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
Price: $49 for reader and $29 for optional dock.
Payment processing fees:
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions (2.5% plus 10 cents with Retail Plus plan).
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions or invoices without a card on file.
- 3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions or card-on-file invoices.
Monthly fees:
- $0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
- $29 for Square POS Plus and Square Appointments Plus plans.
- $60 for Restaurant Plus and Retail Plus plans.
- $69 for Square Appointments Premium plan.
Pros:
- Has a compact design.
- Reads chip cards, digital wallets and contactless cards.
Cons:
- Doesn't swipe credit cards.
- Takes roughly two to three hours to charge.
» MORE: What is a POS?
This credit card reader by Clover works with 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.
Style: Connects to compatible phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
Price: $49 for reader.
Payment processing fees:
- 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.
Monthly fees:
- $14.95 for Retail Starter, Professional Services Starter and Standard, Personal Services Starter and Home & Field Services plans.
- $44.95 for Retail Standard, QSR Starter and Standard, Professional Services Advanced and Personal Services Standard and Advanced plans.
- $54.90 for Retail Advanced and QSR Advanced plans.
- $74.95 for Full-Service Dining Starter plan.
- $84.90 for Full-Service Dining Standard plan.
- $94.85 for Full-Service Dining Advanced plan.
Pros:
- Includes invoicing options with both plans.
- Charges via micro USB charger.
- Uses passcodes for employees.
Cons:
- Can take up to two hours to fully charge.
- Requires a monthly fee for advanced POS features.
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, with lower rates available for transactions made by QR code. 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.
Style: Connects to compatible phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
Price: New customers can get their first card reader for $29; additional readers are $79.
Payment processing fees:
- 2.29% plus 9 cents for in-person and QR code transactions.
- 3.49% plus 9 cents for manual entry card transactions.
- 3.49% plus 49 cents for invoicing transactions.
- 1.9% plus 10 cents for PayPal and Venmo QR code transactions over $10.
Monthly fees: $0
Pros:
- Has lower rates for PayPal and Venmo platforms.
- Includes new customer discount for first reader purchase.
- Has a screen to show transaction details.
Cons:
- Deposits funds into your PayPal Business account, not a bank account.
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.
Style: Connects to compatible phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
Price: $39 for reader; $49 with cradle; $129 for SumUp Solo touchscreen reader.
Payment processing fees:
- 2.75% for in-person transactions.
- 2.90% plus 15 cents for online transactions.
- 3.25% plus 15 cents for manually keyed or payment-linked transactions.
Monthly fees: $0
Pros:
- Accepts swiped, inserted and contactless payments.
- Has a screen that displays transaction details.
Cons:
- Has less robust POS software features.
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.
Price: $599 for reader or $35/month for hardware + software; monthly contract required.
Payment processing fees:
- 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.
Monthly fees:
- $14.95 for Retail Starter, Professional Services Starter and Standard, Personal Services Starter and Home & Field Services plans.
- $44.95 for Retail Standard, QSR Starter and Standard, Professional Services Advanced and Personal Services Standard and Advanced plans.
- $54.90 for Retail Advanced and QSR Advanced plans.
- $74.95 for Full-Service Dining Starter plan.
- $84.90 for Full-Service Dining Standard plan.
- $94.85 for Full-Service Dining Advanced plan.
Pros:
- Works without connecting to a personal device.
- Has payment plans available.
- Has a free monthly plan for basic features.
Cons:
- Requires an initial investment.
- Requires monthly plan for advanced features.
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, choose a monthly fee or pay to cancel your service.
Style: Connects via Bluetooth.
Price: $109 for the reader.
Payment processing fees:
- Interchange plus 0.3% and 8 cents per in-person transaction (if less than $25,000 in monthly card transactions).
- Interchange plus 0.5% and 25 cents per online transaction (if less than $25,000 in monthly card transactions).
- Interchange plus 0.5% and 25 cents per manually keyed transaction (if less than $25,000 in monthly card transactions).
- 0.5% plus 25 cents for ACH payments.
Monthly fees: $0
Pros:
- Has volume discounts available.
- Has robust POS software features.
Cons:
- Doesn’t accept swipe payments with magstripe cards.
- Might be difficult to calculate monthly cost in advance.
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 contracts.
Style: Standalone handheld reader.
Price: $409 if you choose the pay-as-you-go option on hardware. $409 plus $50 per month if you pay for hardware upfront.
Payment processing fees:
- 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.
Monthly fees:
- $0 for Quick Start Bundle.
- $69 for Core plan.
- $110 + $4 per employee for Restaurant Basics plan.
- $165 for Growth plan.
- Custom plans available.
Pros:
- Is designed specifically for restaurants.
- Offers 24/7 customer support.
- Is versatile and durable.
Cons:
- Requires quotes for advanced monthly plans.
- Requires a contract.
» MORE: Best restaurant POS systems
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.
Price: $299 for the reader.
Payment processing fees:
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions (2.5% plus 10 cents with Retail Plus plan).
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions or invoices without a card on file.
- 3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions or card-on-file invoices.
Monthly fees:
- $0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
- $29 for Square POS Plus and Square Appointments Plus plans.
- $60 for Restaurant Plus and Retail Plus plans.
- $69 for Square Appointments Premium plan.
Pros:
- Doesn't require a separate device.
- Shows transaction details.
- Is compact and easy to use.
Cons:
- Can take over four hours to charge.
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 compatible iPad.
Price: $149 for the reader.
Payment processing fees:
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions (2.5% plus 10 cents with Retail Plus plan).
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions or invoices without a card on file.
- 3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions or card-on-file invoices.
Monthly fees:
- $0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
- $29 for Square POS Plus and Square Appointments Plus plans.
- $60 for Restaurant Plus and Retail Plus plans.
- $69 for Square Appointments Premium plan.
Pros:
- Swivels for customers to use.
- Can be mounted to a countertop.
Cons:
- Only works with certain iPad models.
- Doesn’t allow swipe option.
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.
Price: $799 or $45/month for hardware + software with the Retail Starter plan; monthly contract required.
Payment processing fees:
- 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.
Monthly fees:
- $14.95 for Retail Starter, Professional Services Starter and Standard, Personal Services Starter and Home & Field Services plans.
- $44.95 for Retail Standard, QSR Starter and Standard, Professional Services Advanced and Personal Services Standard and Advanced plans.
- $54.90 for Retail Advanced and QSR Advanced plans.
- $74.95 for Full-Service Dining Starter plan.
- $84.90 for Full-Service Dining Standard plan.
- $94.85 for Full-Service Dining Advanced plan.
Pros:
- Can be mounted to a countertop.
- Works without an iPad.
- Has free monthly plan available.
- Has payment plans available.
Cons:
- Requires paid monthly plan for advanced features.
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.
Price: $1,349 or $120/month (retail & services) or $150/month (full-service dining) for hardware + software; monthly contract required.
Payment processing fees:
- 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.
Monthly fees:
- $14.95 for Retail Starter, Professional Services Starter and Standard, Personal Services Starter and Home & Field Services plans.
- $44.95 for Retail Standard, QSR Starter and Standard, Professional Services Advanced and Personal Services Standard and Advanced plans.
- $54.90 for Retail Advanced and QSR Advanced plans.
- $74.95 for Full-Service Dining Starter plan.
- $84.90 for Full-Service Dining Standard plan.
- $94.85 for Full-Service Dining Advanced plan.
Pros:
- Has fingerprint login.
- Uses fast processing speeds.
- Has robust POS software options.
Cons:
- Requires one of the larger upfront investments.
- Doesn't have a free monthly plan option.
The Square Register is the first fully integrated credit card scanner system from Square and is a complete 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. It also offers an extra-long cable that allows businesses to separate the Register and customer's screen to encourage social distancing. 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.
Price: $799 for reader.
Payment processing fees:
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions (2.5% plus 10 cents with Retail Plus plan).
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions or invoices without a card on file.
- 3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions or card-on-file invoices.
Monthly fees:
- $0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
- $29 for Square POS Plus and Square Appointments Plus plans.
- $60 for Restaurant Plus and Retail Plus plans.
- $69 for Square Appointments Premium plan.
Pros:
- Has two screens.
- Can be mounted to a countertop.
- Has advanced apps and software options.
Cons:
- Must be plugged in at all times.
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.
Price: $1,799 or $130/month for hardware + software; monthly contract required.
Payment processing fees:
- 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.
Monthly fees:
- $14.95 for Retail Starter, Professional Services Starter and Standard, Personal Services Starter and Home & Field Services plans.
- $44.95 for Retail Standard, QSR Starter and Standard, Professional Services Advanced and Personal Services Standard and Advanced plans.
- $54.90 for Retail Advanced and QSR Advanced plans.
- $74.95 for Full-Service Dining Starter plan.
- $84.90 for Full-Service Dining Standard plan.
- $94.85 for Full-Service Dining Advanced plan.
Pros:
- Has fingerprint login.
- Uses fast processing speeds.
- Has robust POS software options.
- Has two screens, merchant facing and customer facing.
Cons:
- Requires one of the larger upfront investments.
- Doesn't have a free monthly plan option.
» MORE: How to choose a POS system
What is a card reader?
A card reader is a device merchants use to detect and transmit information on credit cards, debit cards or other payment cards, such as account number, authorization code or account name.
How to choose a card reader
The best card reader for you will depend on a number of factors. Answering these questions can help you make the right choice:
- 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 features you want, you could pay more than $1,000. Remember to keep processing costs in mind: If a free reader charges more per transaction, you may not actually save money.
- How will you accept payments? Some card readers — such as those that work with iPhones — are portable and can turn a mobile device into a card reader, if you want to accept payments on-to-go. Other options are fixed attachments to a register, making them a better fit for counter-based businesses.
- What features do you need? If you want to simply accept magstripe, chip and contactless payments, a basic card reader can likely do the job. But if you're looking for more sophisticated features, like inventory management or advanced sales analytics, consider a comprehensive POS system instead.
Last updated on February 15, 2023
Methodology
NerdWallet’s ratings of payment processing providers rewards 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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