Credit card readers for iPhone pair with a mobile point-of-sale (POS) app to help small businesses accept and process credit card payments. Ultimately, the best credit card reader for your iPhone should accept at least chip and contactless payments, be compatible with your POS system and offer cost-effective payment processing fees.
All of our picks for the best iPhone credit card readers are chosen by our editorial team, who follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our coverage to help you choose the right card reader for your company. We independently evaluate iPhone credit card readers as part of their larger POS systems, scoring them on capabilities, cost, integrations and other features. View our full methodology.
These credit card readers for iPhone meet the criteria.
Best Credit Card Readers for iPhone
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 Go Learn more on Clover Go's secure website | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | 4.0/5 Best for Quick deposits | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $0.00 Payments plan; $14.95 Essentials plan. | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | Learn more on Clover Go's secure website |
Square Reader Learn more on Square Reader's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Integrating with full POS system | 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 | ||
Helcim card reader Learn more on Helcim card reader's secure website | 4.5/5 Best for Volume discounts | In-person: 0.4% + $0.08 Online: 0.5% + $0.25 Plus interchange | $0.00 | Learn more on Helcim card reader's secure website | ||
SumUp Plus Learn more on SumUp Plus' secure website | 3.5/5 Best for iPhone credit card reader with a screen | In-person: 2.75% + $0.00 Online: 2.9% + $0.15 | $0.00 | Learn more on SumUp Plus' secure website | ||
Payanywhere 3-in-1 reader | 4.0/5 Best for Reputation management tools | In-person: 2.69% + $0.00 Online: 3.49% + $0.19 | $0.00 | |||
PayPal Zettle | 4.0/5 Best for Alternative payment options | In-person: 2.29% + $0.09 Online: 2.89% + $0.49 | $0.00 | |||
QuickBooks card reader | 3.0/5 Best for Accounting integration | In-person: 2.5% + $0.00 Online: 2.99% + $0.00 | $0.00 |
Our pick for
Quick deposits
Businesses with occasional cash flow issues might benefit from Clover’s rapid deposit option, which lets you access card transaction funds within minutes. However, keep in mind that it comes with an extra 1.5% fee. And if you don’t want to use Clover as your payment processor, its hardware is also available through resellers that use separate payment processing services.
Clover Go
Learn more
on Clover Go's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Payments plan; $14.95 Essentials plan.
This credit card reader by Clover works with phones and tablets via Bluetooth. It accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.Read full review
Pros
- Charges via standard USB charger.
- Uses passcodes for employees.
Cons
- Takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to charge.
- Requires a monthly fee for advanced POS features.
Our pick for
Integrating with full POS system
In addition to offering multiple card reader options, Square sells a variety of POS hardware setups for restaurants and retail stores. You can buy a register kit with a cash drawer and receipt printer or piece your own setup together by purchasing an iPad stand and whichever accessories you need. Square offers free POS plans for these more robust hardware setups, too.
Square Reader
Learn more
on Square Reader's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Square doesn't charge a monthly fee for use of its basic point-of-sale system, which makes this low-cost reader and its software an affordable and efficient option for business owners.Read full review
Pros
- Has a compact design.
- Square Reader for magstripe and POS app are free.
- Magstripe reader doesn’t have to be charged.
Cons
- Free Square Reader only lets you swipe cards; must purchase upgraded Square Reader to accept contactless and chip payments.
- Square Reader for contactless and chip payments takes roughly two to three hours to charge.
Our pick for
Volume discounts
Helcim stands out for its interchange-plus processing fees and volume discounts, making it a good option for high-volume businesses. The company offers lower interchange markups when your business processes more than $50,000 in card transactions each month.
Helcim card reader
Learn more
on Helcim card reader's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Helcim’s card reader accepts chip and contactless payments, and it provides POS software with well-developed features.
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 pick for
iPhone credit card reader with a screen
The SumUp Plus card reader includes its own built-in screen that displays the amount owed and lets customers know when to tap, insert or swipe their cards and whether it’s necessary to leave a signature on the merchant’s iPhone. There’s also a keypad for manually keying in card information.
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.Read full review
Pros
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
- Has a screen to display transaction details.
Cons
- Has less robust POS software features than other card readers.
Our pick for
Reputation management tools
Payanywhere has a unique reputation management feature that lets you monitor what people are saying about your business online, whether it’s through your Google Business profile or a social media platform. You can use the reputation management platform to receive notifications each time someone leaves a new review and quickly respond.
Payanywhere 3-in-1 reader
Monthly fee
$0.00
Payanywhere’s card reader comes with low in-person payment processing rates with no fixed fee on top. Also included with the card at no additional cost is Payanywhere’s simple POS with basic functionality that includes inventory management and reporting.Read full review
Pros
- No monthly fee.
- Transparent pricing.
- Can process all three payment types.
Cons
- No screen to display transaction details.
- POS software is not as advanced as some competitors.
- $3.99 per month inactivity fee for 12 months without a transaction.
Our pick for
Alternative payment options
PayPal’s Zettle card reader also has a built-in screen and keypad, but its ability to accept a wide variety of payment options is what really sets it apart from its competitors. In addition to debit and credit card payments, Zettle lets customers use Venmo, PayPal and a handful of digital wallets.
PayPal Zettle
Monthly fee
$0.00
PayPal Zettle delivers the essentials at a relatively low cost with a small commitment. On top of accepting credit and debit cards (customers can either dip or tap them to the device), Zettle accepts other payment methods like Venmo, PayPal and digital wallets. But consider other options if you want features like customer loyalty and email marketing programs. Although Zettle can expand through hardware, it doesn’t offer plan upgrades or those types of add-ons.Read full review
Pros
- 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
Accounting integration
QuickBooks doesn’t offer its own in-house POS registers like some of its competitors, but its card reader is a convenient option for solopreneurs who take the occasional in-person payment and want to sync it directly with their QuickBooks Online accounting software.
QuickBooks card reader
Monthly fee
$0.00
If you have a QuickBooks Online account, you can use this card reader to automatically record your transactions in the accounting software.Read full review
Pros
- No monthly fee.
- Transparent pricing.
- Has a screen to display transaction details.
Cons
- Doesn't process swiped payments.
- Requires a QuickBooks account, which starts at $30 per month.
Clover Go: Best for quick deposits
Why we like it: The Clover Go is a compact, portable card reader that connects to comprehensive POS software. Clover’s Essentials plan, which has a monthly fee, includes extra features such as tax reporting, real-time sales tracking and a customer database. The reader is able to accept payments even when your device is offline, although transactions won’t go through until you’re back online. Read our full Clover review.
Accepts: Magstripe, chip and contactless payment methods.
- $0 for Payments plan.
- $14.95 for Essentials 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.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions.
- 3.5% plus 10 cents for online or keyed-in transactions.
- The reader processes all three types of payments.
- Clover's transaction fees are transparent.
- Free monthly plan option available.
- The POS software is well developed.
- It doesn't have a screen to display transaction details.
SumUp Plus reader: Best iPhone credit card reader with a screen
Why we like it: SumUp’s Plus reader can process more than 500 transactions on a single power charge. It has a screen to display transaction details, so you won’t have to share your personal device with the customer. SumUp offers a free app to use with the reader, which includes functionality for sales tracking and reporting and the ability to send digital receipts to customers. It doesn’t charge a monthly fee and doesn’t require a contract. Read our full SumUp review.
Accepts: Magstripe, chip and contactless payment methods.
$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.
- The reader processes all three payment types.
- There is no monthly fee.
- Fees are transparent and easy to understand.
- It has a screen to display transaction details.
- The free app has less functionality than some competitors’ offerings.
» MORE: Best mobile POS systems
Payanywhere 3-in-1 reader: Best for reputation management tools
Why we like it: Payanywhere’s versatile card reader comes with low in-person payment processing rates with no fixed fee on top. This makes it a cost-effective option for businesses with smaller transaction totals — for example, in-person transactions of $10 or less. Also included with the card at no additional cost is Payanywhere’s simple POS with basic functionality that includes inventory management and reporting. Read our full Payanywhere review.
Accepts: Magstripe, chip and contactless payment methods.
$0.
$59.95.
- 2.69% for in-person transactions.
- 3.49% plus 19 cents for online, keyed and virtual terminal transactions.
- Payanywhere doesn't charge a monthly fee for its POS app.
- Transaction fees are transparent.
- The 3-in-1 reader can process all three payment types.
- It doesn't have a screen to display transaction details.
- Payanywhere's POS software is not as advanced as that of some competitors.
- There's a $3.99 per month inactivity fee for 12 months without a transaction.
Square Reader: Best for integrating with full POS system
Why we like it: Square’s free POS software is among the most feature-rich out there; it can give you the full range of business management capabilities, including customized and digital receipts, invoicing, customer profiles for repeat buyers, inventory management and more. Square also offers Tap to Pay on iPhone, which lets merchants accept card payments using only a regular iPhone with the Square POS app. Customers hold their cards or their own iPhone wallets near the merchant's phone to pay. Read our full Square review.
Accepts: Depends on which version of the Square Reader you purchase; The free Square Reader for magstripe only accepts swiped payments; The upgraded Square Reader accepts chip and contactless payment methods.
- $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 fees are transparent.
- Free monthly plan option available.
- Square's POS software is more robust than some competitors’ offerings.
- Square Reader for contactless and chip payments doesn’t let you swipe cards.
- Neither reader has a screen to display transaction details.
PayPal Zettle: Best for alternative payment options
Why we like it: Unlike some competitors, PayPal Zettle works with PayPal and Venmo. All transactions made with Zettle go straight into your PayPal account and can be transferred to your bank. Read our full PayPal Zettle review.
Accepts: Chip and contactless payment methods.
$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).
- Fees are transparent.
- Card reader has a screen to display transaction details.
- PayPal Zettle's POS app offers a variety of features.
- Zettle doesn't process swipe payments.
QuickBooks card reader: Best for accounting integration
Why we like it: If you have a QuickBooks Online account, you can use this card reader to automatically record your transactions in the accounting software. Read our full QuickBooks Payments review.
Accepts: Chip and contactless payment methods.
$0.
- $39 for QuickBooks charging stand.
- $49 for QuickBooks card reader.
- $79 for QuickBooks card reader with charging stand.
For QuickBooks Online users
- 2.5% for in-person payments.
- 2.99% for online and invoiced payments.
- 3.5% for manually keyed payments.
- 1% for ACH transactions.
For QuickBooks Desktop users
Pay as you go plan (no monthly fee):
- 2.4% plus 30 cents per in-person transaction.
- 3.5% plus 30 cents per keyed-in or invoiced transaction.
- $3 per ACH transfer.
Pay monthly plan ($20 monthly fee):
- 1.6% plus 30 cents per in-person transaction.
- 3.3% plus 30 cents per keyed-in or invoiced transaction.
- $3 per ACH transfer.
- There's no monthly fee.
- Processing fees are transparent.
- It has a screen to display transaction details.
- Doesn’t process swiped payments.
- Requires a QuickBooks account.
Helcim card reader: Best for volume discounts
Why we like it: The purchase of a Helcim card reader also gives you access to its robust POS system, a virtual terminal and other tools at no additional cost. Helcim’s interchange pricing model and volume discounts make it a stronger fit for businesses with higher monthly transaction volumes. Read our full Helcim review.
Accepts: Chip and contactless payment methods.
$0.
- $99 for a mobile card reader (with stand).
- $329 for a stand-alone terminal with built-in thermal printer.
- 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.
- No monthly fees.
- Transparent pricing.
- Has volume discounts available.
- Has robust POS software features.
- Doesn’t accept swiped payments.
Credit card readers for iPhone turn your smartphone into a standalone mobile POS system or an extension of a larger, existing POS system. This gives you the flexibility to accept in-person payments anywhere, whether that’s in your brick-and-mortar storefront or at a pop-up event. Ultimately, brick-and-mortar, mobile and online businesses all have the potential to expand their customer base by adding iPhone credit card readers to their tool kit.
You’ll start by downloading a mobile POS app on your iPhone. Some providers send you an iPhone credit card reader for free and others require you to purchase one — they typically cost around $50, but prices vary. From there, you’ll pair the iPhone credit card reader with the mobile POS app and start accepting payments. Credit card readers either plug directly into your iPhone or connect to it via bluetooth.
How to choose the best credit card reader for iPhone
Explore more payment processing options
Payment processing companies often sell their own proprietary card readers or readers from a third-party company, like Clover. If you didn’t find what you’re looking for in the list above, here are some additional payment processors with competitive rates and hardware options.
Here is more information on how NerdWallet evaluates POS systems, payment processors, their accompanying apps and card readers:
Last updated on May 1, 2024
