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13 Best Credit Card Readers for Small Businesses of June 2023

Based on style, hardware costs and transaction fees, these top readers may be right for your business and budget.

By Whitney Vandiver and  Lisa Anthony 

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.

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.

Best Credit Card Readers for Small Businesses

Our pick for

Free option with basic functions

Square
Learn more

on Square Reader's secure website

Square Reader

Square

Payment processing fees

2.6% + 10¢

in-person; 2.9% + 30¢ online.

Monthly fee

$0

Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.

Learn more

on Square Reader's secure website


Why we like it

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.

Read Full Review

Our pick for

On-the-go payments for all card types

Clover
Learn more

on Clover Go's secure website

Clover Go

Clover

Payment processing fees

2.6% + 10¢

in-person; 3.5% + 10¢ online.

Monthly fee

$0

Starter plan; $14.95 Standard plan.

Learn more

on Clover Go's secure website


Why we like it

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.

Read Full Review

Our pick for

PayPal and Venmo payment options

PayPal Zettle

PayPal

Payment processing fees

2.29% + 9¢

in-person; 3.49% + 9¢ keyed.

Monthly fee

$0


Why we like it

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.

Read Full Review

Our pick for

A low-cost do-it-all reader

SumUp
Learn more

on SumUp Plus' secure website

SumUp Plus

SumUp

Payment processing fees

2.75%

in-person; 2.9% + 15¢ online.

Monthly fee

$0
Learn more

on SumUp Plus' secure website


Why we like it

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.

Read Full Review

Our pick for

An all-in-one handheld system

Clover
Learn more

on Clover Flex's secure website

Clover Flex

Clover

Payment processing fees

2.3% + 10¢ or 2.6% + 10¢

in-person; 3.5% + 10¢ online.

Monthly fee

$15

$14.95 and up.

Learn more

on Clover Flex's secure website


Why we like it

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.

Read Full Review

Our pick for

Low-cost transaction fees with volume-based discounts

Helcim
Learn more

on Helcim card reader's secure website

Helcim card reader

Helcim

Payment processing fees

0.30% + 8¢

plus interchange, in-person; 0.50% + 25¢ plus interchange, online.

Monthly fee

$0
Learn more

on Helcim card reader's secure website


Why we like it

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.

Read Full Review

Our pick for

Tableside payments at restaurants

Toast Go 2

Toast

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.


Why we like it

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.

Read Full Review

Our pick for

A compact countertop reader

Square
Learn more

on Square Terminal's secure website

Square Terminal

Square

Payment processing fees

2.6% + 10¢

in-person; 2.9% + 30¢ online.

Monthly fee

$0

Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.

Learn more

on Square Terminal's secure website


Why we like it

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.

Read Full Review

Our pick for

An iPad-compatible register

Square
Learn more

on Square Stand's secure website

Square Stand

Square

Payment processing fees

2.6% + 10¢

in-person; 2.9% + 30¢ online.

Monthly fee

$0

Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.

Learn more

on Square Stand's secure website


Why we like it

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.

Read Full Review

Our pick for

An all-in-one register

Clover
Learn more

on Clover Mini's secure website

Clover Mini

Clover

Payment processing fees

2.3% + 10¢ or 2.6% + 10¢

in-person; 3.5% + 10¢ online.

Monthly fee

$15

$14.95 and up.

Learn more

on Clover Mini's secure website


Why we like it

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.

Read Full Review

Our pick for

A full register with a single screen

Clover
Learn more

on Clover Station Solo's secure website

Clover Station Solo

Clover

Payment processing fees

2.3% + 10¢ or 2.6% + 10¢

in-person; 3.5% + 10¢ online.

Monthly fee

$15

$14.95 and up.

Learn more

on Clover Station Solo's secure website


Why we like it

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.

Read Full Review

Our pick for

A full register setup with a customer-facing screen

Square
Learn more

on Square Register's secure website

Square Register

Square

Payment processing fees

2.6% + 10¢

in-person; 2.9% + 30¢ online.

Monthly fee

$0

Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.

Learn more

on Square Register's secure website


Why we like it

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.

Read Full Review

Our pick for

A full checkout experience

Clover
Learn more

on Clover Station Duo's secure website

Clover Station Duo

Clover

Payment processing fees

2.3% + 10¢ or 2.6% + 10¢

in-person; 3.5% + 10¢ online.

Monthly fee

$15

$14.95 and up.

Learn more

on Clover Station Duo's secure website


Why we like it

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.

Read Full Review

Our picks for the best card readers for small businesses

Square Contactless and Chip reader: Best free option with basic functions

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.

  • 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.

  • 3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions.

  • 3.3% plus 30 cents for invoices.

Monthly fees:

  • $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.

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.

Clover Go: Best for on-the-go payments for all card types

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 Starter Retail, Starter Personal Services, Starter and Standard Professional Services and Home & Field Services plans.

  • $44.95 for Standard Retail, Starter and Standard QSR, Standard and Advanced Personal Services and Advanced Professional Services plans.

  • $54.90 for Advanced Retail and Advanced QSR plans.

  • $74.95 for Starter Full-Service Dining plan.

  • $84.90 for Standard Full-Service Dining plan.

  • $94.85 for Advanced Full-Service Dining 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 Zettle: Best for PayPal and Venmo payment options

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.

SumUp Plus: Best for a low-cost do-it-all reader

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.

Clover Flex: Best for an all-in-one handheld system

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 Starter Retail, Starter Personal Services, Starter and Standard Professional Services and Home & Field Services plans.

  • $44.95 for Standard Retail, Starter and Standard QSR, Standard and Advanced Personal Services and Advanced Professional Services plans.

  • $54.90 for Advanced Retail and Advanced QSR plans.

  • $74.95 for Starter Full-Service Dining plan.

  • $84.90 for Standard Full-Service Dining plan.

  • $94.85 for Advanced Full-Service Dining 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 Card Reader: Best for low-cost transaction fees with volume-based discounts

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.

Toast Go 2: Best for tableside payments at restaurants

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 plus $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.

Square Terminal: Best compact countertop reader

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.

  • 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.

  • 3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions.

  • 3.3% plus 30 cents for invoices.

Monthly fees:

  • $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.

Pros:

  • Doesn't require a separate device.

  • Shows transaction details.

  • Is compact and easy to use.

Cons:

  • Can take over four hours to charge.

Square Stand: Best iPad-compatible register

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.

  • 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.

  • 3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions.

  • 3.3% plus 30 cents for invoices.

Monthly fees:

  • $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.

Pros:

  • Swivels for customers to use.

  • Can be mounted to a countertop.

Cons:

  • Only works with certain iPad models.

  • Doesn’t allow swipe option.

Clover Mini: Best all-in-one register

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 Starter Retail, Starter Personal Services, Starter and Standard Professional Services and Home & Field Services plans.

  • $44.95 for Standard Retail, Starter and Standard QSR, Standard and Advanced Personal Services and Advanced Professional Services plans.

  • $54.90 for Advanced Retail and Advanced QSR plans.

  • $74.95 for Starter Full-Service Dining plan.

  • $84.90 for Standard Full-Service Dining plan.

  • $94.85 for Advanced Full-Service Dining 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.

Clover Station Solo: Best full register with a single screen

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 Starter Retail, Starter Personal Services, Starter and Standard Professional Services and Home & Field Services plans.

  • $44.95 for Standard Retail, Starter and Standard QSR, Standard and Advanced Personal Services and Advanced Professional Services plans.

  • $54.90 for Advanced Retail and Advanced QSR plans.

  • $74.95 for Starter Full-Service Dining plan.

  • $84.90 for Standard Full-Service Dining plan.

  • $94.85 for Advanced Full-Service Dining 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.

Square Register: Best full register setup with a customer-facing screen

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.

  • 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.

  • 3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions.

  • 3.3% plus 30 cents for invoices.

Monthly fees:

  • $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.

Pros:

  • Has two screens.

  • Can be mounted to a countertop.

  • Has advanced apps and software options.

Cons:

  • Must be plugged in at all times.

Clover Station Duo: Best system for full checkout experience

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 Starter Retail, Starter Personal Services, Starter and Standard Professional Services and Home & Field Services plans.

  • $44.95 for Standard Retail, Starter and Standard QSR, Standard and Advanced Personal Services and Advanced Professional Services plans.

  • $54.90 for Advanced Retail and Advanced QSR plans.

  • $74.95 for Starter Full-Service Dining plan.

  • $84.90 for Standard Full-Service Dining plan.

  • $94.85 for Advanced Full-Service Dining 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.

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.

NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines.

To recap our selections...

NerdWallet's Best Credit Card Readers for Small Businesses of June 2023