A credit card reader is a device businesses use to accept card payments in-person, whether at the counter or on the go. The reader detects and transmits information on credit, debit or other payment cards — such as account number, authorization code or cardholder name — in order to complete a transaction.
Credit card processing companies typically offer card readers alongside processing services and other point-of-sale (POS) hardware. The best credit card reader for your small business depends on your budget, the features you need and whether you’re using it alongside a larger POS system.
Here is our list of the best credit card readers and what they can do for your business.
Best Credit Card Readers for Small Businesses
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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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Helcim card reader Learn more on Helcim card reader's secure website | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | 4.5/5 Best for Low-cost transaction fees with volume-based discounts | In-person: 0.4% + $0.08 Online: 0.5% + $0.25 Plus interchange | $0.00 | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | Learn more on Helcim card reader's secure website |
Square Reader Learn more on Square Reader's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Free, mobile card reader | 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 | ||
Clover Go Learn more on Clover Go's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Mobile card reader for all card types | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $0.00 Payments plan; $14.95 Essentials plan. | Learn more on Clover Go's secure website | ||
SumUp Plus Learn more on SumUp Plus' secure website | 3.5/5 Best for Low-cost do-it-all reader | In-person: 2.75% + $0.00 Online: 2.9% + $0.15 | $0.00 | Learn more on SumUp Plus' secure website | ||
Toast Go 2 | 4.0/5 Best for Tableside payments at restaurants | 2.99% + $0.15 for pay-as-you-go option on hardware. | $0.00 Quick Start Bundle; $69 Core plan; $165 Growth plan. Custom plan also available. | |||
Clover Flex Learn more on Clover Flex's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for All-in-one handheld system | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $14.95 and up. | Learn more on Clover Flex's secure website | ||
Square Terminal Learn more on Square Terminal's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Compact countertop reader | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations. | Learn more on Square Terminal's secure website | ||
PayPal Zettle | 4.5/5 Best for Mobile reader that accepts PayPal and Venmo | In-person: 2.29% + $0.09 Online: 2.99% + $0.49 | $0.00 | |||
Square Stand Learn more on Square Stand's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for iPad-compatible register | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations. | Learn more on Square Stand's secure website | ||
Clover Mini Learn more on Clover Mini's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for All-in-one register | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $14.95 and up. | Learn more on Clover Mini's secure website | ||
Clover Station Solo Learn more on Clover Station Solo's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Full register with a single screen | In-person: 2.3% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $49.95 and up. | Learn more on Clover Station Solo's secure website | ||
Square Register Learn more on Square Register's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Full register setup with a customer-facing screen | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations. | Learn more on Square Register's secure website | ||
Clover Station Duo Learn more on Clover Station Duo's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Full checkout experience | In-person: 2.3% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $49.95 and up. | Learn more on Clover Station Duo's secure website |
Our pick for
Low-cost transaction fees with volume-based discounts
Helcim card reader
Learn more
on Helcim card reader's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
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
Mobile card reader for all card types
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.
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
Low-cost do-it-all reader
SumUp Plus
Learn more
on SumUp Plus' secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
The SumUp Plus credit card reader works through Bluetooth with Apple and Android devices and promises more than 500 transactions on one charge.
Pros
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
- Has a screen to display transaction details.
Cons
- Has less robust POS software features than other card readers.
Our pick for
Tableside payments at restaurants
Toast Go 2
Payment processing fees
2.99% + $0.15
for pay-as-you-go option on hardware.
Monthly fee
$0.00
Quick Start Bundle; $69 Core plan; $165 Growth plan. Custom plan also available.
The Toast Go 2 allows you to submit orders 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
All-in-one handheld system
Clover Flex
Learn more
on Clover Flex's secure website
Monthly fee
$14.95
and up.
The Clover Flex is a small but powerful handheld credit card reader. It accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments. It can also scan 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
Compact countertop reader
Square Terminal
Learn more
on Square Terminal's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
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
Mobile reader that accepts PayPal and Venmo
PayPal Zettle
Monthly fee
$0.00
PayPal Zettle delivers the essentials at a relatively low cost with a small commitment. But consider other options if you want features like customer loyalty and email marketing programs. Although Zettle can expand through hardware, it doesn’t offer plan upgrades or those types of add-ons.
Pros
- 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
iPad-compatible register
Square Stand
Learn more
on Square Stand's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
The Square Stand 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
All-in-one register
Clover Mini
Learn more
on Clover Mini's secure website
Monthly fee
$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
Full register with a single screen
Clover Station Solo
Learn more
on Clover Station Solo's secure website
Monthly fee
$49.95
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
Full register setup with a customer-facing screen
Square Register
Learn more
on Square Register's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Square's fully integrated 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
Full checkout experience
Clover Station Duo
Learn more
on Clover Station Duo's secure website
Monthly fee
$49.95
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 best credit card readers
Square Reader: Best free, mobile card reader
Why we like it: Square’s free magstripe reader is a convenient option for businesses making the occasional on-the-go sale. However, the company’s contactless and chip card reader gives you more flexibility by enabling you to accept 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. Read our full Square review.
Style: Free magstripe reader plugs into a smartphone or tablet; the contactless and chip reader connects to a compatible phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
First magstripe card reader is free; additional readers cost $10 each; contactless and chip reader costs $59; $39 for optional dock.
- $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.
- 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.
» MORE: What is a point-of-sale system?
Clover Go: Best mobile card reader for all card types
Why we like it: This credit card reader by Clover works with iOS and Android 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. Read our full Clover review.
Style: Connects to compatible phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
$49 for reader.
- $0 for Payments plan.
- $14.95 for Essentials plan.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions.
- 3.5% plus 10 cents for online or keyed-in transactions.
PayPal Zettle: Best mobile reader that accepts PayPal and Venmo
Why we like it: 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. 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. Read our full PayPal Zettle review.
Style: Connects to compatible phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
New customers can get their first card reader for $29; additional readers are $79.
$0
- 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).
SumUp Plus: Best low-cost do-it-all reader
Why we like it: 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. Read our full SumUp review.
Style: Connects to compatible phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
$39 for reader; $49 with cradle; $129 for SumUp Solo touchscreen reader.
$0
- 2.75% for in-person transactions with SumUp card readers.
- 2.90% plus 15 cents for online invoice transactions.
- 3.25% plus 15 cents for manually keyed card reader transactions or payment-linked transactions.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions with SumUp POS system.
- 3.5% plus 15 cents for card-not-present transactions with SumUp POS system.
Clover Flex: Best all-in-one handheld system
Why we like it: 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.
$599 for reader or $35 per month and up (for hardware + software) for 36 months.
- $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.
- 2.3% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions for most plans, though rates may also vary by hardware type.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on Retail Starter, Personal Services Starter and Professional Services Standard plans, as well as Home & Field Services Standard and Advanced plans.
- 3.5% plus 10 cents for online or keyed-in transactions.
Helcim Card Reader: Best for low-cost transaction fees with volume-based discounts
Why we like it: 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, pay a monthly fee or pay to cancel your service. Read our full Helcim review.
Style: Connects to compatible phone or tablet via Bluetooth; can also be plugged into a desktop computer.
$99 for the reader.
$0
- 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.
Toast Go 2: Best for tableside payments at restaurants
Why we like it: 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 long-term contracts. Read our full Toast review.
Style: Standalone handheld reader.
$627 for Handheld Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing 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.
- 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.
» MORE: Best restaurant POS systems
Square Terminal: Best compact countertop reader
Why we like it: 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.
$299 or $27 per month for 12 months.
- $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.
- 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 Stand: Best iPad-compatible register
Why we like it: 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 a compatible iPad.
$149 for the reader.
- $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.
- 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.
Clover Mini: Best all-in-one register
Why we like it: 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.
$799 or $45 per month and up (for hardware + software) for 36 months.
- $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.
- 2.3% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions for most plans, though rates may also vary by hardware type.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on Retail Starter, Personal Services Starter and Professional Services Standard plans, as well as Home & Field Services Standard and Advanced plans.
- 3.5% plus 10 cents for online or keyed-in transactions.
Clover Station Solo: Best full register with a single screen
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. 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.
$1,699 or $125 per month and up (for hardware + software) for 36 months.
- $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.
- 2.3% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions for most plans, though rates may also vary by hardware type.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on Retail Starter, Personal Services Starter and Professional Services Standard plans, as well as Home & Field Services Standard and Advanced plans.
- 3.5% plus 10 cents for online or keyed-in transactions.
Square Register: Best full register setup with a customer-facing screen
Why we like it: The Square Register is the company’s fully integrated 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. 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.
$799 or $39 per month for 24 months.
- $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.
- 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.
Clover Station Duo: Best system for full checkout experience
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. 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.
$1,799 or $135 per month and up (for hardware + software) for 36 months.
- $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.
- 2.3% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions for most plans, though rates may also vary by hardware type.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on Retail Starter, Personal Services Starter and Professional Services Standard plans, as well as Home & Field Services Standard and Advanced plans.
- 3.5% plus 10 cents for online or keyed-in transactions.
» MORE: How to choose a POS system
How to choose a credit card reader
The best credit 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 or Androids — 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 November 17, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of a credit card reader varies depending on the vendor you choose and how complex the functionality is. A simple swipe card reader that connects to your smartphone is typically the cheapest option ranging from $0 to $50. Mid-range options include handheld card readers, which can often scan barcodes, print receipts and even operate as a mobile POS, in addition to reading cards. These typically cost around $100 to $650. Full register and countertop POS systems also include card readers. These systems can cost upward of $1,000.
The device that functions as a credit card reader can be anything as simple as your own smartphone with an app that enables Tap to Pay, a card reader that connects to your smartphone or a more complex device such as a handheld reader that functions as a mobile POS or a complete countertop register and POS system.