Choosing the right credit card reader is essential for small businesses looking to streamline their payment processes and scale efficiently. The best credit card readers for small businesses combine advanced capabilities with portability, support a range of payment methods, offer robust security features, and have seamless integration with other business systems.
In this article, I evaluate the best credit card readers for small businesses based on their hardware features, payment processing, pricing, features, and user experience.
Based on my evaluation, the best credit card readers for small businesses for 2024 are:
- Clover Flex: Best for growing businesses
- Square Terminal: Best for new businesses
- Toast Go: Best for restaurants
- PayPal Zettle Terminal: Best for PayPal and Venmo payments
- Helcim Smart Terminal: Best for interchange-plus pricing
Best credit card readers comparison
Card Reader
Our score (out of 5)
Hardware Features
Price
Accepted Payment Types
4.49
- Receipt printer
- Barcode scanner
- Offline mode
- Wifi, LTE
- 6” touchscreen
- $599 or
- $35 per month for 36 months
- Swipe
- Dip
- Tap
- QR code
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay
4.44
- Receipt printer
- Offline mode
- Wifi
- 5.5” touchscreen
- $299 or
- $27 per month for 12 months
- Swipe
- Dip
- Tap
- QR code
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay
4.30
- Offline mode
- Wifi
- 7.5” touchscreen
- Pay-as-you-go plan: Free or
- Standard plan: $799.20
- Swipe
- Dip
- Tap
- QR code
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay
4.20
- Barcode scanner
- Wifi, 3G/4G
- 9” touchscreen
- $199 or
- $239 (with built-in barcode scanner)
- Swipe
- Dip
- Tap
- QR code
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay
- PayPal and Venmo
4.16
- Receipt printer
- Wifi
- 5.5” touchscreen
- $329
- Swipe
- Dip
- Tap
- QR code
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay
Clover Flex: Best for growing businesses
Overall Score
4.54/5
Hardware features
4.44/5
Payment processing
4.69/5
Pricing and costs
4/5
Features
4.69/5
User experience
4.88/5
Pros
- Built-in printer, scanner, camera
- All-in-one device with inventory, employee management, reports
- 4G and WiFi connectivity
- Can work with different payment processors
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- Higher processing fees
Why I chose Clover Flex
Clover Flex’s comprehensive features and versatility make it an excellent credit card reader for small businesses, especially for those on the brink of scaling up. It’s all-in-one design, which includes a built-in printer and scanner, combined with its essential backend tools, such as reporting, online ordering, and inventory tools, give it the flexibility to accept payments on-the-go or at small bazaar stalls or integrate with an extensive point-of-sale (POS) system in brick-and-mortar stores.
The combination of 4G and WiFi connectivity ensures reliable performance, while the offline mode maintains functionality during internet outages. Clover Flex is also available from different resellers, so if your business already has a merchant account, check if they are a Clover partner, as you might get a better package from your provider.
Despite the higher initial costs, these features, along with the device’s ease of use and robust security measures, make Clover Flex a suitable choice for growing businesses looking for an all-in-one credit card reader.
- Seamless integration with other Clover devices
- Built-in receipt printer
- Offline mode
- All-in-one system
- 4G and WiFi connectivity
- Pre-loaded apps
- Passcode to unlock device
- Tipping option
- Employee log-ins
- Inventory management
Clover offers an assortment of other hardware products, from simple card readers that pair with a smartphone to full-blown countertop register kits.
Down
- Clover Go card reader: $49
- Tap to Pay on iPhone
Up
- Clover Mini: $799
- Clover Station Solo: $1,699
- Clover Station Duo: $1,799
- Clover Kiosk: $3,499
| Plan | Payments | Essentials | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Device Fee | 599 | $599 | $599 |
| Software Fee | $0 | $14.95 per month | $49.95 per month |
| Card-present transaction fee | 2.6% + $0.10 | 2.6% + $0.10 | 2.3% + $0.10 |
| Keyed-in transaction fee | 3.5% + $0.10 | 3.5% + $0.10 | 3.5% + $0.10 |
Clover’s pricing is relatively standard. Though, note, the prices we include in this guide are if you purchase the Flex through Clover directly. If you purchase the Clover Flex through a reseller or other merchant service provider, the hardware pricing, contract terms, and transaction fees will vary.
Square Terminal: Best for new businesses
Overall Score
4.44/5
Hardware features
4.58/5
Payment processing
4.06/5
Pricing and costs
4.25/5
Features
4.38/5
User experience
4.92/5
Pros
- Seamless ecosystem integration
- Built-in receipt printer
- Inventory management
Cons
- No built-in barcode scanner
- No 4G support
Why I chose Square Terminal
Square Terminal has a comprehensive and user-friendly ecosystem. It is cost-effective with its low device cost and zero monthly fees, making it the best credit card reader for new businesses. Its all-in-one design includes a built-in receipt printer and robust inventory management capabilities, making it easy for businesses to get started without additional equipment.
The seamless integration with other Square devices allows for smooth scalability, whether you’re upgrading to more advanced POS systems or adding simple card readers. Square’s consistent transaction fees, even for the free plan, further enhance its appeal to new businesses looking for cost-effective and highly functional solutions.
- Seamless integration with other Square devices
- Built-in receipt printer
- Offline mode
- WiFi connectivity
- Long battery life
- Employee log-ins
- Inventory management
- Optional accessories: countertop mount, belt clip, barcode scanner, cash drawer
Like Clover, Square also offers a variety of hardware options, including several card readers that can pair with smartphones for mobile payments. The Square app can also accept Tap to Pay payments for a hardware-free setup.
Additionally, Square offers several countertop hardware options, including iPad stands, built-in readers, touchscreen registers with a customer-facing display, and card readers.
Down
- Square magstripe reader: free
- Square Contactless and chip reader: $59
- Tap to Pay on iPhone
- Tap to Pay on Android
Up
- Square Stand: $149
- Square Register: $799
- Square Kiosk: $149
Most Square hardware purchases can qualify for interest-free payment plans.
- Square Terminal: $299 or $27 per month for 12 months
- Software fee: Free
- Card-present transaction fee: 2.6% + $0.10
- Keyed-in transaction fee: 3.5% + $0.15
Square’s pricing is also fairly standard. It offers transparent flat fees; however, unlike Clover, Square’s POS software is free to use. Square also offers custom pricing to qualifying businesses processing over $250,000 annually.
Toast Go: Best for restaurants
Overall Score
4.30/5
Hardware features
4.58/5
Payment processing
4.38/5
Pricing and costs
3/5
Features
4.69/5
User experience
4.85/5
Pros
- Restaurant-grade (spill proof, drop proof, dust proof)
- Offline mode
- Pay-as-you-go plan with zero monthly fee and free device
Cons
- No built-in receipt printer
- No built-in barcode scanner
Why I chose Toast Go
Toast Go stands out for its restaurant-specific design and comprehensive integration with a full restaurant management system. Its durability, long battery life, and offline mode make it highly reliable in busy, demanding environments.
The fully integrated system, which includes features like a kitchen display system, online ordering, team management, and inventory tracking, enhances operational efficiency. Additionally, the pay-as-you-go plan with no upfront device cost makes it an attractive option for restaurants looking for flexibility without a hefty initial investment.
- Restaurant-grade durability
- Fully integrated with restaurant management system, which includes the kitchen display system, online ordering, team management, and inventory tracking
- Up to 24-hour battery life
- Employee log-ins
- Tipping option
- Optional accessories: receipt printer, kitchen printer, cash drawer, label printer, kitchen display screen
Toast Go 2 is Toast’s entry-level card reader. Like Square and Clover, Toast also offers countertop solutions and customer-facing displays. Toast also excels in restaurant-specific hardware solutions like kitchen display systems (KDS) and self-service kiosks.
Unique to this list, Toast hardware kits also come with routers for setting up a local network for maximum device security and stability.
Down
- None
Up
- Toast Flex with Tap: $719.10
- Toast Flex with Tap and Guest Facing Display: $944.10
- Kiosk with Tap: $1,034.10
Toast offers relatively standard software and payment processing pricing. However, Toast does offer an attractive Pay-as-you-Go plan that enables restaurants to get started with industry-grade card readers for no upfront cost.
As your business grows, you may qualify for customized transaction and software rates.
| Plan | Pay-as-you-Go* | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Device Fee | $0 | $799.20 |
| Software Fee | $0 | $69 per month |
| Card-present transaction fee | 3.09% + $0.15 | 2.49% + $0.15 |
| Keyed-in transaction fee | 3.09% + $0.15 | 3.50% + $0.15 |
*With $85/mo inactivity fee if there is no card transaction for 90 days.
PayPal Zettle Terminal: Best for PayPal and Venmo payments
Overall Score
4.20/5
Hardware features
4.86/5
Payment processing
4.38/5
Pricing and costs
4/5
Features
3.44/5
User experience
4.35/5
Pros
- Low processing fees
- Pre-loaded SIM card at no cost
- Accepts PayPal and Venmo payments
Cons
- No magstripe reader
- No offline mode
Why I chose PayPal Zettle Terminal
The PayPal Zettle Terminal works seamlessly with PayPal and Venmo transactions, making it an excellent choice for businesses already utilizing these platforms. Its low processing fees and the inclusion of a pre-loaded SIM card at no extra cost enhance its value. Although Clover Flex processes PayPal and Venmo payments, it requires a higher Clover paid subscription.
The terminal’s built-in barcode scanner and optional charging dock with a built-in receipt printer provide essential functionality for retail environments. Among the card readers on this list, the PayPal Zettle Terminal has the lowest flat-rate processing fees. This combination of affordability, ease of use, and specialized payment acceptance makes the Zettle Terminal particularly advantageous for businesses looking to streamline their payment processing with PayPal and Venmo.
- Built-in barcode scanner
- Charging dock with built-in receipt printer
- Pre-loaded SIM card included at no cost
- Accepts PayPal and Venmo payments
- Inventory management
- Tipping option
- Optional accessories: dock+printer, barcode scanner, cash drawer, receipt printer
PayPal has two core hardware products — the Terminal we recommend in this guide, and the Card Reader, which is a basic PIN-enabled card reader that pairs with the PayPal POS mobile app. Both offer charging docs, but the Terminal also has optional accessories available in Kit bundles.
Like Square, PayPal also offers a hardware-free option with Tap to Pay payments on iPhone and Android.
Down
- Card Reader: $29 for the first reader, $79 for succeeding readers
- Tap to Pay on iPhone
- Tap to Pay on Android
Up
- Store Kit Mini: $229
- Store Kit Standard: $479
- Store Kit Plus: $679
- Store Kit Portable: $339
PayPal’s hardware fees are comparable to the other options on this list. However, its card-present transaction fees are much lower than our other recommended options, which is ideal for businesses of any size looking to maximize profit margins.
- Device fee: $199 device only, $239 device with barcode scanner, $309 with dock and built-in printer
- Software fee: Free
- Card-present transaction fee: 2.29% + $0.09
- Keyed-in transaction fee: 3.49% + $0.09
Helcim Smart Terminal: Best for interchange-plus pricing
Overall Score
4.16/5
Hardware features
4.86/5
Payment processing
4.06/5
Pricing and costs
4/5
Features
3.13/5
User experience
4.73/5
Pros
- Interchange-plus pricing
- Built-in receipt printer
- Automatic volume discounts
- Surcharging option
Cons
- Limited other hardware options
- No offline mode
Why I chose Helcim Smart Terminal
The Helcim Smart Terminal is the only card reader on this list that offers a transparent interchange-plus pricing model, which offers small businesses a clear and competitive fee structure. Its built-in receipt printer and automatic volume discounts provide added value, particularly for growing businesses.
The surcharging option allows merchants to pass processing fees to customers, reducing costs. Additionally, Helcim’s terminal supports inventory tracking and employee log-ins, enhancing operational efficiency. The competitive pricing, combined with zero monthly fees and surcharging option, makes this credit card reader among the most cost-effective for small businesses.
Did you know? Helcim is also the cheapest credit card processor for most businesses.
- Interchange-plus pricing
- Built-in receipt printer
- Inventory tracking
- Automatic volume discounts
- Surcharging program
- Employee log-ins
- Tipping option
- Optional accessories: countertop printer, barcode scanner, cash drawer
Similar to PayPal, Helcim has two card reader options: one that pairs with a smartphone and a standalone all-in-one terminal.
Down
- Helcim Card Reader: $99
- Tap to Pay on iPhone
Up
- None
Helcim’s hardware is on the pricier side. But, it’s the only option on this list that offers interchange-plus transaction fees, which almost always end up being cheaper for businesses than flat-rate transaction fees.
Uniquely, Helcim also automatically adjusts its pricing as your transaction volume increases, charging fewer and fewer fees as you grow.
- Device Fee: $329
- Software Fee: Free
- Transaction fees:
| Monthly transaction volume | Card-present transaction fee | Keyed-in translation fee |
|---|---|---|
| $0 to $50,000 | Interchange + 0.40% + $0.08 | Interchange + 0.50% + $0.25 |
| $50,000 to $100,000 | Interchange + 0.35% + $0.08 | Interchange + 0.45% + $0.20 |
| $100,000 to $500,000 | Interchange + 0.25% + $0.07 | Interchange + 0.35% + $0.20 |
| $500,000 to $1,000,000 | Interchange + 0.20% + $0.06 | Interchange + 0.25% + $0.15 |
| $1,000,000+ | Interchange + 0.16% + $0.06 | Interchange + 0.15% + $0.15 |
What is a credit card reader?
A credit card reader is a device that enables businesses to accept payments from customers via credit and debit cards. These readers can be standalone units or part of a larger POS system. They read the card’s information through magnetic stripe, EMV chip, or contactless technology (NFC) to process transactions securely. Credit card readers are essential for modern businesses as they facilitate quick and secure payment processing.
Related: Best Mobile Credit Card Processing
How do credit card readers work?
Credit card readers work by capturing and transmitting card information to a payment processor. When a card is swiped, dipped, or tapped, the reader retrieves the card’s data (magnetic stripe, chip, or NFC signal). This data is encrypted and sent to the payment processor, which verifies the card details and checks for available funds. Once approved, the transaction is completed, and funds are transferred to the merchant’s account. This process happens in seconds, ensuring fast and secure payments.
Types of credit card readers
Credit card readers come in various forms to meet different business needs. These types include magstripe readers, EMV chip readers, NFC (contactless) readers, and smart terminals, each offering distinct features and security levels to cater to diverse payment processing requirements.
- Magstripe readers: Basic devices that read the magnetic stripe on the back of cards, offering straightforward but less secure transactions.
- EMV chip readers: Devices that read the embedded chip in cards, providing enhanced security against fraud.
- NFC (Contactless) readers: Readers that accept contactless payments from cards or mobile wallets, enabling fast and convenient transactions.
- Smart terminals: Advanced, multifunctional devices that support magstripe, chip, and contactless payments, often integrated with POS systems.
Simple credit card readers, like ones that just perform the functions listed above, typically require integration with a different device (computer, tablet, or mobile device) where the POS app is installed. These simpler readers are in contrast to all the smart terminals discussed above – our recommended options are all standalone terminals and do not require any other integration to accept card payments.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
