If you’ve ever tried to make a payment with your phone only to be thwarted by a card reader that only supports a certain type of phone, or requires you to download a specific app, then you know the pain of trying to make a mobile payment with your phone only to be stymied by the fact that your phone doesn’t support mobile payments or you have to download a separate app to make a mobile payment.
Luckily, there are a variety of phone credit card readers that can make a mobile payment work with your phone’s existing software. Plus, they make it easy to upload your business’s photos to Instagram and Facebook, and they’re compatible with most phones.
Read on for our list of the best mobile credit card readers.
Our Editor’s Best Mobile Credit Card Readers Reviews
- Accept all major credit and debit cards for one low rate.
- Pay just 2.6% + $0.10 per swipe for Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express—no hidden fees.
- Track your earnings and view your complete sales history from the free Square Point of Sale app.
- Works with Apple and Android devices that have a 3.5 mm headphone jack. No charging needed
- MOBILE CHECKOUT - The Tap & Chip Card Reader, available exclusively in the United States, connects with Shopify POS through Bluetooth to allow businesses to accept payments anywhere. This portable device is perfect for in-store environments as well as businesses that transact on the go at pop-ups, markets, and events.
- CONTACTLESS PAYMENT - This mobile payment device accepts both tap and chip payments for smooth, secure transactions. Accept major payment methods including chip credit or debit cards and digital wallets.
- USER-FRIENDLY - The small handheld device is designed to be comfortable to hold and take with you wherever you're selling. It's fully compatible with the most up-to-date Bluetooth, Apple iOS, and Android systems to seamlessly work with your US-based business and give you more options.
- SAFE AND SECURE - Shopify's POS system protects customer card data in accordance with Payment Card Data Security Standard requirements to prevent risk and secure every transaction. Tap & Chip Card Readers are EMV-certified to keep both you and your customers safe. It is supported by Shopify customer service and backed by a standard 1-year warranty against defects and an extended 2-year warranty with POS Pro.
- REQUIRES SHOPIFY ACCOUNT - The secure and reliable Tap & Chip machine works with Shopify's POS software to manage payment and credit card data. It is supported by Shopify customer service and backed by a standard 1-year warranty against defects and an extended 2-year warranty with POS Pro.
- Accept swipe, chip, or contactless (NFC) payments with one card reader. Connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone or tablet
- Only 2.75% per transaction: No contracts or hidden fees
- Stronger processor for even faster payments and up to 500 transactions per charge
- Accepts payments across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Guam
- Payouts to your bank in 1-2 business days
- Accept EMV chip cards, contactless NFC cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay from anywhere
- Pay just 2.6% + $0.10 for every tap, dip, or swipe. No long-term commitments or contracts, no monthly fees
- Connect wirelessly to your phone or tablet with Bluetooth LE to take payments on the go or at your counter
- Use with the Square Point of Sale app to manage items, inventory, reporting, and more—all in one free app
- Get funds in your bank account in one to two business days, or spend the money you earn instantly with Square Card
- CONTACTLESS PAYMENT - The Tap & Chip Card Reader mobile payment device accepts both tap and chip payments for smooth, secure transactions and the stand makes contactless payments simple. Accept major payment methods including chip credit or debit cards and digital wallets.
- MOBILE OR COUNTER CHECKOUT - The portable Tap & Chip Card Reader connects to a tablet or cell phone with Bluetooth, allowing customers to pay with either tap or chip. The sturdy dock raises the card reader to a height that is optimized for customer comfort and includes an option for countertop mounting for added stability.
- SAFE AND SECURE - Shopify's POS system protects customer card data per Payment Card Data Security Standard requirements, while Tap & Chip card readers are EMV-certified for safe transactions. The base has a USB-C connector for the reader and a USB-A connector to securely connect to a power source during charging.
- USER-FRIENDLY - The dock makes it easy to switch between using the Tap & Chip Card Reader at the counter or on the sales floor. The system is fully compatible with the most up-to-date Bluetooth, Apple iOS, and Android systems to seamlessly work with your business and give you more options.
- POWERED BY SHOPIFY - The secure and reliable Tap & Chip machine and holding dock work with Shopify's POS software to manage payment and credit card data. They are supported by Shopify customer service and backed by a standard 1-year warranty against defects and an extended 2-year warranty with POS Pro.
- ALL-IN-ONE DEVICE - The Shopify POS Go, available exclusively in the United States, combines POS hardware and software in one. It has everything you need to start selling in person, including a POS terminal, barcode scanner, and card reader. This powerful handheld device accepts all major payment types including cash, credit or debit cards, and digital wallets.
- MOBILE CHECKOUTS - Get everything you need to close sales customers in the palm of your hand from the built-in barcode scanner to card reader, WiFi connectivity, and long battery life. The Shopify POS Go is backed by a standard 1-year warranty against defects and an extended 2-year warranty with POS Pro.
- USER-FRIENDLY FEATURES - Shopify POS Go comes loaded with the latest Shopify POS software, enabling you to access your entire business from the device. With this hand-held POS machine, you can monitor sales, check inventory levels, update customer profiles, and view analytics.
- SMART BUSINESS MANAGEMENT - Access your entire business from a single device. With this hand-held POS machine, you can monitor sales, check inventory levels, update customer profiles, and view analytics.
- POWERED BY SHOPIFY - The secure, reliable POS Go device has built-in Shopify software with the highly customizable Shopify POS app right out of the box. The point-of-sale device allows businesses to manage inventory, staff, and sales all with one powerful touchscreen device.
- For Square Terminal Case Perfect fit: This storage bag is specially designed for square terminal, which collects credit card machine and all accessories together, ensuring its safety and reliability in any situation. Protective case for square terminal external size: 9.05*7.08*5.11 inches. Note: Case Only! Mobile POS and accessories not included.
- Multi-functional Structural Design for Square Terminal Cover: Travel case for square reader has well-planned internal space with 6 slots in total. Main slot is for square card reader, while 5 small slots are specifically designed for storing receipt paper rolls. This design allows each item to be stored separately, avoiding friction and collision damage, while also making storage and retrieval more convenient.
- For Square Terminal Accessories Storage Premium materials: Made of high-quality material, carrying bag for square terminal credit card is sturdy, shock-resistant and drop-proof, which can protect your POS machine from scratches and dust. For square terminal container also absorbs external impact forces and ensures device safety.
- Large capacity of Hard Case for Square Terminal: With zipper mesh pocket, for square receipt paper holder collects adapter, charging cables, and other accessories in one place. To prevent potential damage to credit card machine from these accessories, partition is designed inside storage bag to effectively separate. For square card reader case not only protects for square terminal, but also keeps accessories organized and easy to carry.
- Portable & Lightweight: For square terminal printer paper pouch size is moderate, suitable for hand-carrying or placing in backpack. Sturdy handle design greatly enhances portability, making it an ideal choice for business professionals during business trips or daily office use. Storage bag for square terminal comprehensive protective design ensures POS machine can work stably and safely in various environments.
- Supports Windows 98/me/2000/xp/vista/Win7(32bit&64bit), Mac OS X, Linux or above system
- Compatible with USB-CCID driver. Supports T0, T1 protocol.
- Supports I2C memory card, SLE4418, SLE4428, SLE4432, SLE4442, SLE4436, SLE5536, SLE6636, AT88SC1608, AT45D041 card and AT45DB041 card via.
- Supports PC smart card industry standard - PC/SC 1.0/2.0. Supports power saving mode
- Supports USB 2.0 full speed. Supports EMV Level 1 specification
- An intuitive interface to easily accept payments and manage your sales.
- Strong, reliable Wi-Fi connection. Free SIM card and mobile data so you can process payments anywhere.
- Great battery capability with an additional charging station.
- A truly portable device. Stay in control of your business, wherever you go.
- Support when you need it. Get in touch with our US-based support through phone, email and chat.
Best Mobile Credit Card Readers Buying Guide
Before choosing the best mobile credit card reader you should consider following options:
1. Portable: Nowadays, mobile credit card readers are designed to be portable and easily fits in your pocket or purse. This makes them ideal for small business owners who are always on the go.
2. Battery Life: Battery life is another important factor when choosing a mobile credit card reader. Look for a device that is energy efficient and offers long battery life.
3. Connectivity: Make sure your mobile credit card reader offers the connectivity you need. Some readers connect to your phone’s 3G or 4G network, while others connect via Wi-Fi.
4. Security: Security is always a top concern when processing credit cards and mobile credit card readers are no different. Look for readers that encrypt data, tokenization or use 3D secure.5. Cost: All mobile credit card readers have different features and specs, so it’s important to understand your specific needs and choose a device that meets them.
6. Compatibility: Make sure your mobile credit card reader is compatible with the POS system you use.
7. Ease of Use: Mobile credit card readers are designed to be used anywhere, which means people will be using them in the field. This means your device needs to be easy to use and simple to navigate.8. Optional add-ons: Most mobile credit card readers come with standard features, but some also offer additional features for a small fee. You can choose to add these features or not, depending on your specific needs.
What else you should know about mobile credit card readers
1. What are the best mobile credit card readers?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it largely depends on the specific needs and preferences of the person or business using the reader. However, some of the most popular mobile credit card readers include the Square Reader, the PayPal Here reader, and the Intuit GoPayment reader.
2. How do mobile credit card readers work?
Mobile credit card readers typically work by being plugged into a phone or tablet via the headphone jack or Lightning port. They will also often come with a corresponding app that needs to be downloaded in order to track transactions. When a customer is ready to pay, they will hold their card up to the reader and enter their PIN. The reader will then process the payment and the funds will be transferred to the merchant’s account.
3. What are the fees associated with mobile credit card readers?
The fees associated with mobile credit card readers vary depending on the provider. Some providers charge a monthly fee, while others charge a per-transaction fee.
4. Are mobile credit card readers secure?
Yes, mobile credit card readers are secure. They use the same encryption technology as regular credit card readers, so your information is safe.
5. What are the benefits of using a mobile credit card reader?
The benefits of using a mobile credit card reader include convenience, ease of use, and security. With a mobile credit card reader, you can accept credit card payments anywhere you have a cell phone signal. This means that you can take your business with you wherever you go. Additionally, mobile credit card readers are easy to use. You simply swipe the card and enter the amount you want to charge. Finally, mobile credit card readers are very secure. They use encryption to protect your customers’ credit card information.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best mobile credit card readers. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best mobile credit card readers will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.