Credit card machines come in many shapes and sizes. Whether you’re considering a countertop terminal or a handheld device, the right choice will allow your business to accept credit card payments while fitting your budget and simplifying the checkout process for both your employees and customers.
Our picks for the best credit card machines and terminals are all competitively priced and accept a variety of payments. Beyond that, some include extras that help keep the line moving — like barcode scanning, customer-facing screens or the ability to accept payments offline.
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Here are the best credit card machines, also sometimes known as point-of-sale (POS) terminals, for small businesses, along with why they stand out.
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Monthly fee
$0.00
and up.
Learn more
on Clover's website
Pros
- Includes built-in receipt printer.
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
- Can rent if you don’t want to commit to buying right away.
Cons
- Requires monthly plan for advanced features.
Clover Flex
Best for Handheld terminal + industry-specific plans
Monthly fee
$0.00
and up.
Learn more
on Clover's website
Pros
- Includes built-in receipt printer.
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
- Can rent if you don’t want to commit to buying right away.
Cons
- Requires monthly plan for advanced features.
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Learn more
on Square's website
Pros
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripes, digital wallets and QR codes.
- Features a swivel screen so customers can see transaction details.
- Built-in reader for contactless and chip payments.
- Allows offline payments.
Cons
- Requires an iPad to use as a screen.
- Can’t scan barcodes on its own.
Square Stand
Best for iPad-based POS terminal
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Learn more
on Square's website
Pros
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripes, digital wallets and QR codes.
- Features a swivel screen so customers can see transaction details.
- Built-in reader for contactless and chip payments.
- Allows offline payments.
Cons
- Requires an iPad to use as a screen.
- Can’t scan barcodes on its own.
Monthly fee
$0.00
for card readers only; $99 for Connect Lite plan; $199 for Connect Plus plan; $289 for Connect Pro plan.
Learn more
on SumUp's website
Pros
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
- Has a screen to display transaction details.
- Can complete more than 500 transactions before having to recharge.
Cons
- Has less robust POS software features than other card readers.
SumUp Plus
Best for Standalone card reader + mobile app
Monthly fee
$0.00
for card readers only; $99 for Connect Lite plan; $199 for Connect Plus plan; $289 for Connect Pro plan.
Learn more
on SumUp's website
Pros
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
- Has a screen to display transaction details.
- Can complete more than 500 transactions before having to recharge.
Cons
- Has less robust POS software features than other card readers.
Monthly fee
$49.95
and up.
Learn more
on Clover's website
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.
Clover Station Duo
Best for Countertop terminal + customer-facing screen
Monthly fee
$49.95
and up.
Learn more
on Clover's website
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.
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Learn more
on Square's website
Pros
- Has two screens.
- Can be mounted to a countertop.
- Has advanced apps and software options.
Cons
- Must be plugged in at all times.
Square Register
Best for Countertop terminal + customer-facing screen
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Learn more
on Square's website
Pros
- Has two screens.
- Can be mounted to a countertop.
- Has advanced apps and software options.
Cons
- Must be plugged in at all times.
Monthly fee
$15.00
Pros
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripe and digital wallets.
- Has a 5-inch touch screen.
- Prints receipts.
- Scans barcodes.
- Accepts offline payments.
- Works without a smart device.
Cons
- Charges monthly $3.99 inactivity fee after 12 months.
Payanywhere Smart Terminal
Best for Handheld terminal + barcode scanner
Monthly fee
$15.00
Pros
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripe and digital wallets.
- Has a 5-inch touch screen.
- Prints receipts.
- Scans barcodes.
- Accepts offline payments.
- Works without a smart device.
Cons
- Charges monthly $3.99 inactivity fee after 12 months.
Pros
- 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.
- Low in-person processing fees for a flat-rate processor.
Cons
- Accepting online transactions involves additional monthly fees, depending on your gateway.
- No offline mode.
Pros
- 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.
- Low in-person processing fees for a flat-rate processor.
Cons
- Accepting online transactions involves additional monthly fees, depending on your gateway.
- No offline mode.
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Learn more
on Square's website
Pros
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
- Displays transaction details on a built-in screen.
- Prints receipts.
Cons
- Can take over four hours to charge.
Square Terminal
Best for Compact handheld terminal + printer
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Learn more
on Square's website
Pros
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
- Displays transaction details on a built-in screen.
- Prints receipts.
Cons
- Can take over four hours to charge.
Monthly fee
$25.00
Pros
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripe and digital wallets.
- Has two screens, one for the business and one for customers.
- Prints receipts.
- Scans barcodes.
- Accepts offline payments.
- Works without a smart device.
Cons
- Double-screen setup is smaller than some competitors' screens.
- Charges monthly $3.99 inactivity fee after 12 months and a $49.95 setup fee.
Payanywhere Smart Flex
Best for Handheld terminal + customer-facing screen
Monthly fee
$25.00
Pros
- Accepts credit card payments, including magstripe and digital wallets.
- Has two screens, one for the business and one for customers.
- Prints receipts.
- Scans barcodes.
- Accepts offline payments.
- Works without a smart device.
Cons
- Double-screen setup is smaller than some competitors' screens.
- Charges monthly $3.99 inactivity fee after 12 months and a $49.95 setup fee.
Payment processing fees
2.49% + $0.15
if you buy hardware upfront; 3.09% + $0.15 for pay-as-you-go option.
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starter Kit; $69 Point of Sale plan; custom Build Your Own plan.
Pros
- Is designed specifically for restaurants.
- Can opt for higher processing fees to cover the cost of the device.
- Can use it to ask customers for feedback on their experience.
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
Cons
- Requires quotes for advanced monthly plans.
- Requires a contract.
Toast Go 2
Best for Handheld terminal for restaurants
Payment processing fees
2.49% + $0.15
if you buy hardware upfront; 3.09% + $0.15 for pay-as-you-go option.
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starter Kit; $69 Point of Sale plan; custom Build Your Own plan.
Pros
- Is designed specifically for restaurants.
- Can opt for higher processing fees to cover the cost of the device.
- Can use it to ask customers for feedback on their experience.
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments.
Cons
- Requires quotes for advanced monthly plans.
- Requires a contract.
Clover Flex: Best handheld terminal + industry-specific plans
Style: Handheld.
Why we like it: The Clover Flex lets customers swipe, dip and tap credit cards and accepts the trio of digital wallet payments: Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. The six-inch touch screen displays transaction details. It also includes a receipt printer and barcode scanner for faster checkout and has a free monthly plan available with limited POS features for those on a budget. Read our full Clover review.
- $0 for Clover Go Payments, Retail Starter and Personal Services Starter plans.
- $14.95 for Clover Go Essentials, Professional Services Starter, and Standard and Home & Field Services Starter and Standard plans.
- $59.95 for Quick-Service Dining Starter and Standard plans.
- $79.90 for Quick-Service Dining Advanced plan.
- $84.95 for Retail Standard and Professional, Personal Services Standard and Advanced, and Home & Field Services Advanced plans.
- $89.95 for Full-Service Dining Starter plan.
- $104.90 for Retail Advanced plan.
- $109.90 for Full-Service Dining Standard plan.
- $129.85 for Full-Service Dining Advanced plan.
- $199 for chip, swipe and contactless Clover Go card reader.
- $279 for countertop card reader.
- $649 for Clover Flex mobile POS with receipt printer.
- $599 for slimmer Flex Pocket with no printer.
- $799 for Clover Mini POS.
- $799-$899 + $25 per month for kitchen display system.
- $1,699 for Clover Station Solo.
- $1,799 for Clover Station Duo.
- $3,499 + $34.95 per month for self-ordering kiosk.
- 2.3% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on Full-Service and Quick-Service Restaurant plans.
- 2.5% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on Retail Standard and Advanced plans, Professional and Personal Services Standard and Advanced plans, and the Home and Field Services Advanced plan.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on the Retail and Personal Services Starter plans and the Home and Field Services Standard plan.
- 3.5% plus 10 cents for online or keyed-in transactions.
Square Stand: Best iPad-based POS terminal
Style: Tabletop.
Why we like it: Despite being the cheapest tabletop reader on this list, the Square Stand offers small businesses a lot of value. The Stand uses an iPad as a screen, giving you the feeling of a register-style terminal without the high price. It also swivels so customers can see transaction details and accepts all types of credit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay and QR codes through Cash App. You’ll need to purchase accessories to print receipts or scan barcodes with this terminal. Read our full Square review.
- $0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
- $29 for Square Appointments Plus plan.
- $69 for Square Appointments Premium and Square Restaurants Plus plans.
- $89 for Square Retail Plus plan.
- $165 for Square Restaurant Premium plan.
- Custom pricing for Square Retail plan.
- $0 for Square magstripe-only card reader ($10 for each additional reader) or if using Tap to Pay for iPhone (iPhone not included).
- $59 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 15 cents for in-person transactions with all free plans.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions with paid restaurant plans.
- 2.5% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions with paid retail and appointments plans.
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.
- 3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions.
- 3.3% plus 30 cents for invoices.
SumUp Plus: Best standalone card reader + mobile app
Style: Handheld.
Why we like it: The SumUp Plus comes with all the basic features of a card reader and a low price. It connects to a smart device to process payments and features a small screen to display transaction totals for swiping, dipping and tapping credit cards and accepting Apple Pay and Google Pay. Although the Plus doesn’t print receipts, you can send digital receipts to customers’ email addresses. Read our full SumUp review.
$0.
- $54 for SumUp Plus card reader.
- $64 for SumUp Plus cradle bundle.
- $99 for SumUp Solo touchscreen.
- $169 for SumUp Solo Printer Bundle.
- SumUp POS bundle is quote-based.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions.
- 2.90% plus 15 cents for online invoice transactions.
- 3.5% plus 15 cents for card-not-present transactions.
Clover Station Duo: Best countertop terminal + customer-facing screen
Style: Tabletop.
Why we like it: The Clover Station Duo has two screens (one facing each side of the counter), processes credit card and digital payment options and prints receipts, giving customers a smoother checkout. It also comes with a cash drawer for an all-in-one setup. Clover offers two POS options for the Station Duo: one for retail and one for restaurants.
- $0 for Clover Go Payments, Retail Starter and Personal Services Starter plans.
- $14.95 for Clover Go Essentials, Professional Services Starter, and Standard and Home & Field Services Starter and Standard plans.
- $59.95 for Quick-Service Dining Starter and Standard plans.
- $79.90 for Quick-Service Dining Advanced plan.
- $84.95 for Retail Standard and Professional, Personal Services Standard and Advanced, and Home & Field Services Advanced plans.
- $89.95 for Full-Service Dining Starter plan.
- $104.90 for Retail Advanced plan.
- $109.90 for Full-Service Dining Standard plan.
- $129.85 for Full-Service Dining Advanced plan.
- $199 for chip, swipe and contactless Clover Go card reader.
- $279 for countertop card reader.
- $649 for Clover Flex mobile POS with receipt printer.
- $599 for slimmer Flex Pocket with no printer.
- $799 for Clover Mini POS.
- $799-$899 + $25 per month for kitchen display system.
- $1,699 for Clover Station Solo.
- $1,799 for Clover Station Duo.
- $3,499 + $34.95 per month for self-ordering kiosk.
- 2.3% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on Full-Service and Quick-Service Restaurant plans.
- 2.5% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on Retail Standard and Advanced plans, Professional and Personal Services Standard and Advanced plans, and the Home and Field Services Advanced plan.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on the Retail and Personal Services Starter plans and the Home and Field Services Standard plan.
- 3.5% plus 10 cents for online or keyed-in transactions.
Payanywhere Smart Terminal: Best handheld terminal + barcode scanner
Style: Handheld.
Why we like it: The Payanywhere Smart Terminal lets small businesses print receipts on the go and comes with a five-inch touch screen to show transaction details. It also scans barcodes for faster checkout and accepts credit card payments, including some digital wallets. However, it doesn’t accept Google Pay. Payanywhere’s POS features include reporting, employee tracking and inventory management. Read our full Payanywhere review.
$14.95.
$349.95.
- 2.69% for in-person transactions.
- 3.49% plus 19 cents for online, keyed and virtual terminal transactions.
PayPal Zettle: Best credit card reader + QR code scanning
Style: Handheld.
Why we like it: PayPal's Zettle goes one step further by letting customers pay by QR code directly from their PayPal accounts — just create a unique QR code on the card reader and let the customer scan the code with their phone to initiate payment. QR code payments are charged at the same rate as card-present transactions. It’s also a handheld design that’s easy to take on the go, accepts chip and contactless payments and has a screen to display simple transaction details. Read our full PayPal Zettle review.
$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.
- $229 for Store Kit Mini (tablet stand with card reader and dock).
- $339 for Store Kit Portable kit with mobile card reader and printer.
- $479 for Store Kit Standard (tablet stand, card reader, dock and 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.
- 2.99% plus 49 cents for invoicing (payment made with card).
- 3.49% plus 49 cents for invoicing (payment made with PayPal).
Square Register: Best countertop terminal + customer-facing screen
Style: Tabletop with two screens.
Why we like it: The Square Register accepts digital wallets and all credit cards and also lets customers pay via QR code through Cash App. This option can help businesses avoid the higher processing fees associated with card-not-present transactions and is available for customers online if you set up a Square Online website. The system also comes with two screens: a 13.25-inch screen for the cashier and a seven-inch screen for the customer. Although Square Register doesn’t scan barcodes or print receipts, you can order additional hardware to set up these features.
- $0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
- $29 for Square Appointments Plus plan.
- $69 for Square Appointments Premium and Square Restaurants Plus plans.
- $89 for Square Retail Plus plan.
- $165 for Square Restaurant Premium plan.
- Custom pricing for Square Retail plan.
- $0 for Square magstripe-only card reader ($10 for each additional reader) or if using Tap to Pay for iPhone (iPhone not included).
- $59 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 15 cents for in-person transactions with all free plans.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions with paid restaurant plans.
- 2.5% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions with paid retail and appointments plans.
- 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 Terminal: Best compact handheld terminal + printer
Style: Handheld to tabletop conversion.
Why we like it: Square Terminal is a compact handheld credit card machine built for portability, but you can also connect it to a tablet to create a tabletop terminal with a second screen for when customers come to you. It accepts all payment types and can print receipts for a smooth checkout process. Although it requires an internet connection and won’t work on cellular data, it can connect to Wi-Fi or ethernet and can accept offline payments when Wi-Fi isn’t available.
- $0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
- $29 for Square Appointments Plus plan.
- $69 for Square Appointments Premium and Square Restaurants Plus plans.
- $89 for Square Retail Plus plan.
- $165 for Square Restaurant Premium plan.
- Custom pricing for Square Retail plan.
- $0 for Square magstripe-only card reader ($10 for each additional reader) or if using Tap to Pay for iPhone (iPhone not included).
- $59 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 15 cents for in-person transactions with all free plans.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions with paid restaurant plans.
- 2.5% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions with paid retail and appointments plans.
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.
- 3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions.
- 3.3% plus 30 cents for invoices.
Payanywhere Smart Flex: Best handheld terminal + customer-facing screen
Style: Handheld with two screens.
Why we like it: Payanywhere’s Smart Flex has several features that make it great for on-the-go transactions, including a second screen for customers to see transaction details. It can also print receipts and scan barcodes. It accepts all payment types and can process offline transactions.
$24.95.
$549.95.
- 2.69% for in-person transactions.
- 3.49% plus 19 cents for online, keyed and virtual terminal transactions.
Toast Go 2: Best handheld terminal for restaurants
Style: Handheld.
Why we like it: Toast’s Go 2 was built with food service in mind, with a 24-hour battery life and an exterior that can stand up to spills and being dropped. Working with Toast’s restaurant POS, the Go 2 lets you submit orders and check out customers at the table. The handheld reader works well for food trucks and smaller cafes and also integrates into Toast’s larger kitchen system if you decide to expand. You can accept all types of payments and never worry about losing sales with the ability to accept offline payments. Read our full Toast review.
- $0 for Starter Kit plan.
- $69 Point of Sale plan.
- Custom plans available.
- $799.20 for Handheld Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee).
- $1,024.20 for Countertop Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee).
- $1,339.20 for Guest Self-Service Starter Kit (but $0 if you agree to a higher processing fee).
- 3.09-3.69% plus 15 cents per transaction, if you choose a pay-as-you-go plan.
- 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.
Credit card machines and POS terminals are pieces of hardware that allow your business to accept card payments in person. They give customers a secure way to either swipe, dip or tap their card and share the information stored on it, so that their purchase can be authorized. Some options may also accept digital wallets or QR code payments.
However, you’ll need more than a machine or terminal to process credit card payments. Businesses typically pair these with a payment processing service and integrated POS software program. The payment processing service facilitates the movement of money from customers’ bank accounts to your business’s account, and the POS software records the sales data so that you can generate financial reports.
The right credit card processing hardware for your business will depend on multiple factors, including where and what you sell. But it’s also important not to choose hardware in isolation. Because while you may want a portable reader, for instance, that’s ultimately just one component of your broader POS system.
Considering the following factors will help guide the decision making process and ensure all of your POS components work together seamlessly.
Mobility
Some credit card machines and terminals are made to be stationary, and others can go wherever you do. Consider where most of your sales occur, and make sure your hardware can follow. Maybe it even means having a countertop POS system for your physical store and a more portable credit card reader for the occasional farmers market or pop-up booth sales.
» MORE: Best mobile POS systems
Types of payments accepted
Do you want customers to be able to scan QR codes or use digital wallet methods, like Apple Pay and Google Pay? Credit card machines commonly accept swiped, dipped or tapped cards, but not all accept these other methods of payment.
Extra features
Customer-facing displays can be great for businesses that accept tips and want to offer customers preset gratuity options while keeping the line moving. Barcode scanners, in particular, are ideal for high-volume retail shops that keep a close eye on their inventory. Some other credit card machine features include built-in receipt printers and the ability to accept payments if the Wi-Fi goes out.
Cost
Some basic card readers are free, but more complex terminals, like a countertop register, can cost hundreds of dollars. And if your card reader doesn’t have a built-in barcode scanner or receipt printer, you may have to consider purchasing those separately as well.
On top of hardware, don’t forget to also factor in the cost of POS software and payment processing fees. Lots of POS system providers offer free software plans, but you should always expect to pay per-transaction fees to process credit card payments.
POS software
Your business’s credit card machine is usually connected to a POS software program or app that collects data to give you insight into your sales. POS system providers may offer software subscriptions and hardware (including a credit card machine) as part of a package deal. Additionally, POS software is often industry specific, which can help you narrow down your choices.
Regardless, make sure the associated POS software does what you need it to do, whether that’s tracking inventory, calculating sales tax, helping you manage employees or generating advanced reports.
Payment processing
Credit card machines are also usually integrated with a payment processor that communicates with your customers’ banks and ensures money lands in your business’s account on time. Not all pieces of POS hardware and software are compatible with just any payment processor, so check to see what types of payments integrations are available before making up your mind. Ideally, the processor won’t charge extra fees for termination, PCI compliance or setup.
Last updated on March 12, 2024
Methodology
NerdWallet’s ratings of payment processing providers reward 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.