The best mobile credit card processors and readers for your business let you accept in-person payments on the go. Processors, or processing companies, facilitate the flow of money from the customer’s bank account to your business’s account. They may also offer standalone, portable devices and/or credit card readers that connect to smartphones or tablets, typically via Bluetooth.
A mobile credit card reader is a piece of POS hardware that accepts debit and credit card payments. Since it typically pairs with an app on your smartphone, you can accept payments from anywhere.
The company providing the reader typically offers payment processing services, too. That way, you don’t need to integrate the reader with a third-party payment processing company.
Free or inexpensive credit card readers, competitive processing fees and compatibility with point-of-sale (POS) systems are some of the top features to consider. The range of payment options available — including magstripe, chip and contactless transactions — may also influence your decision.
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Here are our top picks for mobile credit card processors and readers.
Best Mobile Credit Card Processors and Readers
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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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Square Learn more on Square's secure website | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | 5.0/5 Best for Overall mobile credit card processor | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations. | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | Learn more on Square's secure website |
Clover Go Learn more on Clover Go's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Using third-party processors | 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 | ||
PayPal Zettle | 4.0/5 Best for Low card-present processing rates | In-person: 2.29% + $0.09 Online: 2.89% + $0.49 | $0.00 | |||
QuickBooks GoPayment | 4.5/5 Best for QuickBooks loyalists | In-person: 2.5% + $0.00 Online: 2.99% + $0.00 | $0.00 | |||
Helcim Learn more on Helcim's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for High-volume sales | In-person: 0.4% + $0.08 Online: 0.5% + $0.25 Plus interchange | $0.00 | Learn more on Helcim's secure website |
Our pick for
Overall mobile credit card processor
Square’s free mobile credit card reader, free POS app, competitive payment processing rates and ease of use put it at the top of our list. Its POS plans also come with an e-commerce site so you can expand your reach online.
Square
Learn more
on Square's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Square is a strong overall choice for credit card processing because of its transparent pricing, lack of a monthly fee and free magstripe card reader. With no contract required, it’s easy to try Square before deciding to purchase additional hardware or upgrade to a plan with more features.
Pros
- Free magstripe reader.
- No monthly fees with the Free plan.
- Offline mode with magstripe reader.
- No long-term contract.
Cons
- Offline mode not offered with chip card and contactless payments reader.
- Phone support on weekdays only.
Our pick for
Using third-party processors
Most mobile credit card readers are only compatible with in-house payment processing services, which don’t always offer the lowest rates. Alternatively, Clover gives you the freedom to choose your payment processor by allowing third-party processors to sell its hardware.
Clover Go
Learn more
on Clover Go's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Payments plan; $14.95 Essentials plan.
Clover Go is similar to Square, but you will need to purchase a card reader for $49 to get started. However, the Starter plan doesn’t have a monthly fee and you’ll get 24/7 phone support when you need it.
Pros
- No monthly fees with Starter plan.
- You can process offline sales after you reconnect.
- 24/7 phone support.
Cons
- No free reader.
- May require a contract.
Our pick for
Low card-present processing rates
At 2.29% plus 9 cents per transaction, PayPal Zettle’s in-person payment processing rates are lower than those of many of its competitors. Plus, in addition to credit and debit cards, you can also accept PayPal and Venmo payments.
PayPal Zettle
Monthly fee
$0.00
PayPal Zettle offers a low-cost card reader for $29 and also has low card-present transaction fees. There’s no monthly fee or long-term contract, plus daily support is available, including weekends.
Pros
- No long-term contract.
- No monthly fee.
- Low card-present transaction fee rate.
- Daily phone support for businesses.
Cons
- No free reader.
- Money transferred into your PayPal account instead of a bank account.
Our pick for
QuickBooks loyalists
Maybe integrating your accounting software with a separate POS software program feels too complicated or simply not worth the effort. If that’s the case, QuickBooks’ mobile credit card reader and GoPayment app can be a convenient way to accept the occasional in-person payment.
QuickBooks GoPayment
Monthly fee
$0.00
For QuickBooks users who have an existing account, the QuickBooks GoPayment app may be a low-cost option to consider. There’s no long-term contract and the fees for card-present transactions are similar to other competitors.
Pros
- Convenient for QuickBooks users.
- No monthly fee with a QuickBooks account.
- No long-term contract.
Cons
- QuickBooks account is required.
- Customer support is limited to weekdays.
Our pick for
High-volume sales
Helcim’s mobile credit card reader uses interchange-plus pricing, as opposed to flat-rate pricing, and is especially advantageous for high-volume businesses. Its volume discounts kick in once your business makes more than $50,000 in credit card transactions per month.
Helcim
Learn more
on Helcim's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Helcim offers payment processing discounts to businesses that do more than $50,000 in monthly credit card sales, making it a good choice for high-volume retailers. It offers two options for accepting in-person payments: The Smart Terminal is a standalone reader with a built-in receipt printer, and the pocket-sized Card Reader connects to existing mobile devices, like smartphones or iPads.
Pros
- Interchange-plus pricing structure can help businesses save money.
- Quick setup; approvals usually take a day.
- Offers volume-based discounts automatically.
- Syncs directly with QuickBooks Online and Xero.
- No termination fees or long-term contracts.
Cons
- Deposits are available within two business days; same-day deposit option is not available.
- Doesn’t offer services to businesses in certain high-risk industries.
Our picks for the best mobile credit card readers and processors
Square
Best overall mobile credit card processor
Mobile credit card reader compatibility: Apple iOS and Android devices with Bluetooth.
Our editorial take: Square doesn’t require a contract, provides a free magstripe reader and offers a free point-of-sale software plan and app. You can opt to purchase a chip card and contactless payments reader, and you can also upgrade to the Plus or Premium plans if you want more advanced features. Square's mobile credit card readers can’t print receipts, but you can provide customers with a receipt through text or email. Of the two readers, only the free magstripe reader can handle offline transactions. Phone support is limited to weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific time. Read our full Square review.
- $0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
- $29 for Square Appointments Plus plan.
- $60 for Square Restaurant Plus plan.
- $69 for Square Appointments Premium plan.
- $89 for Square Retail Plus plan.
- Custom pricing for Square Retail and Square Restaurant Premium plans.
- $0 for Square magstripe-only card reader ($10 for each additional reader) or if using Tap to Pay for iPhone (iPhone not included).
- $49 and up 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 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: Best free POS software
Clover Go
Best for using third-party processors
Mobile credit card reader compatibility: Android and Apple iOS devices with Bluetooth.
Our editorial take: If you want to use Clover as your payment processor, you can purchase the Clover Go mobile card reader directly through its website. Alternatively, you can also purchase it through resellers that program the reader to work with outside payment processors. This mobile card reader accepts swiped, chip and contactless payments, and the accompanying mobile app is free. Customers can receive their receipt via text or email. For more information, read our full Clover review.
- $0 for Payments plan.
- $14.95 for Essentials plan.
- $49 for chip, swipe and contactless Clover Go card reader.
- $599 for Clover Flex mobile POS with 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.
- $2,499 + $34.95 per month for self-ordering kiosk.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions.
- 3.5% plus 10 cents for online or keyed-in transactions.
PayPal Zettle
Best for low card-present processing rates
Mobile credit card reader compatibility: Apple iOS and Android devices with Bluetooth.
Our editorial take: PayPal Zettle offers one of the lowest card-present transaction rates. While its mobile credit card reader isn’t free, the first one is relatively inexpensive. The price increases for any additional card readers. You won’t be charged a monthly fee and the POS app is also free. There’s no long-term contract and daily phone support is available for businesses from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific time. You can text or email your customers a receipt. Payment funds are transferred into your PayPal account, but you can then schedule deposits to your bank account. 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.
- $249 for Store Kit Mini (screen terminal with card reader).
- $339 for Store Kit Portable kit with mobile card reader and printer.
- $499 for Store Kit Standard (adds 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.
- 2.89% plus 49 cents for online card payments.
- 2.99% plus 49 cents for invoicing (payment made with card).
- 3.49% plus 49 cents for invoicing (payment made with PayPal).
QuickBooks GoPayment
Best for QuickBooks loyalists
Mobile credit card reader compatibility: Apple iOS and Android devices with Bluetooth.
Our editorial take: The QuickBooks GoPayment mobile app is a convenient option for QuickBooks accounting users. The POS app is free, and you won’t be tied to a long-term contract. Card-present transaction fees are competitive, but you’ll need a QuickBooks Online account in order to use GoPayment. The cheapest QuickBooks solopreneur plan starts at $20 per month, and customer support is limited to weekdays. Read our full QuickBooks GoPayment review for more details.
- $0 if you already have a QuickBooks Online plan.
- $30 ($15 for first three months) for Simple Start plan for new QuickBooks users.
- $60 ($30 for first three months) for Essentials plan for new QuickBooks users.
- $90 ($45 for first three months) for Plus plan for new QuickBooks users.
- $200 ($100 for first three months) for Advanced plan for new QuickBooks users.
- QuickBooks Desktop users pay an annual subscription fee for the accounting software.
- $39 for QuickBooks charging stand.
- $49 for QuickBooks card reader.
- $79 for QuickBooks card reader with charging stand.
For QuickBooks Online users
- 2.5% for in-person payments.
- 2.99% for online and invoiced payments.
- 3.5% for manually keyed payments.
- 1% for ACH transactions.
For QuickBooks Desktop users
Pay as you go plan (no monthly fee):
- 2.4% plus 30 cents per in-person transaction.
- 3.5% plus 30 cents per keyed-in or invoiced transaction.
- $3 per ACH transfer.
Pay monthly plan ($20 monthly fee):
- 1.6% plus 30 cents per in-person transaction.
- 3.3% plus 30 cents per keyed-in or invoiced transaction.
- $3 per ACH transfer.
Helcim
Best for high-volume sales
Mobile credit card reader compatibility: Android and Apple iOS devices with Bluetooth.
Our editorial take: Unlike many of its competitors that rely on a flat-rate pricing model, Helcim uses an interchange-plus model that has the potential to save high-volume businesses money in processing costs. You can use both of Helcim’s hardware options (the Smart Terminal and Card Reader) to track inventory, email receipts, track sales trends and accept contactless and chip credit card payments. There are no contracts or monthly fees. For more information, read our full Helcim review.
$0.
- $99 for a mobile card reader (with stand).
- $329 for a stand-alone terminal with built-in thermal printer.
- 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.
How to choose a mobile credit card reader
Here are the major factors to consider while choosing the right mobile credit card reader and processor for your small business.
POS system integrations
If you operate primarily out of a brick-and-mortar location and already use a POS system, sticking with your current provider is likely the most convenient option when choosing a mobile card reader. If you don’t use a countertop POS register or subscribe to POS software, your options are much less restricted.
Cost
Simple mobile card readers are relatively inexpensive, especially compared to more robust mobile POS systems that come with receipt printers or barcode scanners. In addition to the cost of the hardware itself, make sure to factor in any accompanying monthly POS software subscriptions and payment processing costs. Lots of basic POS software plans are free, but you will need to pay payment processing fees regardless.
Android vs. iPhone compatibility
While there’s certainly overlap between the best credit card readers for Androids and the top credit card readers for iPhones, some card readers’ apps pair better with one or the other. Make sure to explore reviews of each app in Apple’s App Store or the Google Play store, depending on which type of smartphone you own, so you can ensure seamless credit card processing.
Types of payments accepted
For the most part, mobile card readers let customers “dip” their chip cards or use contactless payments by tapping their phone or card to the reader. The ability to swipe magstripes, however, is becoming less common. Make sure you understand how your customer base prefers to pay you before choosing a reader.
Learn more about credit card processing
Understand the costs associated with accepting credit cards, as well as the differences between in-store, online and mobile sales.
Last updated on June 26, 2024
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.
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