Best Card Reader Small Business: 5 Essential Picks

Rating: 8.7/10

The Square Reader for contactless and chip (2nd Generation) makes it super simple for businesses to take payments. You can use it with Square’s free app or upgrade to special plans for retail, appointments, or restaurants. It’s designed to work anywhere, accepting all kinds of payments from credit cards to phone payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Plus, it’s built to be more reliable with better battery life and stronger security.

What We Like:

• Accepts all major payment types: contactless cards, chip cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
• Improved connectivity means it stays paired to your device without dropping.
• Longer battery life keeps you powered up for longer.
• Enhanced security features protect your transactions.
• One low rate for every tap or dip, no surprise fees.
• No long-term contracts or monthly fees.
• Offline payments let you keep selling even without internet for up to 24 hours.
• Strong data security, 24/7 fraud prevention, and payment dispute help are included at no extra cost.
• Get your money fast, within one to two business days, or use the Square Card for instant spending.

What Could Be Improved:

• While the reader itself is affordable, the Square ecosystem may have varying costs depending on the specific plan chosen for advanced features.
• Some users might prefer a device with a built-in screen for more complex transactions or customer interaction.

This Square Reader is a fantastic tool for businesses of all sizes looking for an easy and secure way to accept payments on the go. Its updated features and flexible payment options make it a top choice for modern businesses.

Rating: 9.3/10

The Square Reader for magstripe (USB-C) is a simple way to start accepting card payments for your business. It connects to your device with a USB-C port. This makes it easy to get paid quickly and manage your sales.

What We Like:

• You get your money fast, often by the next business day. This helps your cash flow.
• Setting it up is super easy. There are no long contracts to worry about.
• The Square Point of Sale app is free. You can download it, create an account, and start taking payments anywhere.
• The app lets you run your whole business from one spot. You can see your sales, keep track of what you have in stock, accept tips, and send digital receipts.
• It works with Apple devices that have a Lightning connector.

What Could Be Improved:

• This reader only accepts magstripe cards. It doesn’t take chip cards or contactless payments.
• It needs a separate adapter if your device doesn’t have a USB-C port or if you need to use it with a Lightning connector.

If you need a basic, affordable way to accept card payments, especially for businesses that mainly use magstripe cards, this Square Reader is a good option. It’s a straightforward tool to help you get paid.

Rating: 8.6/10

The Square Terminal is a handy device that lets you sell things and take money from customers. You can use it at your store’s counter or walk around and help people wherever they are. It’s like having a cash register and a payment machine all in one easy-to-use gadget.

What We Like:

• You can ring up sales, take payments, and print receipts with just this one device.
• It accepts all the main credit and debit cards.
• You pay one low price for each sale with no secret charges.
• There are no long contracts to sign.
• Chip cards are processed very quickly, in only two seconds.
• You can get your money as soon as the next business day.
• It has a battery that lasts all day, so you can use it without being plugged in.

What Could Be Improved:

• While it accepts most cards, some very specific or international payment types might not be supported.
• The built-in printer is great for receipts, but it uses special paper that you’ll need to keep stocked.

The Square Terminal makes it simple to run your business. It’s a good tool for anyone who wants to accept payments easily and efficiently.

Rating: 9.2/10

The SumUp Plus Card Reader is a handy tool for anyone who needs to take payments on the go. It connects easily to your phone or tablet using Bluetooth, making it super convenient for small businesses, freelancers, or even just selling at a garage sale. You can accept all sorts of payments – swipe, chip, and contactless (like tapping your card or phone) – all with this one little device.

What We Like:

• You can accept swipe, chip, and contactless (NFC) payments with just one reader.
• It connects wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth.
• The transaction fee is a clear 2.6% + 10, with no hidden costs or long-term contracts.
• A faster processor means payments go through quickly.
• The battery lasts for up to 500 transactions on a single charge.
• It works for payments all across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Guam.
• You get your money in your bank account within 1-2 business days.

What Could Be Improved:

• The transaction fee, while clear, might be a bit high for very small transactions.
• The device itself is small, which is good for portability, but could be easier to lose.

Overall, the SumUp Plus Card Reader is a straightforward and reliable way to accept payments wherever you are. It simplifies the payment process for both you and your customers.

Rating: 8.6/10

The Square Handheld is a powerful, portable point-of-sale device designed to help businesses of all kinds accept payments and manage orders efficiently. Whether you run a restaurant, a retail shop, a beauty salon, or offer professional services, this sleek device lets you take payments, record tableside orders, or even scan product barcodes from anywhere. Its slim and lightweight design makes it incredibly easy to carry, fitting comfortably in your hand or pocket. Plus, it’s built tough to handle everyday use, resisting water splashes and dust, and you can even get an optional case for extra protection against drops. Keep your business running smoothly with its long-lasting battery and the ability to accept payments even when your internet connection is down.

What We Like:

• It’s super portable, fitting easily in your pocket or hand.
• You can take orders and payments right at the table or wherever your customers are.
• It can scan barcodes, making inventory and sales even faster.
• The battery lasts a long time, so you won’t run out of power during busy shifts.
• You can still accept payments even if the internet goes out, thanks to offline mode.
• It’s built to resist water splashes and dust.
• There’s a simple, upfront payment rate with no hidden fees or long contracts.

What Could Be Improved:

• An optional protective case is needed for drop protection, which is an extra cost.
• While it handles splashes, it’s not fully waterproof.

The Square Handheld is a fantastic tool for any business that needs flexibility and ease when taking payments and managing orders. It empowers you to serve customers wherever they are, making operations smoother and more efficient.