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
- Get your money as soon as the next business day.
- Get set up quickly with no long-term commitments. Download the Square Point of Sale app for free, create an account, and start taking payments anywhere.
- Run your business all in one place with the free Square Point of Sale app. Track your sales, manage inventory, accept tips, send receipts digitally, and more.
- Works with Apple devices with a Lightning connector.
- With Square Terminal, you can ring up sales, accept payments, and print receipts, all with one device. Use it at the counter or ring up customers anywhere in your store.
- Accept all major credit and debit cards and pay one low rate with no hidden fees and no long-term contracts.
- Process chip cards in just two seconds.
- Get your money as soon as the next business day.
- Use it cordlessly with the built-in battery, designed to last all day.
- Accept swipe, chip, or contactless (NFC) payments with one card reader. Connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone or tablet
- Only 2.6% +10 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
- REQUIRES SHOPIFY ACCOUNT - Seamlessly integrate the Tap & Chip Card Reader with your Shopify account using the Shopify POS app on your tablet or smartphone for a complete selling experience.
- ACCEPTS ALL MAJOR PAYMENTS - Securely process contactless and chip payments with Shopify Payments rates starting from 2.6% + $0.10. Accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- MOBILE OR COUNTERTOP USE - Use the Tap & Chip Card Reader alone for mobile sales, or attach it to the included Dock for countertop transactions. The Dock raises the reader to an ergonomic height and angle for customer convenience.
- SEAMLESS BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY - Connect wirelessly to the Shopify POS app on any tablet or smartphone over Bluetooth, ensuring seamless integration and mobility during sales.
- SECURE AND RELIABLE - Protect customer data with PCI DSS compliance. The Tap & Chip Card Reader is EMV certified, ensuring safety for you and your customers.
- 【Broad Compatibility】- Our card reader is designed with a Type-C connector, ensuring compatibility with various phone brands such as Xiaomi, , , and .
- 【Professionally Engineered】- Our credit card reader adopts an RF receiving line design and an embedded microcontroller. These combined with a powerful decoding algorithm, result in an ultra-efficient .
- 【Built In Buzzer】- Equipped with a built in buzzer, Our Mobile Card Reader emits sound up to 20db, effectively providing audible prompts for user convenience.
- 【Hassle Usage】- The Mobile Phone Card Reader is plug and play. Boasting stable performance and high efficiency, it does not require any drivers to be installed, hence making it easy to use.
- 【Robust and Long-lasting】- Constructed with premium ABS material, our Portable Mobile Phone Card Reader is built to last. It is , , and has a long service life, providing you with enduring usability.
- 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.
- Merchant account required through Payarc.
- Dual Pricing Available- Pass all fees to customers
- MSR90 is a USB emulation keyboard interface that not need any driver or software,USB simply plug and play
- Reads up to 3 tracks of information,can reads ISO7811, AAMVA, CA DMV and most other card data formats
- Threaded inserts for mounting. LED indicator, green light is on when connecting,green light blinks when cards swiped
- Bi-directional swipe reading, superior reading of high jitter, scratched, and worn magstripe cards, reliable for over 1,000,000 card swipes
- Configuration software makes configuration changes easy,works with: Windows OS and Mac OS
- 【Wide Compatibility】The credit card reader features a Type C connector that seamlessly works with various smartphone brands such as Xiaomi, Huawei, , and This extensive compatibility makes it an ideal choice for users with different devices, ensuring you can utilize this efficient card reader regardless of your phone's brand. The ease of connection allows you to access your RFID cards on the go, making transactions smoother and more versatile.
- 【Innovative Design】The square card reader incorporates an advanced RF receiving line design combined with an embedded microcontroller and an efficient decoding algorithm. This professional design ensures rapid and accurate reading of RFID data, providing an enhanced user experience. Whether for work or use, expect top-notch performance from this meticulously engineered device that optimizes card reading capabilities.
- 【Audible Alerts】Designed with a built-in buzzer, the credit card reader produces sound alerts reaching up to 20db. This feature effectively prompts users when a card is detected, ensuring you are always informed during usage. The audible notification is particularly useful in busy environments, enhancing efficiency and accuracy as you handle multiple transactions or card readings.
- 【User-Friendly Operating】The credit card reader for android phone offers a plug-and-play setup, allowing for stable performance without the need for complex installations. Its robust compatibility and high efficiency ensure that users can start utilizing the device immediately. This hassleFree Operating is Good for people on the go, making it the tool for quick access to RFID information.
- 【Sturdy Construction】Crafted from ABS material, the RFID ID Mobile Phone Card Reader is designed to withstand wear and tear, providing longevity and consistent performance. Its portable design doesn't compromise on robustness, making it one of the most Credible card readers in its category. Enjoy a long service life without concerns about damage, ensuring it remains a valuable asset for your mobile operations.
- ✅【NOTED】: ONLY compatible with Tap & Chip Card Reader. PACKAGE INCLUDED 1x Docking station for Shopif credit card reader, 1x Charging cable (USB to USB), 1x Wall Charger. Not included reader devices in package
- ✅【SMARTER ACTIVATE BUTTON FUNCTION】: Your reader device will enter sleep mode after a few minutes. To wake it up, no need to take the business card reader out of the base again and again like other dock stations, but just simply press the power-on button on the dock. Within few seconds, you’ll see four green flashing lights that means Shopif reader pos system connected
- ✅【SUPER EASY INSTALL CONSTRUCTION EVER】: Since many people said they are frustrated that the “dock” bought from others is difficult to install for tap chip reader into, SORFHOUR dock station is deisgned to solve the problem! This tap chip reader dock allows to quickly and easily being dissabled and assembled just by one hand in seconds. Simply pop off the top clip to slide in the credit card reader and the clip pops back on. That’s it
- ✅【A REAL DOCK STATION FOR TAP CHIP READER.】: SORFHOUR card reader charger is a real docking station with a USB-C connector for Shopif card swiper and is powered by a wall charger it comes with. Besides, the 2 in 1 constrution and the detachable cable makes this reader docking station as either a charger or a holder, allowing payment and charging simultaneously. Also can be only a holder stand on the service counter after full charging and detaching the cable
- ✅【UPGRADED YOUR SMALL BUSINESS COUNTERTOP】: Non-slip silicone pad bottom and scientific counterweight provides you a comfortable checkout experience using your shopif pos system. The stand makes your pos system easy to pay or charge with three contactless payment ways including digital wallets, credit cards, debit cards, which let your countertop look more professional and reliable in trade show, events, boutiques supplies, pop-ups shop, small business, market, store
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.