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 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 【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.
- Merchant account required through Payarc.
- Dual Pricing Available- Pass all fees to customers
- 【Audible Prompts】The credit card reader features a built-in buzzer that emits audible prompts up to 20db. This ensures users can receive immediate feedback during transactions, enhancing usability and efficiency.
- 【Plug and Play】With its hassle- plug-and-play design, the square card reader offers stable performance without the need for driver installations. This functionality makes it incredibly easy to use for everyone, saving time and effort.
- 【Sturdy Build】Constructed from premium ABS material, the ID Mobile Phone Card Reader Type C Interface is designed for longevity and reliability. Its robust build ensures it can withstand daily use, assuring you of durability and extended service life.
- 【Versatile Compatibility】Featuring a Type-C connector, the guarantees compatibility with a range of devices including popular brands like and others. This versatility makes it a suitable choice for diverse user needs.
- 【Advanced Technology】The is engineered with an RF receiving line and an embedded microcontroller, combined with a powerful decoding algorithm for ultra-efficient performance in reading cards.
- 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
- 【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.
- 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.
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.