In 2023, you should be offering your customers just about every payment method available. Tap, swipe, text-to-pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, the list goes on and on. So, it goes without saying that you need to have a great card reader. And not all card readers are built equally.
Read on to learn how to choose the best credit card reader for your business. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to offering a world-class, modernized payment experience that’ll impress any consumer and keep the old ones coming back.
What Is a Credit Card Reader?
A credit card reader is a device that local businesses use to conveniently process debit card and credit card transactions. When a customer applies for their card, the machine reads the information stored in the magnetic strip or chip and sends that data to a payment processor to verify and authenticate it.
Your credit card reader can be a physical instrument connected to your computer or mobile device, or simply integrated into your payment processing or POS system. With the right card reader, you can offer your customers unparalleled convenience at checkout and save yourself a headache with top-tier data tracking and processing.
For more about credit card readers, check out our complete guide.
6 Best Credit Card Machines for Small Business
Want the scoop on the best credit card machines for small businesses? Look no further. Here are our six favorite credit card machine providers and credit card processing companies for local businesses and what sets them apart.
With user-friendly features and reliable performance, Podium’s card reader is a comprehensive, omnichannel master that you can use to level up multiple aspects of your business. Podium’s payment systems not only offer excellent mobile and in-store processing via text (and every other channel), but also help you gather more reviews, generate better leads, and centralize your customer data, bringing everything into one place.
Something to consider: Podium’s free trial and flexibility make this all-in-one communication platform for small and local businesses a must-consider for businesses in all industries.
Of the payment solutions, Square offers a fairly cheap contactless/chip reader with no monthly fee. The Square terminal comes with a free headphone jack/lighting port reader and flat-rate processing.
However, it’s not as cost-effective for high-volume sellers, making it perfect for small business owners that process fewer transactions on the day-to-day. It’s also great as a backup to your POS system because the reader itself is free! (Users have reported occasional fund holds, which is something to watch out for.)
Clover’s hardware is also fairly inexpensive and comes with a great web dashboard that is easily navigable as well as a free mobile processing app. With the inclusion of a wide variety of features, this option makes modern, flexible payment processing a breeze. You also get your own merchant account, giving you more stability than a third-party processor.
Things to watch out for? The pricing and terms can vary significantly depending on your specific circumstances. Unlike Square, this option is more expensive for low-volume businesses.
Shopify has a number of different packages that work well for different businesses. Their mobile card reader is excellent for pop-ups and traveling businesses and includes mobile invoicing. If ease of use is your must-have, Shopify is the place for you.
The full point of sale subscription package comes with more advanced features as well as a complete Shopify online store, which is huge if your business leans on ecommerce sales. But, there’s no chat support to help your business get the hang of it.
Specifically built for mobile businesses, PayPal sends SMS receipts, powers up in only two seconds, and processes contactless credit card payments in five seconds, making speed a highlight. It also has manual card entry for when you process phone orders from your customers who still want to call you.
Things to keep in mind? PayPal is known for siding with customers when it comes to issues and only offers one credit card device option.
If you’re looking for the best system for omnichannel businesses, Stripe is your guy. Like Podium, you can process mobile, online, and in-person transactions all in one place. Stripe has a zero monthly fee, works with over 135 currencies, is highly customizable, and, unlike Shopify, offers world-class support for its merchant services.
However, the learning curve with this POS system is slightly steeper than most. The processing fees are also among the most expensive among these options.
How to Choose the Best Credit Card Machine
Now that we’ve covered a few options, how do you choose the right credit card reader for your business needs? Here are a few other factors to consider when making your decision: pricing, functionality, ease of use, compatibility, and flexibility.
Pricing
Let’s chat emv. More important than the “cheapest” option is finding what will work best for your business–especially in the long run. If a reader has high transaction fees but no monthly fees, this might be a better fit for low-volume sellers (or a backup). If you’re a high-volume seller, you might benefit most from a mobile reader that includes a personal merchant account. When picking a device, examine all the pricing elements alongside your typical processes/ROI and see what will work best for you. (Pro Tip: Watch out for additional fees).
Functionality
Consider your needs here: Is your business often on the go? Do customers in your area prefer to buy online or come in-store? Do your customers prefer text, mobile invoicing, or contactless payment? Your card reader should function well in all the different capacities in which you use it and help you meet the expectations of your customers.
Ease of Use
On that note, your card reader shouldn’t make life more difficult. Like your iphone, it should be simple, with an intuitive interface and an attractive, minimalist design. Touchscreen is ideal. The best card readers sync everything into one system, allowing you to track your transactions with ease and keep your customers updated without breaking a sweat. Your POS system should hold to the highest pci data security standards as well.
Compatibility
Evaluating payment processing options and transaction fees aren’t the only elements you should keep in mind. You should also take the needs of your customers, your industry, and your budget into account. If you own a furniture company, it’s key to locate a device that’s compatible with retail POS systems and your loyalty program. If you operate in the medical field, the reader you choose should integrate well with the best medical POS software.
Flexibility
A couple of other things? You want a device that comes with a really good app, is highly flexible, offers great connectivity, acts as a virtual terminal, and is able to function offline when your wi-fi, bluetooth, or internet connection is down. Your credit card processor should also be able to accept all payment types: magstripe, mastercard, visa, american express, all types of credit card, android, mobile credit card, text, contactless via nfc, Apple, Google, mobile payments, online payments, etc.
Transform Your Small Business Success: Discover the Benefits of Podium’s Tools and Services
Want some free tools to boost your operations? We’ve got you covered.
Over 150,000 local businesses use Podium as a one-stop-shop solution to offer a modern payment experience. With Podium’s messaging suite, you have all the tools you need to take your small business to the next level, including:
And that’s not all. Intuitively designed specifically for local businesses, Podium’s credit card reader is a convenient solution for small businesses in every industry, allowing you to take control of your payment gateway by harnessing the power of text and syncing everything into one place. With its varied features, Podium’s credit card terminal simplifies the payment process, enhances security, and offers seamless integration. Get started for free today.
FAQs
Hungry for more? Here are a few frequently asked questions.
How much does a credit card machine cost per month?
It depends on the credit card machine–and it depends on the month. Your cost can vary significantly depending on which provider and which package you choose. But there are a few costs to count on.
Essentially, all credit card machine options come with a reader that’s typically $29-$300 and processing rates that range from about 2.4% to 2.9%, plus a flat rate. Some options charge a monthly fee, and others don’t (about half and half).
How do I get a card machine for my small business?
Easy as pie. Simply go to the provider’s website, click “Start a free trial,” and enter your information. Of course, some providers make it easier than others. Free trials can be a significant advantage here and show you if a provider really cares about making sure you find the right fit. Podium makes it easy and affordable to level up your payments with their free trial.
How do I know it’s working?
Look to your customers and look to your business. Do customers seem frustrated at your countertop? How long is the credit card processing taking? Do they have to wait? Does your processor bring everything into one place for easy tracking? Does it give you mobile invoicing options? Keep tabs on your payment experience and make changes as necessary. If you or your customers are running into frustrations or exorbitantly high fees, it might be time to make a switch.
