7 best credit card readers

Credit card readers, also known as card readers or card terminals, are essential tools in the world of retail and commerce. They are a type of Point of Sale (POS) equipment used to facilitate electronic transactions by securely processing credit and debit card payments. Here are key points about credit card readers:

  1. Transaction Processing: Credit card readers are designed to read and process the information stored on credit and debit cards.They enable businesses to accept payments from customers by swiping, inserting, or tapping their cards.

  2. Types of Readers: There are various types of credit card readers available, including traditional magnetic stripe readers, chip card readers (EMV readers), and contactless payment readers (NFC). Many modern card readers support multiple payment methods.

  3. Security: Security is a top priority for credit card readers. EMV chip card technology and encryption methods help protect sensitive cardholder data, reducing the risk of fraud and data breaches.

  4. Compatibility: Credit card readers are compatible with a range of devices and systems, including traditional cash registers, POS systems, smartphones, tablets, and computers. Some readers connect via USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi.

  5. Ease of Use: Most credit card readers are designed for user-friendliness, with simple interfaces and clear instructions. They make it easy for cashiers and customers to complete transactions quickly.

  6. Receipt Printing: Many credit card readers have built-in receipt printers that generate paper or digital receipts for customers. This provides a record of the transaction and helps businesses keep track of sales.

  7. Payment Processors: To use credit card readers, businesses typically need to establish accounts with payment processors or merchant service providers. These services facilitate the transfer of funds from the customer's bank to the merchant's account.

  8. Mobile Readers: Mobile credit card readers have become popular, allowing businesses to accept payments on the go. They are especially useful for small businesses, food trucks, and events.

  9. Fees: Businesses may incur fees associated with credit card processing, including transaction fees and monthly service fees. The cost structure can vary depending on the payment processor and the type of card reader used.

  10. Record Keeping: Credit card readers often integrate with point-of-sale software, making it easier for businesses to track sales, manage inventory, and generate financial reports.

  11. Customer Convenience: Credit card readers offer customers the convenience of making secure electronic payments, reducing the need for cash transactions.

  12. Compliance: Businesses that use credit card readers must comply with industry standards and regulations, such as Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), to protect cardholder data.

In summary, credit card readers are essential tools for businesses, enabling them to securely process electronic payments from customers using various types of payment cards. They are versatile, user-friendly, and play a crucial role in modern commerce.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best credit card readers on the market
  

Square Reader for contactless and chip

Square

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Accept every way your customers want to pay with the new Square Reader for contactless and chip—EMV chip cards, Apple Pay, Android Pay, other NFC payments, and magstripe cards. The reader connects wirelessly to iOS or Android devices with Bluetooth LE or with USB if you sell with the optional Square Stand. It works exclusively with the free Square Point of Sale app to take care of payments, tipping, inventory, reports, and more. Square Reader for contactless and chip comes with a free Square Reader for magstripe so you can swipe cards the old-fashioned way, too. Pay just 2.6% + $0.10 per swipe, dip, or tap for Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, with no surprise fees. Square sends deposits directly to your bank account in one to two business days—or you can enable Instant Deposit for 1% per deposit to get your money in seconds. Get a Dock for Square Reader to anchor the reader on your countertop and keep it charged all day.

  • Accept EMV chip cards, contactless NFC cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay from anywhere.
  • Pay just 2.6% + $0.10 for every tap, dip, or swipe. No long-term commitments or contracts, no monthly fees.
  • Connect wirelessly to your phone or tablet with Bluetooth LE to take payments on the go or at your counter.
  • Use with the Square Point of Sale app to manage items, inventory, reporting, and more—all in one free app.
  • Get funds in your bank account in one to two business days, or spend the money you earn instantly with Square Card.
  • Start selling in person in minutes, or easily import your items to sell online for free with Square Online.

User questions & answers

Question: What if a client doesn't have a chip? Do I need to buy the old one also and can I link both accounts with just paying tax for 1 account
Answer: The kit has both a reader and a contactless pad. It works with contactless payment (Apple Pay), chips AND magnetic strips.
Question: how long does it stay charged on average, with continued use
Answer: Have learned to carry a charger with me for full day events. It's going to depend on how many transactions it processes. Mine will process about 12 transactions before needing to recharge in about 6 hours. Learned that first day I used it and it went dead. No other problems besides updates. Someone said it will stay charged for 18 hours. It will if its NOT used to process transactions. If you are doing an all day event, be safe and carry a charger.
Question: Can this square chip reader be used with any phone
Answer: Hey Lisa, Yes it can. As long as you are using a smartphone that has the square app installed and your BLUETOOTH on. It can accept contactless chip card as well as the mag strip for swipe cards.
Question: Is the description true? you get both a square reader with this chip reader also
Answer: Yes, I received both. Works great!

Product features

Pocket-sized and powerful

Square Reader is packed with a powerful battery. Charge it up and you’re set to take payments all day.

Ready for your counter

Slide Square Reader into the optional Dock to stay charged, stabilized, and positioned for payments.

Sell faster, touch-free

Customers don’t have to hand over cash. They simply tap a device or contactless card to pay in under two seconds.

Seamless POS integration

Ring up customers quickly with an intuitive checkout experience. Make smarter business decisions with real-time inventory and sales reporting.

Sell online and in store

Sell online and offer curbside pickup or local delivery with Square Online. It integrates with Square Point of Sale to keep items, orders, and inventory in sync. Or connect your existing website to Square for payments.

Reach your customers in new ways

Capture valuable customer information with every sale, including names, emails, and preferences. Put it to work to send invoices, run marketing campaigns, and track spending patterns.

Find more tools that fit your business

Run a purpose-built point of sale tailored to your industry, like Square for Restaurants, Square for Retail, or Square Appointments. Access even more tools by connecting with third-party apps.

MSR90 USB Swipe Magnetic Credit Card Reader 3 Tracks Mini Smart Card Reader MSR605 MSR606 Deftun

Deftun

Based on 617 reviews Check latest price

Product description



Deftun MSR90 is hand swipe operated magnetic card reading machine with USB interface, adopting high integrated magnetic card decoding chip. They have small electricity consumption and strong interference resistance.

NO Software required ! USB Simply plug and play (Keyboard Emulation). Reader works like a keyboard, any windows can be show the card data like TXT, Word, Excel or any software, system.

Perfect for laptops/notbooks, desktop computers, credit card proessing, point of sale (POS), access control, ID verification, time and attendance terminals, etc. It’s also a PROGRAMMABLE card reader,Can be Change the data output format easy via the configuration program! Please email us directly if you want to programming it.



How to use::

1. Connect the reader to a computer USB port

2. Run a text editor, notepad or other program with an input box

3. Swipe a magnetic card through the reader

4. The card is read and card data shows in the box

5. Please noted this is a usb reader not a wireless reader or data collector, it must works with pc and can’t store the card data.



Features:

Small footprint to fit in tight places

Reads up to 3 tracks of information

Bidirectional swipe reading

HICO/LOCO Cards all compatible

Reliable for over 1,000,000 card swipes

Threaded inserts for mounting

Reads ISO7811, AAMVA, CA DMV & most other card data formats

LED indicator(Green light is on when connecting. Green light blinks when cards swiped.)

Configuration software makes configuration changes easy



Specifications:

Size: 90x 27 x 29 mm( L x W x H)

Color: black

Interface:USB emulation Keyboard

Housing: ABS

Operating Temperature: -20 to +60

Relative Humidity: 90% non-condensing

Works with: Windows98/2000/XP/Vista/7/8,MAC OS,or many other USB capable operating systems



Package List:

1x Magnetic Card Reader

  • 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, or many other USB capable operating systems

User questions & answers

Question: How do you program it
Answer: The swiper works like a keyboard; just taking what is on the card (card number, name and some other info) and putting it into the text-box. 'Getting it right' depends on the site, so you have to try it out with each site. So far I have seen almost no site that gets it perfectly right; they put in some extra bits of info - which you can delete. So it still helps to not have to type the CC # (or gift card #) - especially as sometimes you have to do it over when you go 'back' and then come back to the page. Perhaps more & more over time, sites are upgrading for this. But you have to try it. You can also open Notepad, swipe and copy & paste from there.
Question: Does the software work with Mac? If so how do I put it on there
Answer: Yes, it scans in full color, or grayscale, or black/white.
Question: I just want to 100% make sure, I can use this while shopping on line and making purchases for myself when I need to enter my card number
Answer: No it does not create business cards.
Question: Will this swiper work with stripe merhcant account
Answer: You can choose to output as a single image with both sides, or separate images - one for each side.

SumUp Plus Card Reader - Accept Swipe, Chip, and Contactless Payments

Based on 294 reviews Check latest price
  • Accept swipe, chip, or contactless (NFC) payments with one card reader
  • Only 2.75% 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

User questions & answers

Question: I saw that it doesn’t accept gift cards, but will it read visa gift cards
Answer: Yes. Any magnification lens has an anti-blue light effect.
Question: Es solo para empresas registradas? O este aparato lo puede usar una personal natural con su cuenta bancaria
Answer: Yes, CCVOO Blu-ray glasses are made of TR90 material, which are very soft and lightweight, and the frame weight is only 20g.
Question: How do you charge it if it does not come with dock
Answer: CCVOO anti-blue reading glasses with professional anti-blue lenses can effectively block more than 95% of harmful blue light and protect your eyes.
Question: Can you input the card information manually using this reader
Answer: Hi, you can use our attached blue light test card and blue light laser to test the blue light protection of your glasses. Let the light of the blue laser beam pass through the lens and shine on the test card, you can see the anti-blue light effect of the glasses. Please note that anti-blue light lenses can only block blue light that is harmful to humans, not all blue light.

ETEKJOY USB 3-Track Magnetic Stripe Card Reader POS Credit Card Reader Swiper MagStripe Swipe Card Reader ET-MSR90

Based on 147 reviews Check latest price
  • USB interface, keyboard emulation, no need to install software to read, configuration software for changing settings available.
  • Read data from all 3 tracks, high and low coercivity cards, ISO7811, AAMVA, CA DMV and most magnetic card data formats.
  • Work on Windows, Mac and other USB capable systems. Work with TXT, notepad, Word, Excel, POS systems and son on.
  • Compact size, with 145cm USB cord, two 3mm-diameter screw holes for fixing at the bottom, a LED indicator light
  • Perfect for POS, Banking, Loyalty, Access Control, ID verification and other applications.

User questions & answers

Question: Can I use this for my personal use at home (on my personal computer) to make online purchases? Or, is this somehow only for business use
Answer: different strengths are available, but the numbers of glasses in a bundle can vary with strengths and models.
Question: Can i use arcade game cards with this
Answer: No there is no line in the lens.
Question: What's the difference with other same products
Answer: go to your local pharmacy and try on the different power of glasses and try reading. this will tell you which power works for you
Question: the number that the reader reads goes into whatever application is open and is highlighted/in focus, just like you're typing? Can it save the number
Answer: Pretty much the only time you are going to get a glass lens is at the optometrists office where they will ground it down to your prescription. Most people who buy cheap readers usually get them because they don't need an expensive pair of readers (like my husband and i..which the optometrist even stated..was nice to actually hear), or can't afford them til they REALLY need them.The cheap readers and sometimes like my optometrist said even the $100 ones he carried are made out of plastic. You sometimes just gotta pay for better quality. My suggestion is tho (if you are REALLY desperate for glass) is to check the thrift stores. You might find a ton of old readers there. Just be aware you will have absolutely NO idea what power it is or if the person had an astigmatism (or other,etc) so these are things to keep in mind.

Square - A-SKU-0120 Dock for Reader

Square

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Meet your new reader’s countertop partner: Dock for Square Reader. Designed for Square Reader for contactless and chip, the dock keeps the reader charged and in place for quick, seamless transactions. Plug it into an optional Square Stand or USB wall charger to keep your reader powered all day long.

  • Keep Square Reader for contactless and chip charged and stabilized for quick transactions.
  • Accept EMV chip cards, Apple Pay, Android Pay, and other NFC payments fast.
  • Plug the dock into an optional Square Stand, or connect the reader wirelessly to a mobile device with Bluetooth LE and add a separate USB wall adapter.
  • Choose the spot that works best with the dock’s long cord.
  • Use with the Square Point of Sale app and see money in your account in one to two business days.

User questions & answers

Question: Will this device work with samsung sm-g900v - galaxy s5 - 16gb android
Answer: Yes it does stay closed with a magnet as well as holding its shape when you want it to use it as a stand. Yes you can view both ways.
Question: If this dock is paired with the square stand, does the Bluetooth connection stay connected all the time or does it go to sleep
Answer: It comes with cover+case (single part)Sorry for my English, I am Russian
Question: does it include the cable as shown in picture
Answer: No it is a thin hard plastic but I don't think that it would scratch the iPad. I want to add that if the iPad was being used by children, you would probably want something more protective.
Question: Does it come with the reader
Answer: I don't think it is a great fit. The cut out for the top right corner/sleep button is uneven which makes it seem like the case is not on securely.

Product features

Plug in, take payments

Plug your dock into an optional Square Stand to connect your reader to the Square Point of Sale app and keep it charged. Or get your iOS or Android device, and connect your reader to your mobile device via Bluetooth LE. Then plug your dock into a USB wall charger to make sure your reader stays charged all day.

Pick your perfect spot

The dock keeps your reader in place so it’s always ready for payments.

Stay powered all day

Keep your reader charged with the attached USB cable.

Accept every way your customers want to pay

Take EMV chip cards, Apple Pay, Android Pay, and magstripe cards with Square Reader for contactless and chip. Contactless (NFC) payments take just seconds.

Runs on Square Point of Sale

Download the free Square Point of Sale app to accept payments, track inventory, send invoices, and more.

Clear pricing, fast deposits

Pay one low rate for every swipe, dip, or tap for Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, with no monthly fees and no long-term commitments. See deposits in your account as soon as the next business day.

Serious security

Square encrypts card information at the beginning of the sale and conducts live risk monitoring on every transaction.

Powered by the free Square Point of Sale app

Square Point of Sale is a free point-of-sale app that gives you everything you need to do business.

  • Accept and track sales from magstripe cards, chip cards, NFC, cash, checks, and gift cards.
  • See deposits in your account in one to two business days.
  • Take magstripe payments without a connection in Offline Mode. Some conditions apply.
  • Send receipts via email or text message, or print them out.
  • Collect customer feedback from digital receipts.
  • Print or email sales reports.
  • Manage inventory in real time.
  • Adjust taxes, tipping, and discounts.
  • Create individual logins for employees.

Square Terminal

Square

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Square Terminal is your all-in-one device for payments and receipts. Take every type of payment quickly and securely with 24/7 fraud prevention and 24/7 phone support. Accept all major cards at 2.6% + 10¢ per tap, dip, or swipe, and get funds in your bank account as fast as the next business day. There are no long-term contracts or hidden fees—ever.



Square Terminal also works with any standard 2.25 in. x 50 ft. thermal printer paper, making refills easy. It does not have an internet browser or support additional apps.

  • 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.

User questions & answers

Question: Is there any other cash drawer besides the one square offers that is compatiable with the Square Terminal
Answer: Thank you for your interest in our SafePort case. There are silicone plugs that cover the audio and power ports. The way the case is designed there is a small spot for the speaker to allow sound. ~Targus Customer Support
Question: Can you charge the square terminal with a halo bolt
Answer: The THD498GLZ will fit the 7th Generation 2019 10.2 iPads. If your iPad is not one of the following models it will not fit correctly: A2197, A2200, or A2198.
Question: do you need wifi to use the terminal
Answer: Dear Karen, Thank you for your interest in our case. Our case does have an opening so the keyboard can still Magnetically attach but the case does not keep the keyboard in place by itself. The kick stand will have a few less positions with the case, however the case does have a kickstand. I do not know if these answer your questions, but if you have any further questions you can contact us at 877-482-7487. Thank You Holly Johnson Targus Amazon Customer Support
Question: Why is the processing fee different for Square Terminal? Instead of a flat 2.75%, its 2.6% + 10¢ per swipe, tap or dip
Answer: I have a Kindle Fire 10 and have never had any issues with overheating. Can't speak specifically to the Surface Pro but can't imagine it would be any different.

Product features

Payments. Hardware. Receipts. All in one.

Square Terminal lets you ring up sales, accept payments, print receipts, and pay one low rate for every chip card, contactless payment, and magstripe card.

Accept the fastest and most secure ways to pay.

Take payments quickly and confidently knowing every sale is securely encrypted. Pay one low rate for every tap, dip, or swipe. Get your funds as fast as the next business day.

No hidden fees and no long-term contracts.

Square doesn’t charge you extra fees or lock you into long-term contracts. And we’ve got your back when it comes to data security and managing payment disputes.

You already know how to use it.

Get up and running fast. Square Terminal is an intuitively designed credit card machine so you, your team, and your customers can use it right away.

Take payments. Get paid. No surprises.

Square Terminal is your all-in-one device for payments and receipts. Take every type of payment quickly and securely with 24/7 fraud prevention and 24/7 phone support.

Designed for reliability.

Square Terminal is designed to withstand the busiest checkouts. It’s a credit card machine built from top to bottom by Square, so everything just works.

Accept the fastest, most secure ways to pay.

Take payments quickly and confidently knowing every sale is securely encrypted. Pay one low rate for every tap, dip, or swipe. Get your funds as fast as the next business day.

No extra hardware or software needed.

Square Terminal is built from top to bottom by Square, so everything just works. We keep the software up to date automatically, so you always get the features and improvements without any cost.

  • Customize the flow of checkout screens and receipt options to fit your business.
  • Get your money as soon as the next business day.
  • Keep swiping payments when your internet connection goes down with Offline Mode.
  • Use the included software with automatic updates.
  • Track purchase history, send digital receipts, and collect private customer feedback.
  • Get real-time sales data and a searchable transaction history.
  • Access 24/7 support by phone or email, all day, every day.
  • Quickly process refunds right on the device with a tap.
  • Use it cordlessly with the built-in battery designed to last all day.
  • Add items, adjust stock, and modify sizes and SKUs.

MagTek 21073062 Dynamag Magnesafe Triple Track Magnetic Stripe Swipe Reader with 6' USB Interface Cable, 5V, Black

MagTek

Based on 131 reviews Check latest price

User questions & answers

Question: Is this dual head where you can read the stripe whether it is facing to the left or right as well as up or down
Answer: Wearing one pair as I answer this...no smells that I can detect....I tend to be highly sensitive to man made fragrances, cleaning solutions, etc...but no problem with these frames.
Question: Does anyone know if this product integrates with the SiteLink Program
Answer: mixed reviews? do the ones produced and sold now in 2019 come with cases?
Question: can this scan student id
Answer: Yes, made by Michael Kors. They are more beautiful in person. I bought them to take to kaiser to put my eye glass prescription in. I saw these at Lens Crafters and they were $165.00 just for this exact frame, so I took a pic of the tag and type it in to Amazon and there they were. Love them get soooooo many compliments. Christine
Question: i'm new to this and need a system that doesn't use internet to run. I have a macbook air and need to know if it would be compatible
Answer: Si, vienen con estuche y paño. Hasta cuando hice la compra así fue

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