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5 Best Mobile Credit Card Readers

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated September 15, 2025

Mobile payment tools make it simple to accept credit cards anywhere, whether in a shop, at events, or out in the field. Options range from plug-in devices and tap-to-pay tools to full mobile POS systems, with choices to suit both new businesses seeking low costs and established sellers needing advanced features. This guide compares top solutions to help you find a reliable, easy-to-use system that fits your needs.

  • Square

    Named as the “Best Free Mobile Reader for New Businesses,” Square offers hardware priced from $0 to $59 and supports magstripe and contactless credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Cash App, and gift cards. It charges a 2.6% plus 10-cent processing fee per transaction, making it an affordable and versatile option for new business owners.

    Editor’s Take

    Square is easy to set up and works with both iOS and Android devices. You can start accepting payments by plugging in the free magstripe reader or using a contactless and chip reader. The app also includes tools for sales tracking, inventory, and customer management.

    You pay a flat transaction fee for each sale. In 2025, Square charges 2.6% + 10¢ for in-person card payments and 2.9% + 30¢ for online transactions. There are no monthly subscription fees for the basic plan.

    Square is a good fit if you run a small retail store, food truck, pop-up shop, or service-based business. It’s also useful if you want to accept payments without committing to a long-term contract. You can scale up by adding more advanced hardware or software features as your business grows.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros:

    • Free basic card reader included with account
    • No monthly fees for standard plan
    • Works with iOS and Android devices
    • Flat, transparent transaction rates
    • Built-in tools for inventory and sales tracking

    Cons:

    • Higher fees for keyed-in or online payments compared to some competitors
    • Limited customization for receipts and checkout flow
    • Not ideal for very high-volume businesses due to per-transaction pricing
    • Requires internet connection for most transactions

  • Clover Go

    Rated as the “Best for Brick-and-Mortar Businesses Wanting to Go Mobile,” Clover Go costs $49 and accepts magstripe and EMV chip payments, along with Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. It charges a flat 2.6% plus 10-cent processing fee, offering a reliable way for in-store businesses to expand into mobile transactions.

    Editor’s Take

    Small businesses looking for more flexible checkout options may find the Clover Go reader a practical choice. Priced at $49, it allows customers to swipe, dip, or tap to pay using credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, or contactless payment methods. It’s especially useful for brick-and-mortar owners selling at pop-up events or managing busy lines, thanks to its user-friendly mobile app that works well with Android devices.

    Clover Go integrates seamlessly with Clover registers, syncing data such as sales and inventory to the Clover dashboard. If you only need it for payment processing, there’s no monthly fee, but paid plans offer extra features like inventory management, discounts, and employee management. The three available plans: Clover Payments, Clover Essentials, and Clover Register vary in cost, transaction fees, and included tools, allowing you to choose the right balance of features for your business.

    While Clover Go offers strong functionality, its monthly rates for certain features can be higher than some competitors that provide them for free. It’s best suited for small businesses, particularly those already using Clover systems or those needing only basic payment processing. Understanding your needs and the plan’s costs upfront will ensure you get the most value from this mobile payment solution.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros:

    • Small, lightweight, and easy to carry
    • Accepts chip, swipe, and contactless payments
    • Works with iOS and Android devices
    • Syncs with other Clover POS hardware and software
    • Offers multiple software plan options

    Cons:

    • Requires a Clover merchant account
    • Monthly software fees may be higher than some competitors
    • Limited offline payment capability
    • Hardware cost is higher than some basic readers
    • Some features only available in higher-tier plans

  • PayPal Zettle

    As the “Best for Accepting Multiple Payment Types,” PayPal Zettle costs between $29 and $79 and supports contactless credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Cash App, gift cards, PayPal, and Venmo. It charges a processing fee of 2.29% plus 9 cents, making it a versatile option for businesses that want to offer a wide range of payment methods.

    Editor’s Take

    PayPal Zettle is a straightforward option for taking in-person payments, especially if you already use PayPal for online sales. The reader connects to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth, making it easy to accept payments anywhere.

    The first reader costs $29, with additional readers priced at $79 each. There are no setup or monthly fees, just a flat 2.29% + $0.09 fee per in-person card transaction. The free PayPal Zettle app lets you send invoices, track sales, and manage inventory on both iOS and Android devices.

    This system is ideal for small businesses, market vendors, and service providers looking for a low-cost, contract-free payment solution. It also works well if you want to manage both online and in-person sales through one PayPal account.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • No monthly fees or long-term contracts
    • First reader is cheaper than most competitors
    • Works with iOS and Android
    • Integrates with PayPal for online and in-person sales
    • Supports chip, tap, and swipe payments

    Cons

    • Per-transaction fee is higher than some high-volume processors
    • Requires a smartphone or tablet to operate
    • Limited advanced POS features compared to dedicated systems
    • Additional readers cost more after the first purchase
    • Funds may take up to 1 business day to transfer to your bank unless you use PayPal’s instant transfer (with a fee)

  • Shopify

    Rated as “Best for E-Commerce and In-Person Sellers,” Shopify offers a $49 card reader that accepts magstripe, chip, and contactless payments. Processing fees range from 2.4% to 2.9% plus 30 cents per transaction, making it a solid choice for sellers who want to handle both online and in-person payments through one system.

    Editor’s Take

    Shopify’s mobile card reader is most useful if you already run or plan to run a Shopify online store. The hardware works with iOS and Android devices, and setup is straightforward.

    Transaction fees vary based on your Shopify plan. As of 2025, in-person rates start at 2.4% + 0¢ per transaction for higher-tier plans and 2.7% + 0¢ for the basic plan. You avoid extra fees when using Shopify Payments instead of a third-party processor.

    You should consider Shopify if you want a single system for online and in-person sales. It’s well-suited for retail shops, pop-up stores, and market vendors who also sell online. If you only need a mobile reader without e-commerce features, there may be lower-cost options.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Works seamlessly with Shopify’s online store and POS system
    • Supports chip, tap, and swipe payments
    • No extra transaction fees when using Shopify Payments
    • Easy to set up and use with mobile devices
    • Built-in inventory and sales tracking

    Cons

    • Requires a Shopify subscription to access full features
    • Transaction rates are not the lowest for small-volume sellers
    • Limited value if you don’t use Shopify for e-commerce
    • Hardware cost is separate from subscription fees
    • Some features require higher-tier plans

  • Payanywhere

    Considered as the “Best for Flat In-Person Transaction Fees,” Payanywhere offers hardware ranging from free to $59.95 and accepts magstripe, chip, and contactless payments. It charges a flat 2.69% processing fee, making it a straightforward choice for businesses wanting simple, predictable pricing.

    Editor’s Take

    Payanywhere is a flexible option if you need more than just payment processing. The app includes inventory tracking, employee management, and sales reporting at no extra cost. You can also access 24/7 customer support.

    You pay 2.69% per swipe, dip, or tap for in-person transactions. Keyed-in payments cost 3.49% + $0.19. There are no monthly fees for basic use, but some advanced features may require a paid plan.

    This reader works well for small businesses, mobile vendors, and service providers who want a single system for payments and simple business management. If you process payments on the go and value built-in tools without paying extra for separate software, it’s a strong fit.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros:

    • Accepts chip, swipe, and contactless payments
    • Works with iOS and Android devices
    • Built-in inventory and employee management tools
    • No monthly fee for basic features
    • 24/7 customer support

    Cons:

    • Higher fee for keyed-in transactions
    • Some advanced tools require paid plans
    • May not integrate with all third-party software
    • Hardware must be purchased if you need multiple readers
    • Limited customization compared to full POS systems

Frequently Asked Questions

Which mobile credit card readers offer free hardware or software solutions?

Some payment providers, like Square, offer a free basic reader that connects to most smartphones or tablets via headphone jack or Bluetooth. Some offer free payment apps but require payment for the physical reader. Be sure to check if “free” hardware comes with higher transaction fees or feature limitations.

How does the latest Square credit card reader compare to its competitors?

The latest Square reader accepts contactless payments and chip cards, connecting wirelessly to your mobile device for easy, cable-free use. Square is known for its straightforward pricing and free POS app, though some competitors may offer faster processing or more advanced inventory features.

What options are available for mobile credit card readers compatible with Android devices?

Many top brands like Clover Go, PayPal Zettle, and Square offer Android-compatible readers that connect via Bluetooth and work with dedicated payment apps. Prices range from $69 to $299, depending on features like receipt printing and offline mode. Make sure to check compatibility with your Android version before buying.

What advancements have been made in mobile credit card processing technology this year?

Recent updates to mobile card readers bring faster transactions, some handling contactless payments in under two seconds, along with improved Bluetooth stability and longer battery life. Security has also advanced, with more devices using end-to-end encryption and tokenization, while many apps now integrate with accounting and invoicing tools for streamlined operations.

Are there any new mobile card reader apps that have emerged as market leaders?

In 2025, several new payment apps stand out for their low fees, quick setup, and compatibility with multiple card reader brands. Many providers offer built-in invoicing, digital receipts, and sales tracking. However, confirm compatibility with your current reader and mobile device before switching.