The Square Reader does not use batteries, so it doesn’t need to be kept charged and does not rely on Wi-Fi to accept payments making it truly mobile. The reader, however, is not EMV compatible so it could be more susceptible to fraud. If security is a concern, users can purchase a Square Reader for contactless and chip for $49. The most basic credit card readers typically cost between $100 and $200. Credit card processing, monthly service, gateway, and compliance fees are additional expenses.
Your first card reader is just $29 and each subsequent reader is $79. You can also purchase a terminal for $199 or one with a built-in barcode scanner for $239. Customers can also pay via quick response code and merchants have the same 2.29% plus 9-cent processing fee you’ll find with card-present transactions.
You can choose to surcharge customers with almost any traditional processor. However, you’ll need to work with your processor and you’ll each handle parts of the set up. You’ll be responsible for informing Visa and MasterCard of your intent to surcharge, as well as obtaining and displaying appropriate signage stating that your business surcharges. This type of processor arrangement is primarily what I’ll focus on in this article. The PayAnywhere Smart Flex combines the best benefits of a terminal with a complete yet simple point of sale system. free credit card machine is designed to work on your WiFi network; however, it also has a SIM card to enable cellular GPRS or 4G payment processing so you can take it anywhere.
Small business owners who need to budget will appreciate its price transparency to determine how much everything will cost. Easy to navigate and requiring no technical skill, Charge makes it easier than ever to take mobile card payments. There are no monthly fees and the cost of using the app is paid for within the transaction itself as a small percentage. A popular option for those also utilizing Quickbooks accounting software, this integrated app makes it easy to track payments and have them automatically uploaded to your Quickbooks software. With no physical card reader required, it is uncluttered and easy to navigate.
Helcim is a good option for small businesses ready to get serious about accepting credit and debit cards. The company’s card reader is the most full-featured of the top card readers reviewed, accepting contactless, swiped, tapped, and pin cards. In addition, the terminal is compatible with debit card chip-and-pin transactions. The Square app is free and there are no monthly fees or minimum charges. Instead, Square charges a flat fee of 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction for in-person charges, including swiped , dipped , and tapped credit card payments. No matter what type of company you are running, you need to make sure that you are offering your customers as convenient an experience as possible.
Almost unchanged since their introduction, mobile card swipe machines lack durability, have limited battery life and often rely on unstable Bluetooth technology. The best credit card scanner is one that allows for quicker processing, so be sure to read product reviews. This will often tie back to choosing a card reader and app that is easy to navigate.