7 Best Credit Card Readers for iPhone

The credit card readers for iPhone pairs with a mobile point of sale app to help small businesses accept credit card payments.

The best credit card reader for iPhone should know:

• Accept contactless and chip payments.
• Compatible with an iPad POS system, or any other POS system.
• Include cost-effective payment processor fees.

These iPhone-friendly credit card readers meet the criteria.

7 Best Credit Card Readers for iPhone

1. Clover Go

Acceptable payment methods: Magstripe and chip, and contactless payment methods

Price: $49.

Processing fees: 2.6% plus 10% for in-person transactions (2.33% plus 10cs for advanced plans); 3.5% plus ten cents to keyed transactions.

Pros

• All three types of payments are processed by the reader.
• Clover’s transaction charges are transparent
• The POS software has been well-developed.

Cons

• Standard plans also require a $14.95 per month fee.
• It does not have a screen that displays transaction details.

Why choose: This compact card reader connects to comprehensive POS software. Clover also offers a $14.95 per month plan for customers who want additional features.

Also read: Top 10 Cryptocurrency Payment Gateways

2. SumUp Plus reader

Acceptable payment methods: Magstripe, chip, and contactless payment methods.

Price: $35.

Processing fees: 2.75 for in-person transactions; 3.25 plus 15cs for manual or link transactions; 2.90 plus 15cs for online invoices.

Pros

• All three types of payment are processed by the reader.
• There is no monthly charge
• Fees are clear and simple to understand.
• It displays transaction details on a screen.

Cons

• SumUp’s POS software features are less robust.

Why choose: SumUp’s Plus reader is able to process over 500 transactions in a single charge. The screen displays transaction details so that you don’t need to share your device with customers. SumUp charges an attractive rate of 2.75 percent for in-person transactions. There are also no monthly fees and contracts. SumUp’s POS software offers a number of useful features, including smart billing that can be customized to simplify business.

3. Payanywhere 3-in-1 reader

Acceptable payment methods: Magstripe, chip, and contactless payment methods.

Price: $59.95.

Processing fees: 2.9% for in-person transactions and 3.49% plus 19c for keyed transactions. Volume-based discounts are available.

Pros

• Payanywhere does not charge a monthly subscription fee.
• Transparency is guaranteed for transaction fees
• The 3-in-1 reader is capable of processing all three types of payments.

Cons

• It does not have a screen that displays transaction details.
• Payanywhere’s POS software may not be as sophisticated as its competitors.
• For 12 months, there is a $3.99 inactivity charge. This fee does not include any transactions.

Why choose: Payanywhere’s card reader is a popular choice because it offers low processing rates, starting at 2.69%, with no additional fees. It is a cost-effective choice for small transactions, such as transactions of $10 and less.

4. Square reader for contactless and chip cards

Acceptable payment methods: Chip and contactless payment methods.

Price: $49 (plus $29 for optional dock).

Processing fees: 2.6% plus 10c for in-person transactions, 2.9% plus 30c online transactions and 3.5% plus 15% for keyed transactions.

Pros

• Square fees can be seen clearly.
• There is no monthly fee but the Plus plan costs $29 per month.
• Square’s POS software has been well-developed.
• Square card reader for iPhone is the best.

Cons

• You can’t swipe cards.
• It does not have a screen that displays transaction details.

Why choose:  Square reader for iPhone and POS software is free and has many great features. It can provide you with all the business management capabilities such as custom digital receipts, invoicing, repeat customers, inventory management, and more.

5. PayPal Zettle

Acceptable payment methods: Chip and contactless payment methods.

Price: $29 for new customers; $79 for additional readers

Processing fees: 2.29% plus ten cents in-person; 3.49% plus 9 cents manual transactions (or plus 49cs invoicing transactions); 1.9% plus ten cents QR code payments above $10 and 2.4% plus five cents QR transactions below $10.

Pros

• Fees are clear and simple to understand.
• A card reader can display transaction details on a screen.
• PayPal Zettle’s POS App offers a wide range of features.

Cons

• Zettle does not accept swipe payments.

Why choose: PayPal Zettle is compatible with PayPal, Venmo, and other competitors. Zettle transactions are immediately deposited into your PayPal account. You can also transfer them to your bank.

Also read: Top 8 Receipt Scanners for Your Small Business

6. QuickBooks card reader

Acceptable payment methods: Chip and contactless payment methods.

Price: $49, $79 with an optional Power Stand

Processing fees: 2.4% plus 25cs for in-person payment, 3.4% plus 25cs for keyed transaction, 2.9% plus 25% for invoice transactions, and 1% for ACH transactions (maximum $10).

Pros

• There is no monthly charge
• Transparency is guaranteed with processing fees
• It displays transaction details on a screen.

Cons

• It does not process all types of payments.
• POS software options are limited if you don’t have a QuickBooks Online account ( here is a list of good QuickBooks POS integrations).

Why choose:  This iPhone card reader can automatically record transactions into your QuickBooks Online accounting software.

7. Helcim card reader

Acceptable payment methods: Contactless,  swipe, and chip.

Price: $109

Processing Fees: Fees vary by card type and average monthly transaction amount. The average in-person transaction cost is 1.86% plus 8cents. Keyed and online transactions are 2.4% plus 25cents. PIN debit transactions average 0.91% plus 8 cents.

Pros

• There are no monthly fees
• Has volume discounts available.
• Features robust POS software.

Cons

• It may be difficult to predict monthly costs in advance.

Why choose:  The card reader at Helcim can process all types of payments. Customers can log in to view their purchase history and payment information through the self-service portal. in this, the credit card swiper for iPhone is a standout feature. Helcim’s processing charges can be complicated to calculate as it bases them on the type and interchange fee that are set by card networks. You don’t have to sign a contract or pay a cancellation fee.