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Last Updated: Apr 2024

10 Best Credit Card Reader Services

Read our in-depth expert reviews and compare the top Credit Card Processing services available for your business.

Top 3 Merchant Services
Special Deal
Leaders Merchant Services
Leaders Merchant Services
exceptional
9.8
Save or get $200 guarantee
Visit Site
Paysafe
Paysafe
excellent
9.0
Worldwide payment solutions
Visit Site
Square
Square
excellent
9.1
No monthly fees
Visit Site
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Our Best Overall Provider

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Our Top Picks for April 2024
Leaders Merchant Services
favicon-LEADERS MERCHANT SERVICES
Leaders Merchant Services
Rates as low as 0.15%
Paysafe
favicon-PAYSAFE
Paysafe
Rates from 0.03% + $0.10
Stripe
favicon-STRIPE
Stripe
Rates from 2.9% + 0.30¢

We find the 10 best options, so you can make informed decisions on tons of products and services.

The Benefits of Using a Credit Card Reader

Maybe you've been in business for years, and maybe you're just starting out, but either way, you've got a business that you can grow, cherish, and love. Speaking of growing businesses, how do you let your customers pay for goods? I'm sure you let them pay with cash, but what about credit cards? Do you let them use a credit card reader, or do you have your employees type in their information? Not even sure about what credit card readers are? Keep reading to find out.

What Are They?

Credit card readers scan the magnetic strip located on the back of your credit card used to make a purchase. That's it. You have the traditional stationary credit card reader located at the register, but there are other types of readers available, such as:

Paypal Credit Card Reader

Mobile Credit Card Reader

Credit Card Reader for Android/iPhone

So? Who cares, you say? Well I can give you seven reasons as to why you should care about how your customers pay.

1. Credit Card Swipers are Protected Swiping means avoiding writing down information for a credit card onto a piece of paper to be shred later. Readers keep your customer's card safe and has additional safeguards to encrypt card information quickly.

2. Swiping a Credit Card is Fast It's quicker to swipe than manually typing in a credit card number. Time is money, and the faster your customers can swipe their card, the faster you can make money for your business.

3. Credit Swiping is Foolproof Credit card numbers consists of 16 digits, which means employees have 16 chances to mess up your number when keying it in. A credit card reader solves the problem.

4. Readers Show Your Professional Side It can unnerve customers to watch someone manually type in their credit card number. It looks like you don't want to invest time in protecting your customer's information when you don't have one.

5. A Card Reader is Cheaper Than a Full Terminal Full and wireless terminals are useful and have their place, but you don't need all of that just to swipe a card. Terminals can be bulky, have service fees, and need reprogramming, all of which costs money. They're is easier and cheaper to have and use.

6. They're Compact Typical card swipers are an inch high, four inches long, and weigh about half a pound. They can work from various angles and can be attached to any workstation. With a mobile credit card reader, Paypal credit card reader, and a credit card reader for android/iPhone, Bluetooth card readers can be carried in a pocket.

7. They'll Get You Lower Credit Card Processing Rates The bottom line is that they save money. Per-transaction fees are charged after every transaction, and having a credit card swiper can reduce the cost each time, saving you lots of money in the long run.

We hope you found this information useful. Now it should seem like a no-brainer on deciding whether to get one or not. Keep it in mind as you continue to grow and expand your company. Good luck!

Our Top 3 Picks

  • 1
    Leaders Merchant Services

    Leaders Merchant Services

    • Best forAdditional value-added services, low rates
    • RatesStarts at 0.15%
    • Contract Length3 years

    Leaders is one of the best credit card processing services in the industry. It’s been around for 20 years, and its parent company is the reputable Paysafe Group Subsidiary. Leaders gives businesses a lot of reasons to love it, including some of the best credit card processing rates in the industry. We’re talking about rates that start at just 0.15%. Plus, Leaders has a 98% approval rating. So, businesses having a hard time getting the green flag will find Leaders’ process refreshing.

    What's more, Leaders offers a solid $500 Assurance guarantee. This states that if the company can't save you money within the first 6 months of your contract, you'll be awarded $500 in compensation. Leaders works with the reliable Clover point of sale system, and it also integrates with QuickBooks. New SMBs will appreciate the helpful glossary of terms and 24/7/365 customer service for troubleshooting any issues. Additionally, Leaders offers value-added services such as business cash advances, loyalty programs, gift cards, check guarantee services, and point of sale systems.

    Pros
    • $500 Assurance Program
    • Integrates with QuickBooks
    • Rates starting at 0.15%
    Cons
    • Long contract terms
    • Pricey early termination fee
  • 2
    Paysafe

    Paysafe

    • Best forBusinesses and corporations looking to scale up
    • RatesQuote-based
    • Contract LengthFrom month-to-month to three years

    Paysafe is a comprehensive payment solution that is transforming how businesses handle transactions. It accepts global payments in 17 currencies, including credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, POS systems, cash cards, and installment payments. The scale-based pricing starts at 15% for low volume, 3.9% per volume, and 9.5% for higher volume. There's also a fixed fee of 1.5 euros per transaction. Paysafe offers various services, including online, digital wallet, and in-person payments, and additional benefits like POS systems, receipt management, and currency conversion. This makes it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes and types.

    Paysafe offers several tools to assist businesses with their in-store payment processing. One of the notable equipment offerings is Paysafe's Android tablet POS (Point of Sale) system, which facilitates on-the-spot payment acceptance. This POS system, combined with Paysafe's sophisticated in-store payment structure, allows businesses to provide their customers with various payment options, including installment payments and mobile purchasing. For detailed pricing, contact Paysafe directly for a tailored quote.

    Pros
    • Flexible pricing
    • Integrates with major Ecommerce platforms like Shopify
    • Advanced security measures including tokenization
    Cons
    • Customer support response can take up to 24 business hours
    • No clear application process mentioned for setup
  • 3
    Square

    Square

    • Best forMobile payment processing, lightning-fast
    • Rates2.6%+$0.10
    • Contract LengthNo contract

    Square revolutionized the industry when it introduced a POS system that was mobile, convenient, and affordable, even for small businesses. Since then, the company continues to make additions and improvements, and the latest one has earned Square a reputation for being the best mobile credit card processing option out there. With a credit card processor that can process all types of payments, including EMV chip cards and contactless payments like NFC and e-wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, Square does it one better by packaging this handy reader into a pocket-sized and surprisingly powerful piece of hardware.

    The Square credit card processor comes with a flat rate for both dip and tap transactions, zero additional fees, wireless connection, and the ability to process payments in just 2 seconds. The dock allows you to keep the Square reader on your countertop, and it’s also designed to easily come with you wherever you go. Plus, you get a free magstripe reader just in case.

    Pros
    • Extremely compact, mobile design
    • Flat rate fees and no additional fees
    • Fast processing
    Cons
    • Not a good fit for high-risk industries
    • Merchant services are limited