Credit card readers are essential for small and mobile businesses that work face-to-face with customers. The latest credit card readers are compatible with most new smartphones and tablets, which makes transactions easier for customers and employees. We've evaluated several industry-leading card readers to bring you our top three -- they are the Square Chip Card Reader, the PayPal Chip Card Reader, the QuickBooks GoPayment and the PayAnywhere reader. These credit card readers are affordable and flexible for all kinds of uses. If you're on the market for a card reader, check out these top-rated options and learn more about finding a model that's best for your business needs.
The Square Chip Card Reader is affordable and easy to use; just plug it into your compatible iOS or Android smartphone or tablet. This card reader accepts all major credit cards and even works when not connected to the Internet.
The PayPal Chip Card Reader is a 5.3-inch device that fits nicely in the palm of your hand. It works with chip cards, strip cards and electronic payment systems like Apple Payments.
The QuickBooks GoPayment card reader accepts all credit transactions and can also record cash payments. Best of all, it syncs up with QuickBooks and Intuit products that are commonly used by businesses of all sizes.
Most mobile credit card readers work with both Android and iOS devices. However, not all work with the latest electronic payment apps. Be sure to get information about that before making your selection.
Businesses can start using some card readers with no money down. A good example is the QuickBooks card reader, which can be used on a pay-as-you-go plan with no initial fee.
Each credit card reader has its own transaction fees, and these fees are often different when card information is keyed in, read or swiped.
The credit card readers on our list use the latest encryption information to protect card data. When choosing a card reader, ask what happens to your personal information and whether it is stored on any device or server.
Most leading card readers can be used even without an Internet connection -- credit information is simply processed once connections become available. Check with each device provider though to compare offline transaction fees.