Table of Contents
The best credit card readers for a small business will let clients pay in a variety of ways and won’t cost too much. No matter what kind of small business you run a store, restaurant, pop-up shop, or something else you’ll need a mechanism to accept credit card payments.
The best credit card readers are pieces of hardware that work with point-of-sale (POS) software to take and process payments. The finest debit and credit card readers provide you a variety of ways to pay, are cheap and easy to use, and function well with POS software.
The best credit card readers for a small business will keep your clients pleased by allowing them pay by card wherever you are, without needing any extra equipment. If you sell photos at a local market or take deposits for weddings, being able to accept credit cards.
Best Credit Card Readers Comparison Table
Card Reader | Payments Accepted | Internet Connection | Dimensions | Weight (approx.) | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Square card readers | Credit Cards | Wireless | 1.6 x 1.6 x 0.5 in | 0.04 lb | $49.00 |
OSAYDE PRO USB Silver Magnetic | Credit Cards | Wired | 3.9 x 1.4 x 1.4 in | 0.1 lb | $26.99 |
Smallest USB Magstripe | Credit Cards | Wired | N/A | N/A | $15.99 |
Type C CAC Card Reader | Smart Cards | Wired | 2.5 x 0.9 x 0.3 in | 0.05 lb | $13.98 |
ICUUI USB Common | Credit Cards | Wired | 3.7 x 1.1 x 1 in | 0.07 lb | $15.99 |
Deftun Bluetooth MSR-X6 | Credit Cards | Wireless | 5.5 x 1.6 x 1.6 in | 0.4 lb | $105.99 |
Square card readers

Compatibility | iOS and Android devices |
Connectivity | 3.5mm headphone jack or Bluetooth |
Card Types | Magstripe cards |
Additional Features | EMV chip card reader available for purchase |
Square Terminal is the most versatile device on our list. It has a 5.5-inch screen and a receipt printer built right in. It can be set up to work as a primary or secondary card processor and can be used online, on the go, or at a counter.
Square Terminal is a great solution for best credit card readers since it has affordable payment plans, is portable, and works with a wide range of hardware and software tools. But the gear is pricey, and in some states, you can’t use the payment plan.
- Both iOS and Android devices can use it.
- There are many ways to connect. (3.5mm jack for headphones or Bluetooth)
- For more security, you can get an extra EMV chip card reader.
- Only magstripe cards can be used.
The Good
The Bad
OSAYDE PRO USB Silver Magnetic

Compatibility | Windows and Mac |
Connectivity | USB |
Card Types | Magstripe cards |
Additional Features | N/A |
It has a high-quality best credit card readers, unique, portable design that makes it look classy no matter where you place it. It can be used to read, write, erase, copy, compare, and write from a file. Read to record, Set up a password and change it.
LED lights show how well it’s working. When you write data, you should have it automatically check the function twice. Built-in protection against overvoltage, overcurrent, leakage, short circuit, and interference.
- Both Windows and Mac systems can use it.
- Simple USB hookups make it easy to use.
- Only magstripe cards can be used.
The Good
The Bad
Smallest USB Magstripe

Compatibility | Windows and Mac |
Connectivity | USB |
Card Types | Magstripe cards |
Additional Features | Compact and portable design |
MSRX6 is the best credit card readers/writer that is 1/4 the size of MSR206. Works with Mac OS World’s First USB-Powered Manual Swipe Smallest Magnetic Card Reader/Writer MSR X6 was made in the United States to work with ISO 7811-6 formats.
It can read and write to cards. USB powers it straight up. There’s no need for an extra adaptor. It is very tiny, which makes it easy to take on trips. Works with all the major operating systems, including Windows 7, 8, Vista, XP, 2000, Apple computers.
- Small and compact size makes it easy to carry.
- Both Windows and Mac systems can use it.
- Simple USB connections make things easy.
- Only magstripe cards can be used.
The Good
The Bad
Type C CAC Card Reader

Compatibility | Devices with USB Type-C ports |
Connectivity | USB Type-C |
Card Types | CAC (Common Access Card) |
Additional Features | Supports secure authentication and identification |
The best credit card readers can correctly, steadily, and reliably read SIM cards, IC cards, ID cards, bank credit cards, and other cards. Compatible with several smart card functions, such as online ATM transfers.
The shell is built of ABS, which is resistant to heat and corrosion and has a high level of flexibility and durability. The anti-skid pad is durable and useful Slot for smart card, plug-and-play, easy and quick USB interface may work with many different devices.
- Especially made for devices with USB Type-C ports.
- Secure authentication and ID with support for the CAC card
- Only CAC cards can be used
The Good
The Bad
ICUUI USB Common

Compatibility | Windows and Mac |
Connectivity | USB |
Card Types | Magstripe cards |
Additional Features | LED indicator for card reading status |
The best credit card readers can correctly, steadily, and reliably read SIM cards, IC cards, ID cards, bank credit cards, and other cards. The shell is built of ABS, which is resistant to heat and corrosion and has a high level of flexibility and durability.
The anti-skid pad is durable and useful; Smart card slot, plug-and-play, which makes it easy and quick to use; USB interface works with a wide range of devices. It is plug-and-play, so you don’t need an extra driver.
- Both Windows and Mac systems can use it.
- LED light makes it easy to check the status of the card
- Simple USB connections make things easy.
- Only magstripe cards can be used.
The Good
The Bad
Deftun Bluetooth MSR-X6

Compatibility | iOS and Android devices |
Connectivity | Bluetooth |
Card Types | Magstripe cards |
Additional Features | Mobile app for data management |
The best credit card readers and writer with Bluetooth in the world! MSR X6(BT) is the world’s only bluetooth manual swipe magnetic card reader/writer with the smallest size. It was built in the United States to work with ISO 7811-6 card formats and is powered.
It’s also very small, making it easy to take with you when you move or go on a trip. Features: 1, 2, and 3 TRACKS work, including credit cards, gift cards, drivers licenses, ATMs, and others. Computers can use Bluetooth and USB interfaces.
- It is easy to use with iOS and Android devices because it has wireless Bluetooth connectivity.
- Mobile app for convenient data management
- Bluetooth-enabled devices are needed to connect. Only magstripe cards can be used.
The Good
The Bad
FAQs
One of the few mobile card readers on our list that doesn’t need a contract is PayPal’s Zettle. There are no hidden or monthly fees. You just pay when you sell anything. Plus, you can process as many transactions as you like.
The first card reader costs $29, and each additional card reader costs $79. It has a chip reader, so you can accept contactless credit card payments, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
The payments from your customers will be processed over the internet, but the card reader doesn’t need WiFi to work. You can utilize a card reader with a cell phone network, a wired internet connection, or WiFi.