Credit card machines have become essential for small businesses. Sequel to the establishment of your small business, it is essential to consider how you will make sales and profit. The world has gone digital and cashless, and small business owners must key into the improvements. Gone are the days of carrying bulky cash around. Moreover, the technological advancements in the finance and commerce sectors have made it possible to make transactions without the physical use of cash.
As a small business owner, it is essential that you are well equipped with the necessary gadgets to aid the profitability of your business. Many of your customers will come without cash and want to use debit or credit cards. To keep up with the competition and avoid losing out, you need a reliable credit card machine to process credit card or debit card transactions.
You would need to determine which credit card machine is suitable for your type of business. There are several options available in the market to small businesses in terms of credit card machines and processors.
Here are the top picks of credit card machines based on our unbiased review.
Top 7 Credit Card Machines Review
Square Reader for Contactless and Chip
The Square Reader for Contactless and Chip is a credit card machine from Square Inc, suitable for small businesses. This credit card processor allows you to make multiple payment options available to your customers. It offers quick and user-friendly credit card payments. It processes magnetic stripe cards, EMV chipped cards, Apple Pay, Android Pay, and other NFC payments. The Square wireless credit card reader is compatible with iOS and Android devices through the Bluetooth LE or USB.
Square Reader for Contactless and Chip credit card machine comes with a free card swipe reader for magstripe payments. This machine also gives you exclusive access to the free Square Point of Sale (POS) app.
Square works with all major credit card merchants, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, with no hidden charges. Square deposits your money to your bank account in one to two business days, while Instant Deposit attracts one percent (1%) per deposit.
Features
- Product Dimension:2.6×0.4×2.6 inches
- Manufacturer: Square Incorporated
- Batteries: 1 Lithium Polymer Battery (included)
- User Manual: PDF (included)
- Acceptability: Accepts EMV chip cards, Apple Pay, Android Pay, and other NFC payments.
- Connectivity: Wireless connection to a mobile device via Bluetooth, or plug into an Optional Square Stand and Dock for Square Reader.
- Compatibility: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit cards.
- Exclusive Access: Square Point of Sale App.
Square Terminal
The Square Terminal is a credit card machine from Square Inc. This credit card and processor enables your customers to swipe or insert their credit/debit cards for reliable, convenient, and quick payment. The intuitive design of the Square Terminal means that anyone can use it for secure and fast transactions. It is compatible with all major credit cards, including MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. With every tap, dip, or swipe of your customers’ card, the Square Terminal credit card machine charges a low rate while ensuring that your payments are accepted and deposited to your bank account.
The Square Terminal is designed for reliable payments. It also doubles as a register, which allows you to ring up orders, print receipts, or send receipts via email. The credit card machine can be used cordlessly with its inbuilt battery that lasts all day.
Features
- Product Dimension: 5.6×3.4×2.5 Inches
- Manufacturer: Square, Inc.
- Batteries: 1 Lithium ion Battery (included)
- Compatibility: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
- Acceptability: Square Terminal processes EMV chip cards, Apple Pay, Android Pay, other NFC payments, and magstripe cards.
Verifone VX520 EMV/Contactless 64mb Credit Card Terminal
The VX520 credit card machine from Verifone recognizes magnetic stripes and is equipped with a chip reader. It also has a keypad to input transaction PIN, especially for debit cardholders. The VX520 credit card terminal is furnished with an EMV reader, a dual com modem, and a contactless reader.
With the VX520, you can ensure that your customers’ payments are made with ease. You can authenticate card payments by inserting the EMV smart card into the EMV reader, swiping the magnetic stripe, or waving a card or smartphone (enabled with NFC) over the contactless reader.
Features
- Package Dimension: 10.55×7.56×3.31 Inches
- Manufacturer: Verifone
- Batteries: 1 Lithium ion Batteries (required)
- Connectivity: Ethernet cable and phone line.
MSR90 USB Swipe Magnetic Credit Card Reader 3 Tracks Mini Smart Card Reader MSR 605, MSR 606 Deftun
The Deftun MSR90 is a magnetic credit card reading machine with a USB interface and high integrated magnetic card decoding chip. This plug and play credit card processor uses the attached USB cord to connect with your digital register or keyboard. Besides, the MSR90 USB Swipe Magnetic Card Reader requires no software installation before usage. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.
The MSR90 is perfect for laptops/notebooks, desktop computers, credit card processing, Point of Sale (POS), access control, ID verification, time and attendance terminals, and more.
Features
- Size: 90x27x29mm
- Color: Black
- Interface: USB emulation keyboard
- Compatibility: Windows 98/2000/XP/Vista/7/8, Mac OS, or other USB capable operating systems.
- Reliability: Over 1 million card swipes
- LED indicator: Green
- Swipe: Bi-directional swipe reading
Square Reader for Magstripe (Lightning Connector)
The Square Reader for magstripe works with compatibility with any Square Point of Sale (POS) app for iPhone or iPad. It makes credit card payments seem effortless and fast. The lightning connector version is compatible with Apple devices running iOS 10.0.2 and above.
Also, the Square Card Reader processes Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. It is easy to use, fast, and secure. With no monthly fees, no long term commitments, and a low transaction rate per swipe, your payment is deposited in your account by the next business day.
Features
- Compatible with Lightning-enabled iPhone and iPad devices.
- Live risk monitoring and encryption of card information and transactions.
- Low rate per swipe for all major cards with no monthly fees.
- Funds deposit in your account within the next business day.
- Fast setup and no long-term commitments.
- Works with Square Point of Sale App.
- Swipe payments without an internet connection in Offline Mode.
- Send receipts via email, or text message, or connect a receipt printer to an iPad.
Square Register
The Square Register is the first fully integrated credit card machine from Square Inc. Designed and equipped with intelligent software that tracks sales in real-time, manages inventory, and builds a customer directory from your Point of Sale. The Square Register comes with a dedicated customer display that enables your customers to make intuitive and fast card payments.
The Square Register credit card machine works with all major cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. With a low rate for every swipe, dip, or tap of a credit card, you’ll get the funds in your bank account in one to two business days. It comes with two touch screen displays – one for you and one for your customers.
Features
- Powerful hardware and Point of Sale software designed as one seamless system.
- Accepts all major credit or debit cards.
- Low transaction fee for every tap, dip, or swipe.
- Get funds in your bank account in one to two business days.
- Includes two touch screen displays for you and your customers.
- It features a continually improving point of sale software, including the Square Point of Sale app, Square for Retail, and Square for Restaurants.
SumUp Plus Card Reader
The SumUp Plus is a reliable, secure, and dependable 3-in-1 card reader. This credit card machine accepts payment using the free SumUp App on your iOS or Android Smartphone or Tablet. It offers an affordable option for growing businesses. It performs debit, credit, and contactless payments with no fixed costs or monthly payments.
The SumUp Plus comes with a strong processor for faster payments meaning it can handle up to 500 transactions per charge. It accepts swipe, chip (EMV), or contactless (NFC) payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. Payout to your bank is done in one to two business days.
Features
- Flexible multiple payments for your customers – chip, swipe, contactless (including Google Pay and Apple Pay).
- Pay-as-you-go – No fixed costs and no binding contracts.
- More robust processor for faster processing connected to a Smartphone or Tablet for up to 500 transactions on one charge.
- Builds product catalog and custom tax rates for a faster checkout process.
- The digital cashier helps keep track of your tips, cash payments, and send digital receipts from the SumUp App (works with iOS and Android OS).
- Administration – helps to manage multiple employee accounts, with easy tax payment and reporting.
Conclusion
The 7 credit card machines for small businesses highlighted above are among the best available in the market. Each of these credit card machines guarantees secure, fast, convenient, and quick card payments. They are designed to provide intuitive usage and excellent performance for small businesses.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article about the best credit card machines. Dive into our blog for more helpful articles!