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The Top 10 Credit Card Readers for Android

Before we get too far along here, let’s see the best credit card reader providers for Android and what they are best for:

Android credit card readers put full POS power in your pocket: magstripe swipes, EMV chip, contactless tap-to-pay via NFC, Apple Pay, or Google Pay—no bulky terminals required.

I spent over a decade in retail operations, so I’ve seen firsthand how hidden fees and finicky hardware can stall a busy checkout.

In this guide, you’ll get ranked & reviewed intel on mobile POS readers—from USB-C dongles to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi all-in-ones—with breakdowns of price, ease of use, POS or QuickBooks integration, merchant-account compatibility, and customer-support quirks.

Let’s pick your next Android credit card reader and ditch the hardware headaches.

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Comparing the Best Credit Card Reader for Android, Side-by-Side

This chart shows each reader’s pricing, any trial or setup details, and the ideal use cases—so you can quickly spot which option fits your budget and business model.

The 10 Best Credit Card Readers for Android, Reviewed

Dive into ranked, hands-on reviews covering real transaction costs, setup and integration ease, merchant-account requirements, plus the key pros and cons that matter on the floor.

Best for global reach

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 3.9/5

Verifone offers a wide range of payment devices, including mobile and countertop solutions, designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses globally.

Their services focus on payment processing, device management, and fraud management, serving industries that require reliable and secure payment systems. Verifone's primary client base includes businesses seeking comprehensive payment solutions with a global reach.

Why I picked Verifone: The global reach of Verifone's services makes it an excellent choice for businesses operating in multiple regions. With a variety of devices like the Verifone Victa, your team can handle payments efficiently across different environments. Their focus on security and fraud management ensures that your transactions are protected, providing peace of mind for your business.

Standout Services: Verifone offers fraud management services that help protect your business from fraudulent activities, ensuring secure transactions. They also provide device management services that enable you to efficiently monitor and maintain your payment devices, thereby reducing downtime and enhancing operational effectiveness.

Target industries: Retail, hospitality, convenience stores, petroleum, and transportation.

Specialties: Payment processing, fraud management, device management, omni-commerce solutions, and global payment systems.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent customer support
  • Strong security features
  • Global reach

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • Complex setup for some devices

Best for real-time reporting

  • Free app download available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 2.2/5

CardPointe offers a mobile app and card reader system designed to provide secure and efficient payment processing for businesses of all sizes. They process payments, manage transactions, and provide real-time data insights for businesses seeking a payment solution with enhanced reporting capabilities.

Why I picked CardPointe: Their real-time reporting feature is ideal for businesses that need up-to-the-minute data on transactions. Your team can access detailed transaction reports and analytics, allowing you to make informed decisions quickly. CardPointe’s mobile app's ability to integrate with various payment methods ensures flexibility in how you process payments.

Standout Services: CardPointe provides the CardSecure feature, which includes tokenization and encryption to protect sensitive customer data, thereby reducing the risk of fraud. Additionally, they offer real-time batch processing, which efficiently manages multiple transactions, ensuring your business runs smoothly without delays.

Target industries: Retail, healthcare, hospitality, education, and professional services.

Specialties: Real-time reporting, data insights, secure payment processing, mobile app integration, and transaction management.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Detailed reporting capabilities
  • Secure data protection
  • Real-time transaction insights

Cons:

  • Complex setup for some features
  • Limited customization options

Best for integrated banking

  • Free consultation available
  • From/$49

Chase Payment Solutions offers mobile POS systems, including the Chase Card Reader, to facilitate card payments for businesses. The company serves various industries, providing features such as same-day deposits and inventory management, primarily catering to businesses that require flexible payment solutions.

Why I picked Chase Payment Solutions: The integration with Chase banking services makes it a unique choice for businesses seeking cohesive financial management. With same-day deposits at no extra cost, your team can manage cash flow more efficiently. The competitive processing rates further make it an attractive option for businesses looking to optimize their payment processes.

Standout Services: The Chase POS app is available for free, providing a seamless way to manage transactions and inventory. Their Chase Card Reader can also process up to 120 transactions on a single charge, making it ideal for businesses with high transaction volumes.

Target industries: Retail, food service, personal services, hospitality, and healthcare.

Specialties: Mobile payments, inventory management, same-day deposits, customer support, and financial integration.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Same-day deposits
  • Competitive processing rates
  • Integrated banking services

Cons:

  • Complex fee structure
  • May require Chase bank account

Best for Canadian businesses

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Moneris Go Plus offers a portable POS terminal designed for fast and secure payment processing, featuring a large touchscreen and cellular connectivity. They serve businesses of all sizes, focusing on in-person transactions and supporting various payment methods, including credit, debit, and digital wallets.

Why I picked Moneris Go Plus: Moneris Go Plus is ideal for Canadian businesses seeking a comprehensive payment solution with cellular connectivity for all-day operations. The device's large touchscreen and fast processing speed allow your team to handle transactions efficiently, even during peak times. With support for dynamic currency conversion, you can easily cater to international customers.

Standout Services: Moneris Go Plus provides a dynamic currency conversion feature that allows international customers to view prices in their home currency, enhancing their shopping experience. Moreover, with their tokenization, you can securely store customer card data for recurring payments, making billing easier for you and your clients.

Target industries: Retail, hospitality, food service, healthcare, and small businesses.

Specialties: Portable payment terminals, dynamic currency conversion, tokenization, cellular connectivity, and security features.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Ideal for Canadian businesses
  • Fast processing speed
  • Large touchscreen

Cons:

  • Complex setup for integrations
  • Requires a contract

Best for Shopify users

  • No free trial available
  • $49/per device

Shopify Tap & Chip provides a mobile card reader that integrates seamlessly with Shopify's ecommerce platform, enabling businesses to process payments on the go. It serves retailers and small to medium-sized businesses that require a unified system for both online and in-person sales. The device is designed to work with Shopify's POS system, allowing easy management of inventory and customer data.

Why I picked Shopify Tap & Chip: The integration with Shopify's platform allows your team to manage both online and offline sales effortlessly. With features like automatic inventory updates, you can keep track of your stock levels in real-time. The device's compatibility with Shopify's POS system ensures a consistent and reliable payment experience for your customers.

Standout Services: Their Shopify POS app gives you the ability to manage sales, inventory, and customer data all in one place, making it easier to run your business. With contactless payments, you can offer your customers a fast and convenient checkout experience, enhancing overall satisfaction.

Target industries: Retail, small businesses, ecommerce, boutiques, and pop-up shops.

Specialties: Integration with Shopify, mobile payments, inventory management, contactless payments, and POS system compatibility.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports contactless payments
  • Easy inventory management
  • Seamless Shopify integration

Cons:

  • Requires Shopify subscription
  • Limited to Shopify users

Best for flexible pricing

  • Free app download available
  • Pricing upon request

PayAnywhere offers mobile credit card readers for Android that support payment acceptance, reporting, and inventory tools. They serve small business owners and mobile vendors who need a simple way to take payments on the go.

Why I picked PayAnywhere: PayAnywhere offers several hardware options that pair with Android devices and include built-in NFC and chip card support. You can choose from basic mobile readers to full-featured terminals, depending on how your business runs. The flexible pricing plans enable you to select between flat-rate and custom options, tailored to your sales volume.

Standout Services: PayAnywhere’s real-time reporting gives you instant access to sales, inventory, and transaction history, so you can track performance without waiting on end-of-day reports. Additionally, their virtual terminal allows you to take keyed-in payments from your computer, which is particularly useful when customers aren’t physically present.

Target industries: Food trucks, retail, personal services, healthcare, and home repair.

Specialties: Contactless payments, keyed-in transactions, mobile point-of-sale, digital receipts, and tipping features.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports tips and modifiers
  • Accepts offline payments
  • Works without full POS

Cons:

  • Limited receipt options
  • Bluetooth disconnects

Best for small businesses

  • Free demo available
  • From 3.25% plus $0.15 per transaction

SumUp offers mobile payment solutions, including card readers and POS systems, primarily serving small to medium-sized businesses in industries like food service, retail, and personal services. Their services focus on helping businesses handle payments, customer engagement, and financial tasks efficiently.

Why I picked SumUp: SumUp stands out for its focus on small businesses, offering straightforward pricing with no hidden fees. You pay 2.6% + 10¢ for in-person transactions, making it ideal for small business budgets. The user-friendly interface ensures your team can quickly adapt and improve customer transactions.

Standout Services: SumUp offers the SumUp App, which enables you to manage payments and customer engagement with ease. Their Solo Card Reader provides a straightforward solution for accepting payments on the go, making it convenient for businesses that require mobility.

Target industries: Food service, retail, personal services, hospitality, and health and wellness.

Specialties: Mobile payments, POS systems, customer engagement, financial management, and invoicing.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • No hidden fees
  • User-friendly interface
  • Simple pricing structure

Cons:

  • Limited customer support options
  • Limited advanced features

Best for online integration

  • Pricing upon request

Stripe Terminal offers a comprehensive suite of payment solutions designed for businesses that require both online and in-person transactions.

Their services offer an integrated payment infrastructure that supports credit card processing, mobile payments, and various payment methods, catering to businesses aiming to unify their online and offline sales channels. The primary client base comprises businesses that prioritize seamless integration with their existing Stripe accounts.

Why I picked Stripe Terminal: Stripe Terminal’s integration with existing Stripe accounts allows your team to manage payments effortlessly across online and offline channels. With the ability to customize payment experiences, you can tailor solutions that fit your specific business needs. The support for a range of payment methods ensures flexibility and customer convenience.

Standout Services: Stripe Terminal SDKs enable developers to create custom payment experiences tailored to your business needs, offering flexibility in how you accept payments. Their pre-certified card readers can also quickly set up and start accepting payments, reducing the time to get your operations running smoothly.

Target industries: Retail, ecommerce, food and beverage, services, and technology.

Specialties: Online integration, payment processing, mobile payments, developer-friendly SDKs, and customization options.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Pre-certified card readers
  • Supports multiple payment methods
  • Easy integration with Stripe

Cons:

  • Limited offline features
  • Pricing not transparent

Best for user-friendly interface

  • Trial period available through partners
  • Pricing upon request

SwipeSimple offers Bluetooth EMV and contactless card readers, along with a mobile app for point-of-sale transactions. Their services cater to businesses that need efficient payment processing and customer management, primarily serving the food and beverage, retail, and in-person service sectors. They focus on simplifying the payment process for small to medium-sized businesses.

Why I picked SwipeSimple: Their user-friendly interface makes it easy for your team to handle transactions efficiently. With features like a mobile app and virtual terminal, you can manage payments on the go and from various devices. SwipeSimple’s integration of payment links and text-to-pay options further enhances the payment experience for your customers.

Standout Services: SwipeSimple provides text-to-pay options that allow you to send payment requests directly to your customers' phones, making it convenient for them to pay. They also offer SwipeSimple Register, a comprehensive point-of-sale solution that streamlines inventory management and sales transactions.

Target industries: Food and beverage, retail, in-person services, hospitality, and healthcare.

Specialties: Bluetooth EMV, contactless payments, customer management, invoicing, and virtual terminal.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Virtual terminal option
  • Text-to-pay feature
  • User-friendly interface

Cons:

  • May require additional hardware
  • Limited advanced analytics

Best for QuickBooks users

  • 30-day free trial
  • From/$17.50/month

QuickBooks GoPayment offers a mobile app that enables businesses to accept in-person and contactless payments on iPhones, syncing sales with QuickBooks for real-time bookkeeping. The primary client base comprises businesses that already utilize QuickBooks for accounting and seek integrated payment solutions. Key functions include processing payments, generating invoices, and securely managing transactions.

Why I picked QuickBooks GoPayment: QuickBooks GoPayment is designed for businesses already using QuickBooks, offering integration that enhances bookkeeping efficiency. With features like Tap to Pay and competitive transaction fees, your team can manage payments and invoices on the go.

The app's ability to empower team members to handle payments without accessing sensitive data adds an extra layer of security.

Standout Services: QuickBooks GoPayment offers Tap to Pay on iPhone, allowing you to accept payments without a card reader, thereby streamlining the payment process. They also provide QuickBooks Payments, which includes various deposit options such as next-day, same-day, and instant deposits, helping you manage your cash flow efficiently.

Target industries: Retail, food service, healthcare, professional services, and small businesses.

Specialties: Mobile payments, real-time bookkeeping, invoice creation, secure transactions, and QuickBooks integration.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Competitive transaction fees
  • Tap to Pay feature
  • Integrates with QuickBooks

Cons:

  • Limited to iPhone users
  • Requires QuickBooks Online subscription

Other Credit Card Readers for Android

Here are some additional credit card reader providers for Android that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. Paysafe

    For secure transactions

  2. myPOS

    For instant payouts

  3. KORONA POS

    For retail operations

  4. Helcim

    For transparent pricing

  5. Square

    For easy setup

  6. Stax Pay

    For subscription pricing

  7. Payline Data

    For flexible payment options

  8. Clover Go

    For mobile businesses

  9. PayPal Zettle

    For PayPal integration

  10. Merchant One

    For tailored solutions

Our Selection Criteria For Credit Card Readers for Android

We didn’t just eyeball logos—we dug into what really matters on your shop floor. Here’s how we scored each reader:

Core functionality (25% of total score)

We looked for the payment basics you can’t live without:

  • Mobile payment processing that actually works on Android devices.
  • Contactless payments via NFC, tap-to-pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay and chip card support.
  • Magstripe fallback for those crusty old cards customers still carry.
  • POS and accounting integration, so your sales data doesn’t live in Excel hell.
  • Robust security with EMV compliance, encryption, and PCI-DSS coverage.

Additional standout features (25% of total score)

These are the extras that make your life easier:

  • Advanced reporting and real-time sales tracking for instant insights.
  • Multi-currency support if you’re dealing with tourists or online orders.
  • Loyalty program and tipping integration to boost average ticket size.
  • Offline transaction capability so you don’t lose sales when Wi-Fi bails.
  • Customizable interface or SDK options for a branded checkout.

Usability (10% of total score)

A reader is only as good as how fast your team masters it:

  • Intuitive setup and clear on-device prompts.
  • Simple app interface with minimal training required.
  • Quick connection via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB-C—no fumbling.

Onboarding (10% of total score)

Getting live should take minutes, not days:

  • Easy device activation and account configuration.
  • Clear setup guides, videos, or in-app walkthroughs.
  • Fast hardware shipping or instant digital download where applicable.

Customer support (10% of total score)

When transactions stall, you need answers fast:

  • 24/7 support availability across phone, chat, or email.
  • Responsive tech assistance and clear troubleshooting docs.

Value for money (10% of total score)

We weigh fees against features so you’re not overpaying for fluff:

  • Transparent transaction and monthly fees.
  • No hidden charges for settlement or batch processing.
  • Competitive rates compared to industry averages.

Customer reviews (10% of total score)

Real-world feedback reveals hidden gems and red flags:

  • Consistency of positive mentions across review sites.
  • Common pain points like connectivity hiccups or billing surprises.
  • Kudos for standout support or feature reliability.

What Do Credit Card Readers for Android Do?

Credit card readers for Android are devices and applications that enable businesses to accept credit and debit card payments on Android phones and tablets. 

They connect via Bluetooth, USB-C, or Wi-Fi to process magstripe swipes, EMV chip transactions, and contactless tap-to-pay (NFC, Apple Pay, Google Pay).

These mobile POS solutions sync with your point-of-sale system or accounting software—like QuickBooks—to give you real-time sales tracking, inventory updates, and secure, PCI-compliant transaction handling. 

Perfect for small businesses and multichannel retailers, they turn any Android device into a fully functional credit card machine without the bulky hardware.

How to Choose a Credit Card Reader for Android

Finding the right reader means zeroing in on what actually moves the needle for your operations. Focus on your daily cash flow, hardware setup, and long-term costs—then use the table below to take decisive action.

StepWhat to considerAction tip
Define your business needsSales volume, payment methods (chip, magstripe, contactless), portabilityList your top three must-have features and sales targets to filter out anything that doesn’t fit
Evaluate connectivity optionsBluetooth range, Wi-Fi stability, USB-C compatibility with your android phone or tabletTest a reader’s connection in your busiest spots (back office, sales floor, curbside) to spot drop-outs before you buy
Compare pricing structuresTransaction fees (flat vs. tiered), monthly fees, hidden charges (batch, settlement)Project your monthly processing costs based on average ticket size and transaction count to uncover true cost
Validate system integrationsPOS, accounting (QuickBooks), ecommerce platformsRun a quick integration demo or sandbox test to confirm seamless data syncing and avoid excel hell
Check support and onboardingSetup guides, training resources, support hours, response timesReach out to support with a dummy issue and measure how fast and thoroughly they resolve it before committing

This actionable roadmap ensures you’ll pick an Android card reader that fits your floor plan, budget, and growth plans—no guesswork required.

Key Services of Credit Card Readers for Android

Every Android credit card reader should do more than swipe—these core services turn your mobile device into a full-fledged point of sale:

  • Mobile payment processing. Accept magstripe and chip card transactions on your Android phone or tablet—no extra hardware needed.
  • Contactless payments via NFC. Let customers tap to pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or contactless chip cards.
  • POS system integration. Sync with your existing point of sale or payment app—QuickBooks, Square reader, Shopify POS, or custom payment processor—for real-time inventory management and sales data.
  • Secure EMV compliance. Process chip card and magnetic stripe payments safely with encryption, tokenization, and PCI-DSS certification.
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Pair with Android devices over bluetooth or wi-fi, or plug in via USB-C for rock-solid connections in busy retail environments.
  • Multichannel payment support. Handle in-person payments, online checkout links, or virtual terminal transactions from the same mobile device.
  • Real-time reporting and analytics. Track sales, transaction fees, and popular products instantly—so you can optimize staffing and inventory on the fly.
  • Merchant account compatibility. Work with major providers and card networks—Visa, Mastercard, debit card, and more—without hidden monthly fees or surprise processing charges.

Benefits of Credit Card Readers for Android

Choosing the right mobile credit card reader isn’t just about price—it’s about empowering your team, impressing customers, and cutting costs:

  • Faster checkout experience. Contactless payments and tap-to-pay NFC speed up lines and improve customer satisfaction.
  • Lower processing fees. Compare flat-rate vs. tiered pricing to find the best credit card reader for your transaction volume and avoid hidden monthly fees.
  • Greater portability and flexibility. From Bluetooth dongles to all-in-one terminals, accept payments anywhere—from pop-up shops to curbside pickup.
  • Improved inventory management. Integrated barcode scanning and POS sync keeps stock levels accurate in real time, so you never run dry on hot-selling items.
  • Seamless omnichannel selling. Combine in-store Android POS with online payment solutions like PayPal or Stripe for a unified merchant account and reporting dashboard.
  • Enhanced security and compliance. EMV chip card reader support and end-to-end encryption protect customer data and reduce fraud risk.
  • Scalable for small businesses. Start with a simple mobile POS setup and upgrade to multi-device, iOS/android hybrid fleets as you grow—no forklift upgrade required.
  • Responsive customer support. Access 24/7 help desks, in-app chat, or dedicated account managers to troubleshoot hardware or processing issues fast.

Costs & Pricing Structures of Credit Card Readers for Android

Pricing for Android credit card readers varies by vendor and plan. Understanding each structure’s impact on your monthly fees and transaction fees helps you pick a reader that fits your cash flow and sales volume without surprise charges.

Pricing structureHow it worksBest for
Subscription-basedFixed monthly fee for access to the reader and appBusinesses with predictable sales
Transaction-basedFee per transaction, usually a percentage of the saleLow-volume sellers
Tiered pricingDifferent rate tiers based on monthly transaction volumeGrowing operations
Flat-rate pricingSingle rate regardless of transaction size or countSimple budgets
Volume-based pricingDiscounted rates once you hit transaction thresholdsHigh-volume merchants

Key factors that influence pricing for Android credit card readers

  • Customization needs. Tailored interfaces, SDK access, or custom payment processor integrations can increase setup and monthly fees.
  • Compliance requirements. Meeting PCI-DSS, EMV, or regional standards may add certification costs or processing-fee surcharges.
  • Number of users. Adding terminals or merchant accounts often means extra monthly fees or licensing costs per device.
  • Integration complexity. Deep POS or accounting system integrations—QuickBooks, Shopify POS, or custom ERP—can require professional services and higher setup fees.
  • Support level. Premium customer support or dedicated account managers typically comes with a higher price tag, but faster issue resolution.

Credit Card Reader for Android: FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about credit card readers for Android:

What hardware do I need to run an Android credit card reader?

At minimum, you need a compatible Android phone or tablet and the reader itself—either a USB-C dongle or a Bluetooth/Wi-Fi–enabled terminal.
For USB-C dongles, just plug in and install the app. Bluetooth readers require enabling Bluetooth on your device and pairing, while all-in-one terminals connect over Wi-Fi or cellular. Some solutions also offer stands or cases to mount your tablet for countertop use.

Can Android credit card readers accept contactless payments?

Yes. Modern Android readers support NFC tap-to-pay for Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and contactless chip cards.
Make sure the model explicitly lists NFC or “contactless” support—some budget dongles handle only magstripe or chip. Testing a live tap in your checkout environment is the quickest way to confirm performance.

Do I need a merchant account to use an Android card reader?

Usually, yes. A merchant account lets you settle funds to your bank. Some providers bundle a merchant account; others require you to set one up separately.
If you already bank with Chase or use Stripe/PayPal, you can often skip a separate merchant-account application. Always check settlement timelines and any hidden batch or payout fees.

How do I integrate an Android reader with my POS or QuickBooks?

Most readers offer a native app plus APIs or SDKs. For off-the-shelf POS (Square, Shopify) or QuickBooks Payments, you’ll find built-in plugins—just link your account, install the reader’s app, and follow the in-app prompts.
For custom systems, grab the SDK, test in sandbox mode, then deploy once data sync works flawlessly.

What are the typical processing fees for Android card readers?

Expect flat-rate fees around 2.6 % + 10 ¢ per swipe for basic plans, or tiered rates that drop as volume grows. Some readers add monthly subscription fees or charge for advanced reporting.
Always calculate your true cost: multiply your average ticket by your monthly transaction count, then compare flat, tiered, and volume-based plans to avoid surprise charges.

How secure are Android credit card readers?

Very. Leading readers offer EMV-certified chip support, end-to-end encryption, and tokenization—meeting PCI-DSS standards.
Contactless NFC payments add another layer of security by never exposing raw card data. To stay ahead of fraud, pick a reader with automatic firmware updates and role-based permissions for staff.

Charge Forth With The Right Android Reader

You’ve seen which mobile POS readers deliver the fastest checkouts, lowest surprises on fees, and rock-solid connectivity—no more wrestling with chargers, dongles, or mystery charges. 

Pick the reader that matches your sales volume, setup, and budget, and you’ll keep lines moving and customers smiling.

If you're in the process of researching credit card readers for Android, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.

You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.Retail never stands still—and neither should you. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest insights, strategies, and career resources from top retail leaders shaping the industry.

Sean Flannigan
By Sean Flannigan

Sean is the Senior Editor for The Retail Exec. He's spent years getting acquainted with the retail space, from warehouse management and international shipping to web development and ecommerce marketing. A writer at heart (and in actuality), he brings a deep passion for great writing and storytelling to retail topics big and small.