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Last Updated: Nov 2025

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
iconSpecial Deal
Paysafe
9.7
Worldwide payment solutions
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GoDaddy
9.2
Start saving with industry-low rates
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Worldpay
8.4
Get $650 for signing up
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Our Best Overall Provider

Not Exactly What You Need? Find the Perfect POS System to Optimize Your Business Operations

Our Top Picks for November 2025
Leaders Merchant Services
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Leaders Merchant Services
Rates as low as 0.15%
Paysafe
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Paysafe
Over 25 years of experience
Worldpay
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Worldpay
Get $650 for signing up

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
    Offers global payments in 17 countries
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    • Best for - Businesses and corporations looking to scale up
    • Rates - Quote-based
    • Contract Length - From month-to-month to three years
    Offers global payments in 17 countries
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    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.

    Read Paysafe Review

    Paysafe Pros & Cons

    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
    Paysafe
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  • 2
    • Rates - From 2.5%
    • Contract Length - Monthly
  • 3
    Seamless payment solutions for businesses
    • Best for - Businesses of all sizes
    • Rates - Low rates
    • Contract Length - 3 years
    Seamless payment solutions for businesses

    Worldpay delivers a solid payment processing solution with standout features like fraud prevention, global payment capabilities, and seamless integrations. While pricing can feel opaque at times, its scalability and robust tools make it a strong choice for businesses of all sizes.

    If you’re looking for a payment processor that can handle both everyday transactions and complex e-commerce needs, Worldpay is a platform worth considering.

    Read Worldpay Review

    Worldpay Pros & Cons

    PROS

    Broad range of payment methods accepted
    Robust fraud prevention tools
    Scalable for businesses of all sizes

    CONS

    Pricing transparency could be improved
    Some plans may incur high transaction fees