Last Updated: Apr 2026
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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
A versatile all-in-one payment processing solution- Best for - Small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs
- Rates - From 2.5%
- Contract Length - Monthly
A versatile all-in-one payment processing solutionRead GoDaddy ReviewGoDaddy Payments is an all-in-one payment processing solution designed for small businesses and entrepreneurs. It integrates seamlessly with GoDaddy’s website builders and e-commerce tools, offering competitive transaction rates and fast payouts. Businesses can accept online, in-person, and remote payments, making it a versatile choice for merchants in the U.S.
GoDaddy Pros & Cons
PROS
Seamless integration with GoDaddy’s ecosystemCompetitive transaction fees, especially for in-person paymentsFast payouts, often within the next business dayCONS
Reports of unexpected account holds and closuresLimited international support - 2
Seamless payment solutions for businesses- Best for - Businesses of all sizes
- Rates - Low rates
- Contract Length - 3 years
Seamless payment solutions for businessesRead Worldpay ReviewWorldpay 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.
Worldpay Pros & Cons
PROS
Broad range of payment methods acceptedRobust fraud prevention toolsScalable for businesses of all sizesCONS
Pricing transparency could be improvedSome plans may incur high transaction fees - 3
Custom payment processing and merchant services- Best for - Businesses seeking merchant and payment processing solutions
- Rates - 0.29%-1.55% per swiped card transaction
- Contract Length - 3 years
Custom payment processing and merchant servicesRead Merchant One ReviewMerchant One is a credit card payment processing company that offers solutions to small and large businesses in various industries. The company partners with Clover to resell its state-of-the-art POS systems, provides its customers with free training on using them, and services the hardware in-house. This ensures a high-quality user experience.
While Merchant One has excellent reviews on Trustpilot, several complaints indicate issues with customer service, billing, and contract terms. Nevertheless, Merchant One’s dedicated managers will respond to queries and guide you on setting up your account and processing transactions.
Why we chose Merchant One - We chose Merchant One because it’s able to process both POS and mobile phone credit card payments.
Our experience - We liked that Merchant One provides a dedicated account manager and offers lower card payment processing fees than some of its rivals.
Merchant One Pros & Cons
PROS
Assigned account managersState-of-the-art technologyTailored solutions for different businessesCONS
Free trial unavailableBilling and pricing issues noted
