The Best Credit Card Machines & Terminals For Small Businesses
Today's credit card processing machines do more than just take payments; they can also give you real-time reporting, analytical data, and more.
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WRITTEN & RESEARCHED BY
Senior Staff Writer
Last updated onUpdated
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REVIEWED BY
Senior Staff Writer
Advertiser Disclosure: Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity.
The best credit card machines and terminals have evolved from having little more than simple transaction processing capabilities to today’s high-tech devices with color touch screens, multiple displays, and the ability to install additional software apps to help run your business. If you want your business to accept credit cards (and you do), you need a high-quality credit card terminal to process your customers’ cards.
This article will explain how much you can expect to pay for a credit card machine and what features to look for. We’ll also give you some recommendations for the best credit card machines and terminals available on the market today.
Learn More About Our Top Picks
| Company | Highlights | Next StepsHighlights |
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Square Terminal
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Square Register
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Clover Mini
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Clover Flex
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Helcim Smart Terminal
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Dejavoo Z11
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| Show Fewer Options |
Read more below to learn why we chose these options.
Table of Contents [hide][show]
- How Much Does A Credit Card Terminal Cost?
- The Best Credit Card Machines & Terminals For Small Businesses
- Square Terminal: Best For Low-Volume Retail Businesses
- Square Register: Best For Low-Cost Access To POS Features
- Clover Mini: Best For POS Features In A Small Form Factor
- Clover Flex: Best Full-Featured Mobile Terminal
- Helcim Smart Terminal: Best For Low-Cost Smart Terminal Functionality
- Dejavoo Z11: Best Reprogrammable Credit Card Terminal
- 7 Features To Look For In A Credit Card Processing Machine
- Which Credit Card Machine Is Right For My Business?
- FAQs: Credit Card Machines & Terminals
Table of Contents
- How Much Does A Credit Card Terminal Cost?
- The Best Credit Card Machines & Terminals For Small Businesses
- How The Best Credit Card Terminals For Small Businesses Compare
- Square Terminal: Best For Low-Volume Retail Businesses
- Square Terminal
- Square Terminal Features
- Square Terminal Hardware Cost & Options
- Square Terminal Payment Processing Costs
- Square Register: Best For Low-Cost Access To POS Features
- Square Register
- Square Register Features
- Square Register Hardware Cost & Options
- Square Register Payment Processing Costs
- Clover Mini: Best For POS Features In A Small Form Factor
- Clover Mini
- Clover Mini Features
- Clover Mini Hardware Cost & Options
- Clover Mini Payment Processing Costs
- Clover Flex: Best Full-Featured Mobile Terminal
- Clover Flex
- Clover Flex Features
- Clover Flex Hardware Cost & Options
- Clover Flex Payment Processing Costs
- Helcim Smart Terminal: Best For Low-Cost Smart Terminal Functionality
- Helcim Smart Terminal
- Helcim Smart Terminal Features
- Helcim Smart Terminal Hardware Cost & Options
- Helcim Smart Terminal Payment Processing Costs
- Dejavoo Z11: Best Reprogrammable Credit Card Terminal
- Dejavoo Z11 Features
- Dejavoo Z11 Hardware Cost & Options
- Dejavoo Z11 Payment Processing Costs
- Payment Processing Rating Methodology
- 7 Features To Look For In A Credit Card Processing Machine
- Which Credit Card Machine Is Right For My Business?
- FAQs: Credit Card Machines & Terminals
How Much Does A Credit Card Terminal Cost?
The credit card processing hardware market includes a bewildering variety of manufacturers and devices — all of which essentially do the same thing.
Choices range from basic mobile card readers that require a smartphone or tablet to function to fully-featured POS systems that accept payments and run most aspects of your business. Costs are likewise all over the map, with larger devices and additional features adding to the price.
Here’s an overview of the capabilities and typical costs of each type of credit card machine:
| Cost | Pros | Cons | Can Be Reprogrammed? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Card Reader | $10-$130 | Affordable | May be unreliable & have hardware compatibility issues | Depends on device |
| Traditional Terminal | $150-$500 | Reliable; supports magstripe, EMV, & NFC | Reprogramming issues | Universal models only |
| Smart Terminal | $350-$800 | Additional functionality | Generally not reprogrammable | Usually not |
| Integrated POS | $800-$1,900 | Additional functionality & larger, easier-to-read displays | Expensive; generally not reprogrammable | Usually not |
As of 2024, all new terminals include support for EMV payments. Most new terminals also support NFC-based payment methods (e.g., Apple Pay and Google Pay). You should choose a model with this capability due to the increasing popularity of contactless payments among your customers.
A built-in receipt printer adds to the cost of the machine but is essential for most businesses so that you can provide paper receipts to your customers. Wireless terminals, while important for some businesses, are bulkier and significantly more expensive than wired models. You’ll usually also have to pay monthly fees for a wireless data plan. Smart terminals with color touch screens and installable apps are becoming increasingly common, but they also cost more.
The Best Credit Card Machines & Terminals For Small Businesses
The best credit card machines for small businesses support EMV, NFC, and magstripe payment methods. In addition to being rugged and reliable, they’re increasingly likely to connect to your processor via a payment gateway, giving you real-time reporting and advanced analytics data.
- Square Terminal: Best For Low-Volume Retail Businesses
- Square Register: Best For Low-Cost Access To POS Features
- Clover Mini: Best For POS Features In A Small Form Factor
- Clover Flex: Best Full-Featured Mobile Terminal
- Helcim Smart Terminal: Best For Low-Cost Smart Terminal Functionality
- Dejavoo Z11: Best Reprogrammable Credit Card Terminal
How The Best Credit Card Terminals For Small Businesses Compare
| Price | Subscription Required? | EMV? | NFC? | Magstripe? | Portable? | Reprogrammable? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square Terminal | $299 | ||||||
| Square Register | $799 | ||||||
| Clover Mini | $799 | ||||||
| Clover Flex | $599 | ||||||
| Helcim Smart Terminal | $329 | ||||||
| Dejavoo Z11 | $295 |
Square Terminal: Best For Low-Volume Retail Businesses
Pros
- Very easy to set up and use
- Accepts EMV, NFC-based, and magstripe transactions
- Includes some basic POS functions
Cons
- Bulky for mobile use
- Account stability issues
Why Square Terminal Is The Best Choice For Low-Volume Retail Businesses
Square Terminal is a great choice for small businesses that need a reliable terminal to accept credit and debit card transactions at their brick-and-mortar location. It also adds several features you won't normally find at this price point, including a stripped-down version of the Square for Restaurants app. While there's no support for Bluetooth peripherals, you can use an optional USB hub to connect a variety of add-ons, including some third-party devices.
Square Terminal is one of the most affordable devices we've found that can function as a mobile or countertop terminal, although it's a little on the large size for mobile use. Square Terminal comes with the Square payments app pre-installed and can be purchased at full price or via installment payments.
If you're having trouble deciding between this device and the Square Register (see below), check out our guide on Square POS readers and bundles for a side-by-side comparison of every product that Square currently offers.
Get Started With Square Terminal
Square Register: Best For Low-Cost Access To POS Features
Pricing
$799Contract
NoneEquipment Cost
$799Pros
- Accepts EMV, NFC-based, and magstripe transactions
- Expandable via a 5-port USB hub
- Access to Square App Marketplace
Cons
- Only works with Square’s processing service
- Account stability issues
Why Square Register Is The Best Choice For Low-Cost Access To POS Features
Square Register combines the power of a fully-featured POS system with Square's affordable credit card processing service. At $799, this is one of the most affordable countertop POS systems you'll find anywhere. You will likely need to purchase some accessories, including a receipt printer and a cash drawer. However, Square offers Square Register bundles that can save money over buying each product individually.
Unlike most POS system providers, Square uses the same pay-as-you-go billing model, regardless of which hardware product you use. Square Terminal's built-in software list is impressive and includes support for inventory management, employee management, loyalty/gift card programs, appointment scheduling, reporting, and eCommerce sales. Special features for restaurants are also available.
Get Started With Square Register
Clover Mini: Best For POS Features In A Small Form Factor
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Integrated PIN pad and barcode scanner
- Highly customizable
- Expandable with additional apps
Cons
- Requires a Fiserv merchant account
- Usually requires a monthly software subscription fee
- Not reprogrammable
Why Clover Mini Is The Best Choice For POS Features In A Small Form Factor
The Clover Mini offers nearly all of the point-of-sale capabilities of the larger Clover Station Solo/Duo but in a smaller (and less expensive) form factor. Like other Clover devices, you can expand the functionality of the Clover Mini by installing additional apps from the Clover App Market. Most of these are free, but some require additional monthly subscriptions.
The Clover Mini is a great choice for businesses that don't need the capabilities of a full-blown POS system but want something more than just a basic credit card terminal. It's not the most affordable option, however, costing nearly twice as much as similar products from competitors and requiring a monthly software subscription fee. Clover Mini is available directly from Clover or through one of several of the best Clover resellers.
Clover Flex: Best Full-Featured Mobile Terminal
Pros
- Works for countertop and mobile POS setups
- Supports multiple payment methods
- Expandable via Clover App Marketplace
- Long battery life
Cons
- Large, bulky design
- Requires monthly software subscription fee
- Occasional software bugs and connectivity issues
Why Clover Flex Is The Best Choice For A Full-Featured Mobile Terminal
If you like Clover's point-of-sale functionality but need a mobile device, the Clover Flex is a good choice. With eight hours of battery life, it's ideal for businesses that need to process transactions in the field. However, it can also function as a countertop terminal if preferred. For truly mobile use in the field, you'll need to purchase an optional cellular data plan.
The ability to install apps and the addition of a built-in printer make the Clover Flex a great choice for businesses that need to accept payments wherever their customers are, although it's rather bulky compared to most smartphones. While the device itself is reasonably priced, the need for a monthly software subscription fee (and possibly a cellular data plan) adds to your overall costs.
Helcim Smart Terminal: Best For Low-Cost Smart Terminal Functionality
Pros
- No monthly account or software subscription fees
- Helcim POS software pre-installed
- No additional hardware required
- Long battery life
Cons
- Wi-Fi only, no cellular connectivity
- Limited inventory management features
Why Helcim Smart Terminal Is The Best Choice For Low-Cost Smart Terminal Functionality
We chose the Helcim Smart Terminal as one of the most cost-effective smart terminals on the market. The Helcim Smart Terminal has everything you need to get up and running for just $329. The terminal can be plugged in for countertop use but will also run for up to eight hours of mobile use. Helcim's proprietary POS software is pre-installed and includes additional features such as inventory management and employee log-in functions. It requires a Wi-Fi connection but doesn't offer cellular connectivity for true in-the-field use.
Helcim itself is an outstanding credit card processor for small businesses. With no monthly fee and a transparent interchange-plus pricing schedule for all users, it can accommodate most small and mid-sized businesses. (Note that Helcim does not accept high-risk merchants.)
The Helcim Smart Terminal is a great choice for businesses looking for an all-in-one solution that doesn't require a lot of extra fees and optional features. Setup is easy, and you can be up and running very quickly once your Helcim account is approved and your Helcim Smart Terminal arrives.
Get Started With Helcim Smart Terminal
Dejavoo Z11: Best Reprogrammable Credit Card Terminal
Dejavoo Z11 |
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Pros
- Universal terminal that works with almost any provider
- Supports EMV, NFC-based, and magstripe payment methods
- Includes integrated PIN pad
- Very affordable
Cons
- Highly variable pricing and contract terms
- Limited “smart” functionality
Why The Dejavoo Z11 Is The Best Reprogrammable Credit Card Terminal
Not every business needs all the fancy, high-tech features of a modern "smart" terminal. If you just want a simple (and affordable) terminal to sit on your countertop and process basic credit/debit card transactions, the Dejavoo Z11 is an excellent choice. It supports all major forms of credit card acceptance, including popular contactless digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. The color touch screen, while small, simplifies navigation and makes it easy for you and your employees to use.
Best of all, you won't have to deal with the additional fees that come with many smart credit card machines. Other than refilling the paper for the built-in receipt printer, there are usually no other expenses to worry about.
The Dejavoo Z11 is quite popular with merchants for its simplicity and ease of use, but it still includes all the features you need to accept credit and debit cards in your business.
Payment Processing Rating Methodology
Merchant Maverick has been researching the payment processing industry since 2009. Our writers have reviewed hundreds of credit card processors, merchant account services, and mobile payment apps, evaluating each provider carefully on several different metrics.
When comparing different payment processing companies and applications to one another, we consider numerous data points. Our experts start by comparing credit card processing rates, the presence of additional fees, contract length, sales practices, and the presence or absence of additional features and services, like point of sale software. Each provider is judged on its own merits and how well it stacks up to industry standards; then it is weighed against the other providers on the list.
We spend an average of 10-15 hours researching and updating each one of our lists, making sure every company or application included meets our internal standards for quality and reputation. Any list of recommended payment processors on our site might contain a mix of standard merchant accounts, third-party payment processors, mobile payment devices, and high-risk payment processors, depending on what our expert feels is the best fit for certain scenarios or business types.
For additional details about Merchant Maverick’s review and rating processes, please refer to any or all of the following methodology pages:
- Credit card processor rating criteria
- High-risk merchant account rating criteria
- Credit card reader & mobile payment device rating criteria
15
Years reviewing payment processors
100+
Providers evaluated
25
Attributes and features assessed per vendor
40+
Years combined experience
7 Features To Look For In A Credit Card Processing Machine
Before you decide on a particular type of credit card terminal, consider all of the features listed below and how they’ll fit in with your business’s needs. Here are the things to look for in choosing a credit card machine:
Which Credit Card Machine Is Right For My Business?
The best credit card machine for small businesses will meet your needs today and support up-and-coming technology trends that will become more important in the future. These trends include NFC capability for contactless payments and the ability to connect to a payment gateway for tokenized in-person transactions.
At the same time, we strongly encourage you to avoid the temptation to choose a merchant services provider because it offers a certain terminal that you like. Fair contract terms, reasonable prices, and excellent customer service are more important considerations in the long run.
As we’ve seen, hardware capabilities don’t vary much from company to company. For example, we really love the Clover line of terminals and POS systems and the expanded capabilities they bring to a business. But we’ve also received many complaints from merchants who signed up with Fiserv (formerly First Data) or one of its less-than-stellar ISOs because they liked the Clover machines. Then they discover that they were locked into a long-term contract, charged exorbitant rates and fees, and offered poor customer service. Worst of all, they couldn’t take their Clover equipment to a new provider if they wanted to switch to a better provider.
If you run a retail business and need a good credit card processor, you can find what you’re looking for in our post on the best credit processing companies for retail businesses. Good luck!
FAQs: Credit Card Machines & Terminals
Frank Kehl
Senior Staff Writer at Merchant Maverick
Frank has been writing about payment processing and business services since 2015. He is a retired Air Force officer and a former practicing attorney. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University and a Juris Doctorate degree from the Ventura College of Law, and currently resides in Paso Robles, California.
View Frank Kehl's professional experience on LinkedIn.
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