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Aug 22, 2024
Filed under: Credit Card Processing, Hardware, Point of Sale
Best Credit Card Machines & Terminals For Small Businesses
The best credit card machines make it easy to accept payments, track sales, and manage transactions from one device.
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WRITTEN & RESEARCHED BY
Editor & Senior Staff Writer
Last updated onUpdated
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REVIEWED BY
Expert Contributor
Our content reflects the editorial opinions of our experts. While our site makes money through referral partnerships, we only partner with companies that meet our standards for quality, as outlined in our independent rating and scoring system.
We reviewed top credit card machines based on payment method support, reliability, ease of use, POS features, processor compatibility, reporting tools, and overall value. Here are our top picks.
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Compare Our Top Picks
| Provider | Best For | Price | Financing | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Best For Low-Cost POS Features | $899 | $44/month | |
 | Best For Low-Volume Retailers | $299 | $27/month for 12 months | |
 | Best Compact Countertop POS | $849 | $45/month | |
 | Best Full-Featured Mobile Terminal | $749 | $40/month | |
 | Best Low-Cost Smart Terminal | $349 | $32/month for 12 months |
Square Register
Best OverallBest For Low-Cost POS Features
Square Register is a solid pick for businesses that want an all-in-one countertop POS with Square’s built-in payment processing.
Square Register includes dual displays, Square POS software, Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, and support for chip, swipe, tap, and mobile wallet payments. Businesses can also add compatible accessories and connect with Square tools for inventory, reporting, loyalty, appointments, and online sales.
In-Person Rates
2.4% - 2.6% + $0.15
Portable
Reprogrammable
PROS
- EMV, NFC, and magstripe
- Durable full register setup
- Access to Square App Marketplace
CONS
- Only works with Square Payments
- Account stability issues
Square Terminal
Best For Low-Volume Retailers
Square Terminal works well for low-volume retail businesses that want a compact payment terminal with more built-in functionality than a basic card reader.
Square Terminal includes a 5.5-inch touchscreen, built-in receipt printer, rechargeable battery, Wi-Fi, optional Ethernet through the Hub for Square Terminal, and support for chip, swipe, tap, and mobile wallet payments.
In-Person Rates
2.4% - 2.6% + $0.15
Portable
Reprogrammable
PROS
- Easy to set up and use
- EMV, NFC, and magstripe
- Includes some basic POS functions
CONS
- Bulky for mobile use
- Account stability issues
Clover Mini
Best Compact Countertop POS
Clover Mini is built for businesses that want more POS functionality than a basic countertop payment terminal.
Clover Mini includes an 8-inch touchscreen, built-in receipt printer, PIN pad, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, LTE connectivity, and support for chip, swipe, tap, cash, check, and gift card payments. Businesses can also expand its functionality through the Clover App Market.
In-Person Rates
2.3% - 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction
Portable
Reprogrammable
PROS
- PIN pad and barcode scanner
- Highly customizable
- Expandable with additional apps
CONS
- Requires Fiserv merchant account
- May require a monthly software fee
Clover Flex
Best Full-Featured Mobile Terminal
Clover Flex is built for businesses that need a handheld payment terminal for sales on the floor, at the table, or in the field.
Clover Flex includes a nearly 6-inch touchscreen, built-in receipt printer, barcode scanner, Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity, and support for chip, swipe, tap, and mobile wallet payments. Businesses can also expand its functionality through the Clover App Market.
In-Person Rates
2.3% - 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction
Portable
Reprogrammable
PROS
- Countertop and mobile functionality
- Supports multiple payment methods
- Long battery life
CONS
- Requires monthly software fee
- Occasional connectivity issues
Helcim Smart Terminal
Best Low-Cost Smart Terminal
Helcim Smart Terminal is a great choice for businesses that want an all-in-one payment terminal with built-in POS tools and no required software subscription.
The terminal includes a 6.7-inch HD+ touchscreen, built-in receipt printer, Wi-Fi and 4G/LTE connectivity, inventory tools, employee PIN access, and support for tap, chip, PIN, and mobile wallet payments.
In-Person Rates
Custom
Portable
Reprogrammable
PROS
- No monthly fees
- Includes Helcim POS software
- No additional hardware required
CONS
- Processing fees may be expensive for low-volume businesses
How To Get A Credit Card Machine & Why Leasing Costs You
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Erica Seppala
Editor & Senior Staff Writer at Merchant Maverick
Erica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
View Erica Seppala's professional experience on LinkedIn.
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