Best Credit Card Readers of 2026
* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Credit card readers are small electronic devices that allow businesses and individuals to accept payments from credit and debit cards. These devices are becoming increasingly popular as more people are moving away from cash transactions. Credit card readers can be used in a variety of settings, from small businesses to large retailers, and they come in a range of styles and sizes to suit different needs. With the ability to process payments quickly and securely, credit card readers are a convenient and reliable way to accept payments from customers.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
#TOP 1
9.8
#TOP 2
9.7
#TOP 3
9.5
Top 6 Credit Card Readers
SumUp Air Card Reader for Contactless Payments
The SumUp Air Reader is an efficient mobile card terminal designed for seamless contactless payments. You can make up to 500 transactions on a single charge, ensuring you stay operational throughout the day without the hassle of frequent recharging. It connects easily with a free app on your smartphone or tablet, making it convenient to manage payments on the go. The device accepts all card payments, allowing you to cater to a wide range of customers, while also offering the flexibility to use either Wifi or your mobile data for transactions.
SumUp Solo Touchscreen Card Reader with Charging
The SumUp Solo Reader offers an intuitive user interface with a responsive touch screen, making payments easy for you and your customers. Its compact design means it can easily fit in your pocket, allowing you to take it anywhere. With built-in WiFi and a SIM card offering unlimited mobile data, you can process transactions on the go without interruptions. The included charging station keeps your device powered up while in use, ensuring you are always ready to serve your customers.
SumUp Air Card Reader with Charging Station
The SumUp Air Reader is a simple and lightweight card reader designed for portability. You can easily pair it with your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, making it convenient to accept payments on the go. The included charging station ensures your device stays powered, so you never have to worry about running out of battery during transactions. With 100% online, fast payouts, you can enjoy quick access to your funds without any monthly fees or contractual obligations.
Square Bluetooth Contactless Card Reader (2nd Gen)
The Square Card Reader allows you to accept various payment methods, including contactless, chip and PIN, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, enhancing your payment flexibility. Its improved connectivity and extended battery life mean you can take payments anywhere without interruption. You will also appreciate the transparent fee structure of just 1.75% per transaction, with no hidden costs. Additionally, the quick fund transfer feature ensures that you can access your money as soon as the next working day, making it convenient for daily operations.
ETEKJOY USB Magnetic Stripe Card Reader
The ETEKJOY Card Reader offers an easy-to-use USB interface that requires no software installation for reading magnetic cards. You can effortlessly read data from all three tracks of high and low coercivity cards, making it versatile for various applications. It works seamlessly across Windows, Mac, and other USB-capable systems, allowing you to use it with popular software like Word and Excel. With a compact design and a 145cm USB cord, this card reader is perfect for on-the-go use.
OSAYDE IT Magnetic Stripe Card Reader
The OSAYDE Card Reader offers a user-friendly experience with its plug-and-play functionality, requiring no driver installation. The green LED indicator signals when the device is ready for use, allowing you to seamlessly read data in various applications like TXT, Word, and Excel. Its advanced decoding chip ensures that you can rely on it for over two million swipes, while the full bidirectional reading capability supports a wide range of magnetic stripe cards. This makes it a versatile tool for both personal and professional use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use my phone as a card reader?
In order to turn your phone into a card reader, you need to own a mobile device with an Android operating system that provides NFC capability. Moreover, you must download the Tap On Phone eligible Viva Wallet POS app and create a business account to proceed and receive the payments.
2. What is a reader on a credit card?
A card reader is a device that can decode the information contained in a credit or debit card's magnetic strip or microchip. In finance, the term “card reader” refers to the technologies used to detect the account number, cardholder information, and authorization code contained on a credit card.
During our credit card reader research, we found 71 credit card reader products and shortlisted 6 quality products. We collected and analyzed 58,167 customer reviews through our big data system to write the credit card readers list. We found that most customers choose credit card readers with an average price of £29.77.
The credit card readers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of credit card readers, including SUMUP, Square, ETEKJOY, IT OSAYDE.
Jordan Akthar owns one stationery store in Bradford, and another in Derby. He started with a corner bookshop, and now the rest is history. He is often found in his stores taking count of inventories of books and stationery. Jordan also likes to write, and this drove his passion for writing articles on stationery maintenance. He owns a blog, where in his free time, he would write DIY tips on how you can recycle and refine your stationeries.