Best Credit Card Readers of 2025

Jordan Akhtar Avatar
Jordan Akhtar
Last Updated: 7 Feb 2025

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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

SumUp Solo Touchscreen Card Reader with Charging Cover #TOP 1
SumUp Solo Touchscreen Card Reader with Charging
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Square Bluetooth Contactless Card Reader (2nd Gen) Cover #TOP 2
Square Bluetooth Contactless Card Reader (2nd Gen)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Square Terminal - All-in-One Card Reader Cover #TOP 3
Square Terminal - All-in-One Card Reader
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Credit Card Readers

#TOP 1

SumUp Solo Touchscreen Card Reader with Charging

800605502
White
One Size
SumUp Solo Touchscreen Card Reader with Charging Cover
SumUp Solo Credit Card Payment Card Reader with Charging Station by SumUp. Full touch-screen interface with free SIM card with unlimited mobile data

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.

What We Like
Intuitive touch-screen interface
Portable and compact design
Unlimited mobile data connection
Charging station for convenience
#TOP 2

Square Bluetooth Contactless Card Reader (2nd Gen)

Square
A-SKU-0801
White
Square Bluetooth Contactless Card Reader (2nd Gen) Cover
Square Bluetooth Contactless Card Reader (2nd generation) – Take contactless & card payments - accepts Chip & PIN, Debit and Credit Cards, Apple and Google Pay

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.

What We Like
Easy payment acceptance
Flexible payment options
No hidden fees
Quick fund access
Extended battery life
#TOP 3

Square Terminal - All-in-One Card Reader

Square
A-SKU-0568
Pack of 1
Square Terminal - All-in-One Card Reader Cover
Square Terminal - Card reader for accepting Contactless, Chip & PIN, Debit Cards, and Credit Cards - Take payments, print receipts, and run your business - UK Version

The Square Terminal is a versatile card reader that allows you to accept all major cards at a competitive rate of 1.75% per transaction. You will benefit from receiving funds directly in your bank account as soon as the next business day, or instantly for a small fee. Its Offline Mode is particularly useful, enabling you to process chip + PIN, Apple Pay, and Google Pay payments even when your Wi-Fi is down. Additionally, with free, pre-installed software, managing your items and taking payments quickly becomes a breeze.

What We Like
Accepts all major cards
Funds available next day
Offline payment capability
Free management software
Cordless with long battery life
#TOP 4

SumUp Air Card Reader with Charging Station

800604901
SumUp Air Card Reader with Charging Station Cover
SumUp Air Bundle - Air Card Reader & Charging Station - contactless payments with Credit & Debit Card.

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.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable design
Easy Bluetooth pairing
Includes charging station
Fast online payouts
No monthly fees
#TOP 5

SumUp Air Card Reader for Contactless Payments

SUMUP AIR READER_SML
White
SumUp Air Card Reader for Contactless Payments Cover
SumUp Air Card Reader - Mobile Card Terminal for contactless payments with Credit & Debit Card, Apple & Google Pay - NFC RFID - Practical Card Reader

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.

What We Like
High transaction capacity
Easy app integration
Accepts all card payments
Flexible connectivity options
#TOP 6

ETEKJOY USB Magnetic Stripe Card Reader

ET-MSR90
Black
ETEKJOY USB Magnetic Stripe Card Reader Cover
ETEKJOY USB 3-Track Magnetic Stripe Card Reader POS Credit Card Reader Swiper MagStripe Swipe 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.

What We Like
Easy USB connection
No software installation required
Reads all three tracks
Compatible with multiple systems
Compact and portable design
#TOP 7

Deftun CR80 Dual Side Card Reader Cleaner

Black
Deftun CR80 Dual Side Card Reader Cleaner Cover
Credit Card Reader Cleaning Cards CR80 Dual Side POS Swipe Card Reader Cleaner for MSR90 MSR605X MSR X6 etc. (50 Cards)

The Deftun CR80 Cleaner is an essential tool for maintaining your card equipment. It effectively reduces residue build-up, allowing you to keep your devices running smoothly without the need for dismantling them. This cleaner is suitable for various card readers and printers, helping you remove dirt, magnetic oxides, and lotions from sensitive sensors. With its standard credit card dimensions, it fits perfectly into most machines, ensuring a hassle-free cleaning experience.

What We Like
Easy to use
Reduces residue build-up
Compatible with various devices
Standard credit card size
#TOP 8

Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader with Dock

Shopify
TapNChipReaderNDock
Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader with Dock Cover
Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader with Dock - POS Mobile Wireless Credit Card Reader Device + Holder Stand - Contactless Payment Point of Sale Station for Retail, Small Business

The Shopify Tap & Chip Reader is designed for seamless transactions, accepting both tap and chip payments to enhance your checkout experience. Its portable design connects easily to your tablet or phone via Bluetooth, allowing you to serve customers wherever they are. The sturdy dock raises the reader to an optimal height for comfort, and it ensures secure transactions that meet industry standards. With user-friendly features, this device works perfectly with the latest Bluetooth, Apple iOS, and Android systems, providing you with multiple payment options.

What We Like
Contactless payment options
Portable and easy to use
Secure transaction processing
Compatible with major devices
#TOP 9

CHERRY ST-2100 Smart Card Reader for Health Insurance

CHERRY
ST-2100UG
Weiss
CHERRY ST-2100 Smart Card Reader for Health Insurance Cover
CHERRY Smart Terminal ST-2100, Smart Card Reader for Electronic Health Insurance Cards, Signatures, Home Banking, USB, One-Handed Operation, 16 Keys, White

The CHERRY ST-2100 Reader is a high-quality USB smartcard reader designed for electronic health cards and health insurance cards. It allows you to securely enter your PIN, making it ideal for electronic signatures and home banking. The solid construction offers a stable stand, enabling easy one-handed operation. With CT-Api support and compatibility with EMV 4.2, it ensures direct capturing of health insurance cards, providing convenience and efficiency in your daily transactions.

What We Like
Easy one-handed operation
Secure PIN entry
High-quality construction
Compatible with health insurance cards
CT-Api support
#TOP 10

OSAYDE IT Magnetic Stripe Card Reader

osayde
MSR90
Black
OSAYDE IT Magnetic Stripe Card Reader Cover
OSAYDE IT Credit Card Magnetic Stripe Card Reader Card Types for MSR:ISO7811/1-6,ISO7812, ABA, IBM757/755, AMMVA, CADMV device with USB2.0 AM Data Cable

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.

What We Like
Plug-and-play functionality
High durability for usage
Wide compatibility with card types
LED indicator for status
Buying Guide Image

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.

Editor's Notes

During our credit card reader research, we found 31 credit card reader products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 36,983 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 £73.12.

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, Deftun, Shopify. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 167 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Jordan Akhtar Avatar

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.