Card payments are an unavoidable part of business life, and the best card machines make the checkout process more efficient for employees and customers alike. Whether you’re looking for a countertop terminal or a handheld payment device, there are plenty of options to choose from. These best card machines are competitively priced and accept a range of popular payments, including credit, debit, and even mobile phone payments. Many also come with extras that can streamline the process, such as barcode scanners and customer-facing screens.
When choosing a card machine, it’s important to consider the transaction fees that are charged by each provider. These are usually a percentage of each sale, and can vary widely between providers. You should also check the minimum contract length and any early termination fees to ensure that you can cancel or change your plan without a penalty.
Among the most common countertop and portable card machines are the FD and Clover Mini. These universal devices work with a wide range of processing services and can be connected via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or mobile data (3G/4G). They are ideal for restaurants and retail stores.
For mobile businesses, a portable card machine with a built-in scanner and Bluetooth is a good option. Suitable for food trucks and on-the-go sole traders, these units are compact and simple to use. Some even feature digital receipts that are automatically emailed to customers and stored in the cloud for future reference. Those in the market for a more advanced option should look at the Tyl Reader by NatWest. This user-friendly portable device is backed by the brand of a reputable financial institution and offers transparency around hardware costs, monthly fees, and support. best card machines