The best small business card reader for most sellers is the Square Handheld Portable POS, which pairs mobile checkout with a more complete, self-contained setup. For a simpler phone-based option, the Square Reader for Contactless and Chip accepts newer payment methods, while the SumUp Plus suits sellers who want a compact Bluetooth reader. The main tradeoffs are payment method support, reliance on a phone or tablet, and whether your checkout needs a built-in screen or receipt printer. Older magstripe-only readers can serve limited setups, but they accept fewer payment types. Read on for the full breakdown and help matching a reader to your business.
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Key Takeaways
- The Square Handheld Portable POS leads for sellers who want a more self-contained mobile checkout rather than a reader that depends on a phone.
- The Square Reader for Contactless and Chip is the strongest simple-reader pick for businesses that want support for tap and chip payments without stepping up to a full terminal.
- The Square Terminal is the better fit for a dedicated checkout station because its screen and receipt printer suit in-person counter service better than a pocketable reader.
- The SumUp Plus gives Square alternatives a distinct role as a compact Bluetooth reader for smartphone-based selling.
- All three Square magstripe readers are narrower-use choices; their connector differences matter for older device setups, but magstripe-only acceptance limits flexibility compared with contactless-and-chip options.
| Square Handheld Portable POS and Credit Card Reader |  | Best Overall for Mobile, Feature-Rich Selling | Dimensions: 7.04 x 3.12 x 0.62 inches | Weight: 2.11 ounces | Manufacturer: Square | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Square Reader for Contactless and Chip (2nd Generation) |  | Best Value for Phone-Based Checkout | Compatible devices: Android and iPhone | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Power source: Battery powered | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Square Terminal Mobile Credit Card Machine and Receipt Printer |  | Best for On-the-Spot Receipts | Dimensions: 5.6 x 3.4 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 14.7 ounces | Manufacturer: Square | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Square Reader for Magstripe with Lightning Connector |  | Best for Legacy Lightning iPhones and iPads | Connectivity: Lightning connector | Compatible devices: iPhone and iPad | Operating system: iOS 10.0.2 or later | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Square Reader for Magstripe (USB-C) |  | Best Compact Swipe Reader for USB-C Devices | Connectivity: USB Type-C | Compatible devices: Apple and Android devices with a USB Type-C connector | Operating systems: iOS and Android | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| SumUp Plus Bluetooth Card Reader for Smartphones |  | Best for Bluetooth Mobility | Brand: SumUp | Model: Plus Card Reader | Connectivity: Bluetooth | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Square Reader for Magstripe (Headset Jack) |  | Best for Older Phones with a Headphone Jack | Brand: Square | Model: A-SKU-0047 | Connectivity: Wired, 3.5 mm audio jack | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| small business card reader | Weight | Compatible devices | Connectivity | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square Handheld Portable POS a | 2.11 ounces | — | — | 7.04 x 3.12 x 0.62 inches |
| Square Reader for Contactless | — | Android and iPhone | Bluetooth | — |
| Square Terminal Mobile Credit | 14.7 ounces | — | — | 5.6 x 3.4 x 2.5 inches |
| Square Reader for Magstripe wi | — | iPhone and iPad | Lightning connector | — |
| Square Reader for Magstripe | 6.53 g | Apple and Android devices with a USB Type-C connector | USB Type-C | 4.5 x 0.62 x 4.5 inches |
| SumUp Plus Bluetooth Card Read | 142 g | Smartphones and tablets | Bluetooth | — |
| Square Reader for Magstripe | 1.6 oz | Apple and Android devices with a 3.5 mm headphone jack | Wired, 3.5 mm audio jack | 4.5 × 0.62 × 4.5 in |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Square Handheld Portable POS and Credit Card Reader
The Square Handheld is the most versatile pick here for a small business that needs more than a way to take payment. Its built-in barcode scanner can help shops ring up labeled goods, while tableside ordering suits cafés and food-service teams that want to take orders away from a fixed counter. Unlike the Square Reader for Contactless and Chip (2nd Generation), it works as a handheld POS rather than relying on a separate phone to run the checkout experience. Offline payments add resilience when a connection drops, and its slim, lightweight build is easier to carry during a shift than the receipt-printing Square Terminal. The tradeoff is that drop protection requires an optional case, and the provided details do not specify screen, connectivity, or printer features. I’d choose it for mobile workflows, not for businesses that need printed receipts from the device.
Pros:- Combines payment acceptance, barcode scanning, and tableside ordering
- Supports offline payments when internet access is interrupted
- Slim, lightweight design is suited to carrying during a shift
- Resistant to water splashes and dust
Cons:- Protective case for drop protection is optional
- No receipt printer is listed, unlike Square Terminal
- The supplied product details do not specify connectivity or battery runtime
Best for: Small retailers, market sellers, and food-service teams that want one handheld device for payments, barcode scanning, and tableside orders.
Not ideal for: Businesses that need a built-in receipt printer or confirmed drop protection included with the device.
- Dimensions:7.04 x 3.12 x 0.62 inches
- Weight:2.11 ounces
- Manufacturer:Square
- Payment support:Major credit and debit cards
- Features:Barcode scanner, offline payments, and tableside ordering
- Durability:Resistant to water splashes and dust
Our verdict“Choose the Square Handheld if your small business needs a portable POS with scanning and ordering tools, rather than a basic phone-connected reader.”
Square Reader for Contactless and Chip (2nd Generation)
This reader is a practical fit for a small business that already has a compatible phone and wants to accept both chip and contactless payments. It takes major mobile wallets, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, while Bluetooth pairing with Android and iPhone devices gives it broader phone compatibility than the Lightning-only Square Magstripe Reader. The reader itself is more compact than the Square Terminal, but the phone remains part of the checkout setup, so it is not a standalone POS. Offline payments for up to 24 hours can help during a temporary connection outage, though that limit makes it less reassuring for prolonged interruptions than the Square Handheld, whose offline duration is not specified. Square also lists fraud prevention and dispute management at no extra cost. I’d favor it for a lean mobile checkout; skip it if you need printing or an all-in-one device.
Pros:- Accepts chip, contactless, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
- Pairs with Android and iPhone devices through Bluetooth
- Supports offline payments for up to 24 hours
- Includes fraud prevention and payment-dispute management at no extra cost
Cons:- Requires a compatible phone or other device to run checkout
- Offline payment availability is limited to 24 hours
- Does not provide a built-in receipt printer like Square Terminal
Best for: Solo operators and small teams with an Android phone or iPhone who want chip, tap, and mobile-wallet acceptance without carrying a full POS terminal.
Not ideal for: Businesses that need a standalone checkout device, built-in receipt printing, or offline payment availability beyond the stated 24-hour window.
- Compatible devices:Android and iPhone
- Connectivity:Bluetooth
- Power source:Battery powered
- Battery:1 included lithium-ion battery
- Payment methods:Contactless, chip cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
- Offline payments:Up to 24 hours
- Item weight:5.92 ounces
- Warranty:Limited 1-year
Our verdict“Pick this reader for phone-based small-business checkout that needs both chip and tap acceptance, provided a 24-hour offline window is enough.”
Square Terminal Mobile Credit Card Machine and Receipt Printer
The Square Terminal suits businesses that want to take payment and hand over a printed receipt without adding a separate printer. Its built-in battery supports cordless use, making it more flexible around a counter or service area than a fixed checkout setup. Compared with the Square Reader for Contactless and Chip (2nd Generation), Terminal is a more self-contained payment station, while the smaller reader depends on a phone and does not list receipt printing. That convenience comes with extra bulk: at 14.7 ounces, it is heavier than the Square Handheld and less appealing for staff who carry a device all day. The listed battery life is described only as all day, with no specific runtime, and some purpose-built business features require a Square POS subscription. I’d pick it when printed receipts matter more than minimizing carry weight.
Pros:- Prints receipts directly from the payment device
- Built-in battery enables cordless use
- Accepts major credit and debit cards, including chip payments
- Includes 24/7 fraud prevention and phone support
Cons:- Heavier and bulkier than the Square Handheld
- Battery runtime is not specified beyond an all-day description
- Some purpose-built business features require a Square POS subscription
Best for: Small shops, service counters, and food businesses that want a cordless checkout device with receipt printing built in.
Not ideal for: Vendors who prioritize the lightest possible handheld setup or need a stated battery runtime before choosing equipment.
- Dimensions:5.6 x 3.4 x 2.5 inches
- Weight:14.7 ounces
- Manufacturer:Square
- Battery:1 included lithium-ion battery
- Payment support:Major credit and debit cards, including chip cards
- Receipt printing:Built-in receipt printer
- Support features:24/7 fraud prevention and phone support
- Date first available:February 12, 2019
Our verdict“Choose Square Terminal if printed receipts and a self-contained checkout matter more to your business than keeping the device especially light.”
Square Reader for Magstripe with Lightning Connector
This reader is a narrow-purpose option for businesses already using a compatible Lightning-equipped iPhone or iPad and willing to accept magstripe cards only. Its direct connector avoids a separate Bluetooth pairing step, while the Square app adds tipping, signatures, receipts, discounts, and sales history. That app support gives it more checkout tools than a bare swipe attachment, but the payment method is the key limitation: the Square Reader for Contactless and Chip (2nd Generation) also handles chip cards and mobile wallets, making it a better fit for broader payment acceptance. The USB-C Magstripe version is a closer alternative for newer devices, while this model is specifically tied to Lightning. I’d consider it only for a legacy device setup or a business whose customers commonly pay by swipe; it is a poor match for owners seeking chip or tap acceptance.
Pros:- Connects directly through a Lightning connector
- Accepts major magstripe cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express
- Square apps support tipping, signatures, receipts, discounts, and sales history
- Lightweight format suits counter or mobile use
Cons:- Accepts magstripe payments only, unlike Square’s chip and contactless reader
- Requires a compatible iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector
- Some payment and instant-deposit fees apply
Best for: Small businesses with a compatible Lightning iPhone or iPad that need a basic swipe reader and Square app tools for tipping, signatures, and receipts.
Not ideal for: Businesses seeking chip, contactless, or mobile-wallet acceptance, or owners whose devices use USB-C rather than Lightning.
- Connectivity:Lightning connector
- Compatible devices:iPhone and iPad
- Operating system:iOS 10.0.2 or later
- Payment types:Magstripe cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express
- Color:White
- Brand:Square
- Items included:1 Square Reader
- Warranty:1-year limited
Our verdict“Choose this reader only if your small business has a Lightning-device setup and specifically needs magstripe acceptance rather than chip or tap payments.”
Square Reader for Magstripe (USB-C)
For a small business that needs a simple swipe reader and already uses USB-C devices, this version avoids the Lightning constraint of the Square Magstripe Reader while staying lightweight and easy to carry. The Square Point of Sale app adds sales tracking, inventory management, tips, and digital receipts, which can make a basic reader more useful for a seller managing stock on the same device. The tradeoff is its magstripe-only acceptance: unlike the Square Reader for Contactless and Chip, it does not list chip, tap, or mobile-wallet payments. It also needs a compatible USB-C phone or tablet, so the connection itself does not make it a standalone terminal. I’d choose this over the Lightning model when device compatibility is the deciding factor, but for a new setup I’d favor broader payment acceptance if customers expect to tap or insert cards.
Pros:- Works with compatible Apple and Android devices that have USB-C
- Square Point of Sale app supports sales and inventory tracking
- App supports tips and digital receipts
- Lightweight reader suits mobile or counter checkout
Cons:- Accepts magstripe payments only, unlike Square’s chip and contactless reader
- Requires a compatible USB-C device to process sales
- Does not operate as a standalone POS terminal
Best for: Market sellers and small retailers with USB-C Apple or Android devices who need a compact magstripe reader and Square app tools for tracking sales and stock.
Not ideal for: Businesses that need chip, contactless, or mobile-wallet payments, or those without a compatible USB-C device.
- Connectivity:USB Type-C
- Compatible devices:Apple and Android devices with a USB Type-C connector
- Operating systems:iOS and Android
- Dimensions:4.5 x 0.62 x 4.5 inches
- Weight:6.53 g
- Hardware interface:USB
- Warranty:1 year
- Model number:A-SKU-0862
Our verdict“Pick the USB-C Magstripe Reader for a compact swipe setup on a compatible phone, but choose a chip-and-tap reader if you need wider payment acceptance.”
SumUp Plus Bluetooth Card Reader for Smartphones
The SumUp Plus Bluetooth Card Reader suits a small business that needs a separate reader it can pair with an iOS or Android phone or tablet. Bluetooth avoids the headphone-jack requirement of the Square Reader for Magstripe (Headset Jack), while the free SumUp app handles payments. That makes this a more flexible fit for newer phones, though it still depends on a compatible mobile device and app rather than operating as a standalone terminal like the Square Terminal. SumUp lists support for major credit and debit cards and a per-transaction charge of 2.6% plus 10, so sellers should factor that into their transaction costs. The tradeoff is a lightweight, mobile setup without a long-term contract, but the reader needs Bluetooth and its phone or tablet to take payments.
Pros:- Bluetooth connection supports mobile checkout without a headphone jack
- Works with compatible iOS and Android smartphones and tablets
- Accepts major credit and debit cards
- No long-term contract
Cons:- Requires a compatible smartphone or tablet and the SumUp app
- Listed transaction charge is 2.6% plus 10 per in-person transaction
- Does not provide standalone checkout without a paired mobile device
Best for: Market vendors, mobile service providers, and pop-up sellers who already use an iOS or Android phone or tablet and want a Bluetooth-connected card reader.
Not ideal for: Businesses that need a standalone terminal, or sellers who do not want to rely on a compatible phone, the SumUp app, and a per-transaction fee.
- Brand:SumUp
- Model:Plus Card Reader
- Connectivity:Bluetooth
- Compatible devices:Smartphones and tablets
- Operating systems:iOS and Android
- Color:White
- Weight:142 g
- Transaction charge:2.6% plus 10 per in-person transaction
Our verdict“Choose SumUp Plus if Bluetooth mobility and compatibility with newer phones matter more to your small business than standalone operation.”
Square Reader for Magstripe (Headset Jack)
The Square Reader for Magstripe (Headset Jack) is a basic option for a small business that still uses a compatible Apple or Android device with a 3.5 mm headphone jack. It plugs directly into the device, needs no charging, and works with Square Point of Sale, which can record sales history in the app. That simplicity is its main distinction from the Square Reader for Contactless and Chip (2nd Generation), which supports contactless and chip payments rather than relying on this reader’s magstripe connection. The catch is compatibility: many newer phones lack a headphone jack, making this a poor choice for an equipment refresh. It also requires a connected device to run the app, so it is less self-contained than the Square Terminal.
Pros:- No charging required
- Works with the Square Point of Sale app
- App can track sales history
- Accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express
Cons:- Requires a compatible device with a 3.5 mm headphone jack
- Magstripe reader is less suitable for businesses seeking chip or contactless payment acceptance
- Depends on a connected Apple or Android device and the Square app
Best for: Small businesses with a compatible Apple or Android phone that has a 3.5 mm headphone jack and needs a simple magstripe reader for Square Point of Sale.
Not ideal for: Sellers using newer phones without a headphone jack, or businesses seeking chip or contactless acceptance or a standalone payment terminal.
- Brand:Square
- Model:A-SKU-0047
- Connectivity:Wired, 3.5 mm audio jack
- Compatible devices:Apple and Android devices with a 3.5 mm headphone jack
- Supported cards:Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express
- Dimensions:4.5 × 0.62 × 4.5 in
- Weight:1.6 oz
- Warranty:6 months
Our verdict“Choose this reader only if your business already has a compatible headphone-jack device and needs straightforward magstripe payments through Square.”
How We Picked
I ranked these small business card readers by how well each fits common checkout situations: mobile selling, a fixed counter, and phone-dependent payment acceptance. I gave more weight to payment flexibility, ease of use, portability, and how much extra equipment a seller needs than to narrow compatibility with older hardware. That puts the Handheld Portable POS first for its broader mobile role, followed by the contactless-and-chip Reader for a simpler modern setup and the Terminal for businesses that benefit from a dedicated checkout device.
I placed the SumUp Plus as a useful alternative for smartphone-based selling, then ranked the magstripe readers by their more limited payment role and the device connection they serve. A reader that accepts fewer payment methods can still make sense for a specific legacy setup, but it is less adaptable as a business grows. These rankings reflect the products’ stated form and payment capabilities, not hands-on testing; buyers should confirm current device compatibility and payment-service terms before choosing.
| small business card reader | Compatible devices | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|
| Square Handheld Portable POS a | — | — |
| Square Reader for Contactless | Android and iPhone | Bluetooth |
| Square Terminal Mobile Credit | — | — |
| Square Reader for Magstripe wi | iPhone and iPad | Lightning connector |
| Square Reader for Magstripe | Apple and Android devices with a USB Type-C connector | USB Type-C |
| SumUp Plus Bluetooth Card Read | Smartphones and tablets | Bluetooth |
| Square Reader for Magstripe | Apple and Android devices with a 3.5 mm headphone jack | Wired, 3.5 mm audio jack |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Small Business Card Readers
Choosing among card readers is less about finding one device for every business and more about avoiding a checkout bottleneck. I would start with the way customers pay and the hardware already on hand, then weigh portability against a dedicated station. These broader checks can help prevent a low-cost or familiar-looking reader from becoming a poor fit once your sales routine changes.
Match Payment Methods to Your Customers
Start by listing how customers are likely to pay: tap, insert, swipe, or a combination. A reader that accepts only magnetic-stripe cards may work for a narrow use case, but it leaves less room for customers who expect contactless or chip acceptance. Avoid choosing from the connector name alone; a reader that plugs into your device can still be a poor fit if it does not support the payment methods your customers use. If you sell at markets, events, or busy counters, payment flexibility can help keep checkout moving when customers do not have cash. Check the payment methods supported by both the reader and the service account, since the device is only one part of the setup.
Decide Whether Your Phone Should Run Checkout
Phone-based readers keep the kit compact, but they tie checkout to a compatible phone, its battery, and a stable connection. A dedicated handheld or terminal can reduce dependence on a personal device and may be easier to hand to staff, though it adds another device to charge and manage. A common mistake is to count only the reader and overlook the phone, stand, cables, or backup power needed to operate the full setup. Before buying, list what you already own and what must be available at every selling location. If your phone also handles orders, messages, and inventory, a separate checkout device may reduce interruptions.
Choose Mobility or a Fixed Checkout Station
For tables, pop-ups, delivery, or service calls, a compact reader is easier to carry and store than a printer-equipped terminal. A fixed counter has different needs: a stable screen and printed receipts may be more useful than the smallest possible device. Do not pay for a larger checkout unit if your business rarely prints receipts or moves through a line of customers. On the other hand, a phone reader can become awkward when staff need to pass the device around or keep it ready through a long shift. Think through where the device will sit, who will use it, and how often it must travel.
Check Device Compatibility Before Buying
Lightning, USB-C, headset-jack, and Bluetooth connections are not interchangeable, and newer phones may lack ports found on older models. Confirm the exact phone or tablet model, operating-system support, and any app requirements rather than relying on a broad compatibility label. A connector-based reader can appear simple until a device upgrade makes it unusable or requires an adapter. Bluetooth avoids some port limits, but it adds pairing and charging steps. If your business has several devices or plans to replace them soon, favor a setup that will remain practical across that change.
Compare the Full Checkout Setup, Not Just the Reader
The reader is only one part of the cost and upkeep involved in taking payments. Check payment processing terms, connectivity needs, receipt options, charging routines, and whether the system fits your sales workflow before committing. A built-in printer may save counter space and simplify handoffs, while a separate printer or digital receipts may suit a lighter setup better. Avoid assuming that a small device means a small operating burden; software, account setup, and staff training also affect daily use. If you sell through multiple channels, confirm that the payment service fits your existing checkout and record-keeping process.
Plan for Growth Without Buying Too Much
A new business may benefit from a simple reader that handles its current sales routine, but repeated device changes can create staff retraining and compatibility hassles. Pay more for a dedicated terminal or handheld only when its screen, printer, or independence from a phone solves a real workflow problem. At the same time, a magstripe-only reader may be a false economy if customers increasingly expect chip or contactless payment. Consider whether you will add staff, move between locations, or expand beyond in-person sales over the next few years. The best choice leaves a sensible path forward without paying for equipment your business will not use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose a dedicated card reader or one that depends on my phone?
A phone-based reader is a good fit when you already carry a compatible smartphone and want a light checkout kit. A dedicated handheld or terminal makes more sense when staff need a separate device, when your phone is busy with other work, or when a fixed checkout station benefits from its own screen. Compare the full setup, including charging, connectivity, and any accessories, rather than looking only at the reader. If losing access to your phone would stop sales, a separate payment device may offer useful separation. Check compatibility and service requirements before deciding.
Is a magstripe-only reader a sensible choice for a new business?
It can suit a business with a specific older device setup or a limited payment workflow, but it offers less flexibility than readers that also accept chip and contactless payments. New businesses often change devices and customer routines as they grow, so choosing a narrow reader can lead to an earlier replacement. Ask whether the connection is supported by your current phone and whether it will remain useful after your next device upgrade. Also confirm which payment methods your service account permits. If you have no legacy requirement, broader payment acceptance is generally the more adaptable choice in this lineup.
When does a receipt printer justify choosing a larger terminal?
A built-in printer can be worthwhile when customers regularly ask for paper receipts, staff need a consistent checkout station, or printing separately would add clutter. It is less compelling for mobile sellers who can provide digital receipts and need to keep equipment light. Consider the counter space, charging routine, and paper restocking the printer brings with it. A larger terminal is not automatically better if your sales are occasional or mostly on the move. Choose it when printed receipts and a dedicated checkout flow solve a regular business need.
How do I know whether a reader will work with my phone?
Check the exact phone model and operating-system version against the reader’s current compatibility information. Match the connection type carefully: Lightning and USB-C require corresponding ports, while Bluetooth readers need supported wireless pairing and their own charging routine. Avoid assuming an adapter will make an unsupported reader work, since app and service requirements can also limit compatibility. If you plan to replace your phone soon, confirm that the reader supports the likely replacement device before purchasing. Verify compatibility with the payment app as well as the hardware.
What should I prioritize if I sell at both a counter and pop-up events?
Think about which setting creates the more demanding checkout problem. If you move frequently and need a compact kit, portability and independence from a fixed counter setup should lead your choice; if counter transactions dominate, a screen and receipt option may matter more. A single reader can cover both settings, but phone dependence, charging, and customer handoff can feel different at a busy event than at a quiet shop. Check whether you can keep the device charged and connected in both locations. Choose for your most frequent workflow, then confirm that the other setting remains workable.
Conclusion
For most small businesses, I recommend the Square Handheld Portable POS as the best overall because it offers a more self-contained mobile checkout than a phone-dependent reader. The Square Reader for Contactless and Chip is my best value-style pick for sellers who want a simpler device with broader payment acceptance, while the Square Terminal is the best premium fit for a counter that benefits from a screen and printed receipts. Beginners who already use a compatible smartphone may find the contactless-and-chip Reader the easiest place to start; the SumUp Plus is a useful alternative for a compact Bluetooth setup. For specific older-device needs, choose the Square magstripe reader with the matching connector, but I would avoid it for a new setup without a clear compatibility reason.
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