8 Best Credit Card Readers for Android: Go Mobile in 2024

While payment processing apps have much to offer on their own, a mobile credit card reader can offer the full checkout experience from anywhere, whether it’s at your customer’s home or at an external event. Instead of relying on keyed-in payments, you’ll be able to accept EMV, swiped, and contactless payments just as you would in any brick-and-mortar store.

With so many Android mobile card readers on the market, you’ve got plenty of options. However, that’s not to say they’ll all be beneficial for your business. Some rely on connecting to your cellular network to function, so they may not work in rural areas. Others only accept contactless payments, which limits your transaction size. While these devices aren’t as expensive as standard POS terminals, you don’t want to waste money on a device that doesn’t suit your business.

To save you time (and money), I’ve put together a list of the best credit card readers for Android. With a few Android mobile payment systems, strong security features, and low, negotiable fees, it’s not surprising that Leaders Merchant Services (LMS) is my top recommendation. Keep reading to see more great choices.

What We Look For in the Best Credit Card Readers for Android

While the features you need in a mobile card reader will vary depending on your business needs, some can make or break a device’s usefulness. Here are the features I kept an eye out for.

• Portability. The best mobile card readers are lightweight and easy to carry, which is ideal when taking payments on the go. Every payment processor on my list offers at least one easily portable Android mobile card reader. If you need a full POS device, many offer bulkier (but more feature-heavy) mobile terminals.
• Connectivity. Mobile credit card readers typically connect to your device via Bluetooth or headphone jack. However, many modern Android smartphones don’t have a headphone jack. I’ve prioritized Bluetooth mobile readers, but I’ve included a headphone jack device for businesses that use older smartphone models.
• User-friendly app. Most mobile credit card readers must be connected to a mobile POS (mPOS) app on your Android smartphone to work. My recommended payment processors offer feature-packed and intuitive mPOS apps that make accepting payments on the go easy.
• Pricing. Typically, compact mobile credit card readers cost significantly less than a full POS card terminal, making them an affordable option for all businesses. The processors that made the cut offer budget-friendly Android mobile readers and competitive rates.

1. Leaders Merchant Services: Best Android Credit Card Readers for Versatile Needs

Leaders Merchant Services (LMS) offers two standout Android options: the Clover Go and SwipeSimple mobile readers. Clover Go is especially beneficial if you want to accept a wider variety of payment methods, including checks. Clover Go becomes an affordable, space-efficient countertop POS when mounted on the Go Dock, ideal if you don’t need a complete POS station.

While Clover Go supports offline processing, SwipeSimple extends this capability, storing transactions for up to 30 days. This feature makes SwipeSimple ideal for businesses operating remotely, such as food trucks, street vendors, fair sellers, and home repair services.

LMS allows you to negotiate your plan and promises to meet or beat your current rates if you process elsewhere. You can receive a $200 gift card if LMS fails to match what you’re currently paying your processor, making it worth considering. LMS’s monthly fees are around $9.00, and its per-transaction fees of ~2% + 0¢ are among the lowest interchange-plus rates I’ve seen in the industry. You can also get your equipment for free with a contract commitment.

Features and Benefits

• Free Android POS apps. The Clover Go and SwipeSimple apps allow you to create and send invoices, view transactions, monitor your business performance, and handle various tasks directly from your Android device.
• Flexible order management. The Clover Go app lets you open, edit, and delete items or take payments later without needing to close out a transaction and start over. This feature saves you time and lets you take payments faster.
• One-touch tipping function. The one-touch tipping function on Clover Go is particularly useful for restaurants, taxi services, and hair and beauty services, among others. On top of facilitating quick and easy tipping for customers, you can also process full or partial refunds, returns, and exchanges swiftly.
• Prolonged functionality. The SwipeSimple mobile card readers have a long battery life. You can process between 600 and 1,000 transactions before recharging your card reader. This longevity ensures you can serve customers efficiently throughout the day without interruption.

Read our expert Leaders Merchant Services review for more details.

2. ProMerchant: Best Android Mobile Reader for Retail & Restaurants

ProMerchant provides a free PayAnywhere Bluetooth card reader that accepts EMV-chip, magstripe, and contactless payments. It’s compatible with the Payanywhere app, offering Terminal and Retail themes to suit various business needs. The Terminal theme lets you enter custom transaction amounts, while the Retail theme lets you select from inventory, create tickets, and open tabs. ProMerchant also offers the Clover Go card reader for Android.

ProMerchant stands out by providing free equipment to all merchants, helping businesses reduce initial costs. You can get the Ingenico Desk 3500, which is ideal for self-service, fast-paced restaurants due to its simplicity and speed, and the PAX A920, which is designed for restaurants with waitstaff and more complex retail stores with loyalty programs.

ProMerchant’s zero-cost credit card processing program allows restaurants and retail stores to transfer processing fees to card-paying customers for a flat monthly fee of around $7.95. This model offers customers the option to pay with their card or receive a discount for using cash. For businesses outside these sectors, ProMerchant offers interchange-plus pricing with fixed rates.

Features and Benefits

• Capture signatures and collect tips. With the Payanywhere app, you can collect customers’ signatures and tips using your mobile device. Within the app, you can preset tip amounts by percentage or dollar to speed up the payment process.
• Advanced business management features. Payanywhere’s POS app and Payments Hub merchant portal support various business operations like transaction management, invoicing, reporting, and analytics.
• Offline functionality. Payanywhere’s POS app ensures smooth payment processing without an internet connection. The app stores offline transactions for up to 72 hours, making it reliable for businesses that operate in areas with poor connectivity or during network outages.
• Loyalty programs. For an additional fee, you can access loyalty programs through Clover Go. You can find different options tailored to your industry to attract repeat business and foster a loyal customer base.

See how ProMerchant can help your business in our expert review.

3. Paysafe: Best Readers for Small Businesses Selling High-Ticket Items Globally

Paysafe excels for small businesses selling high-ticket items such as luxury goods, antiques, and one-on-one coaching and courses. Its key advantage includes low transaction fees starting at 0.99% + 25¢ (debit cards) and monthly fees around $16.00. Additionally, Paysafe supports processing in over 120 markets and multiple currencies, positioning it as an ideal partner for companies aiming to reach a global customer base.

Paysafe offers a free EMV mobile reader for Android that pairs seamlessly with the Paysafe Mobile Pay app and can process chip and magnetic stripe cards. It does not support contactless payments, but for those seeking this option, Paysafe also offers the Clover Go.

Selling high-value items increases your risk of fraudulent attempts. Thankfully, with Paysafe’s Encytro Advantage program, you can get reimbursed for covered fraudulent and other types of chargebacks and costs for a flat monthly fee per location instead of paying for every chargeback.

Features and Benefits

• On-the-go management. The Paysafe Mobile Pay app allows you to manage inventory and transactions directly from your Android device. You can also access reports, issue refunds, and send SMS and email receipts, among other operations.
• Vindicia software. Paysafe partners with Vindicia, a sophisticated platform for managing subscriptions and recovering payments. It allows you to automate subscription-based billing to support cash flow and automatically recover up to 50% of failed credit card transactions.
• 250+ payment methods. Paysafe accepts various payment methods, including credit and debit cards, digital wallets, EFT, ACH, and multiple local payment methods, catering to diverse customer preferences.
• High-risk merchant accounts. Paysafe serves various high-risk industries like crypto, forex, and gaming, offering tailored solutions that address specific payment processing challenges.

Read our expert Paysafe review for more information.

4. Stax: A Great All-in-One Mobile Payment Solution

If you need a comprehensive and flexible mPOS solution, then Stax is a great option. Stax offers a free ChipperTM 2X BT mobile reader when you sign up. The Chipper mobile reader accepts EMV, swiped, and contactless payments, making it suitable for almost all kinds of businesses. On top of that, this pocket-sized Bluetooth reader is convenient to carry around wherever you go.

If the Chipper doesn’t work for your business, Stax also offers a free terminal instead of the Chipper reader. It has many Dejavoo options, from modern touchscreen mobile terminals to more traditional keypad options. You can purchase the industry-leading Clover Flex if you need a state-of-the-art mPOS device.

Whether you get a mobile card reader or a mobile terminal (except for Clover), your monthly fee will cover the software you need to accept payments on the go. However, starting at $99.00, Stax’s monthly fee may be considered pricey if you process less than $8,000 a month. Still, businesses processing a high volume of card sales can potentially save up to 40% with Stax thanks to its low transaction fees of just 0% + 10¢ (in-person).

Features and Benefits

• Invoicing. The Stax Pay app allows you to create and manage invoices on the go. By assigning payments to invoices on the app, you can save yourself (or your office team) hours of administrative time. You can also set up recurring invoices and scheduled payments, giving your customers even more options on how they can pay.
• Device flexibility. If you’ve already got a Bluetooth mobile card reader, don’t worry – you can still use this with Stax Pay. This makes Stax a great option even if you already have all the mobile card readers you need.
• Industry-leading security. Stax is Level 1 PCI compliant, so your mobile payments are protected by end-to-end encryption and tokenization of all sensitive information. Stax’s software is also HIPAA compliant, making Stax Pay an ideal solution for healthcare providers.
• Digital receipts. Whenever you take a payment using the Stax Pay app, you can send a receipt via text or email. Even better, you can customize your receipts with your company’s branding and contact information.

Read our comprehensive Stax review to see more mobile solutions.

5. Flagship Merchant Services: Beginner-Friendly Mobile Card Reader

Flagship Merchant Services is an excellent choice for new businesses without a credit score or businesses with a less-than-perfect score. Its card reader on offer is beginner-friendly and easy to use. The PaySafe MobilePay Swipe reader plugs into your Android smartphone’s headphone jack, so you don’t have to worry about configuring your Bluetooth settings. Plus, with the app’s auto device detection feature, you can start accepting payments in a few minutes.

It’s worth noting, however, that this mobile card reader doesn’t accept contactless payments. Fortunately, Flagship also offers Clover Go and Flex, which offer contactless payments and support an unlimited number of users.

Flagship is one of the most flexible processors because it encourages merchants to negotiate the best tiered or interchange-plus price for their business. I’d suggest interchange-plus, although Flagship typically tries to sell the less transparent tiered model to new customers. Even if you opt for Clover’s devices and software, with monthly fees ranging between $7.95 and transaction fees of 1.58% + 19¢ (in person), chances are your business will save money overall.

Features and Benefits

• Inventory management. Both PaySafe and Clover allow you to manage your inventory in the field. You’ll be able to see what stock you have across your business locations – and when you make a sale, your inventory is automatically updated.
• Offline payments. If you often work in rural locations with poor phone signal or no internet connection, ask Flagship about Clover’s mobile processing solutions. You can save payment details even while you’re offline, and Clover’s software will automatically process them once you regain signal.
• Role-based permissions. The PaySafe app allows you to set an admin and multiple user roles. This means you can keep sensitive data safe while still allowing your employees to accept payments.
• Multiple payment methods. You can record cash and check payments in the PaySafe app. You can assign these payments to invoices, too, so you don’t have to worry about missing a sale if a customer doesn’t have a card with them.

See our full Flagship Merchant Services review for more features.

6. Chase Payment Solutions: Same-Day Funding for a Small Extra Fee

Chase Payment Solutions is a good choice for small businesses that need quick access to their money. That’s because Chase offers Chase QuickAccept, which means you’ll get same-day payouts if you deposit mobile transactions into a Chase Business Banking account. Or, if you’re happy to wait a little longer, you’ll get next-day payouts as standard, even without a Chase banking account.

You’ll only be able to take contactless payments (or keyed-in payments through the app), which means there’s a limit to how much your customers can pay per transaction. However, it’s not a bad choice if you need a card reader for selling goods at craft fairs or taking deposits from customers.

To use Chase QuickAccept, note that you need a Chase Business Complete Banking account that costs $15/month. However, you can reduce this fee (and completely negate it!) by accepting payments through Chase QuickAccept, which is a great deal for small field services businesses.

Features and Benefits

• Two-in-one mPOS app. Chase’s mPOS app allows you to manage transactions, create and send payment links, and more. It also doubles as your banking app, so you can manage all your business’s finances in one place.
• Two mPOS options. On top of Chase’s proprietary mPOS app, you’ll also be able to use Authorize.net – you’ll just have to purchase an Authorize.net reader separately.
• Low-cost mobile reader. Chase’s mobile card reader is only $49.95, which makes it one of the most affordable options on the market.
• Industry-specific software. Chase also offers several industry-specific software, including invoicing, event management, and subscription management tools. These work with Chase’s payment processing to fully optimize your payment process.

Get more information in our in-depth Chase Payment Solutions review.

Other Notable Credit Card Readers for Android

Payment Depot

Thanks to its offline functionality, the SwipeSimple B250 and mPOS app are ideal for your business if you regularly work in rural areas. Whenever you set the app to Offline Mode, SwipeSimple will store all payments taken on your mobile card reader and automatically process them when you reconnect to your cellular network or Wi-Fi.

Because these payments are processed on a card-not-present (CNP) rate, this can potentially incur a significant extra cost. However, Payment Depot’s subscription-style pricing model and wholesale interchange rates mean that its CNP rate of 0% + 10¢ (online) is one of the most affordable on the market. But it’s important to note that its pricing model makes sense only if you process at least $8,000/month in credit card sales. The processor also doesn’t work with high-risk merchants.

POS Pros

POS Pros caters primarily to brick-and-mortar businesses by offering a broad selection of POS hardware from over 25 brands, including Clover and Lightspeed card readers for Android. POS Pros provides free consultations with specialists who help you select the optimal system for your operations, ensuring you don’t invest in unsuitable hardware.

However, POS Pros may not be ideal for all businesses due to its opaque pricing, which may result in unexpected costs. Additionally, feedback indicates unresponsive support, posing a significant issue for businesses needing timely help.

Which Credit Card Reader for Android Is Best for Your Business?

If you’re looking for negotiable, low pricing tailored to your business needs, I recommend LMS. It offers Clover Go and SwipeSimple card readers, making it ideal for businesses that require support for various payment methods and prolonged offline functionality. You can also qualify for free equipment with a long-term contract.

For those operating in retail or the hospitality sector, ProMerchant stands out. It provides the free Payanywhere card reader as well as free equipment and zero-cost processing for retail and restaurants. This setup ensures your business can handle transactions smoothly without added financial strain.

Lastly, if your business specializes in selling high-value items at low volumes, Paysafe should be your go-to. It offers a free EMV card reader and supports international processing in 120+ markets, ensuring your business can cater to a global customer base without breaking the bank.

FAQ

Can I use my Android phone as a card reader?

Yes. If you’d rather not purchase a mobile card reader – or you forget it in the office – some payment processors allow you to use your phone as a card reader when no other option is available. Paysafe offers the MobilePay by Paysafe app, which transforms your Android device into an EMV-certified credit card processing terminal.

Do Square readers work with Android?

Yes, but we don’t recommend using Square. Square’s mobile card readers are proprietary (i.e., you can only use them with Square), and the service isn’t too reliable. You’ll end up paying some of the most expensive interchange rates on the market. You’re better off using Leaders Merchant Services if you need an interchange-plus processor with great mobile card readers and processing software.

Does it matter what mobile card reader I use?

Yes. Not every mobile card reader offers all three primary payment methods (EMV, swiped, and contactless). While this isn’t necessarily an issue for every business, you don’t want to miss out on offering a payment method your customers expect. Also, a card reader with strong offline support and long battery life is essential if you do a lot of business outside of the office.

How much is a mobile card reader for Android?

It’s hard to discern an average cost as most payment processors aren’t transparent about how much their card readers cost. That said, you can expect to pay less than $100 for a compact card reader, while a mobile terminal will cost a few hundred dollars on average. Many processors, such as ProMerchant, offer free mobile card readers and other equipment, helping you save money.