Over the past few years, credit card processing has become more and more important in our economy. The credit card companies have allowed people to buy things with credit cards, making it faster than ever for the goods to be delivered straight to your door. It’s because of this that credit card readers are more important than ever before. In this guide, we will talk about credit card readers and how to choose the best credit card reader for your business.
We will start by talking about credit card readers themselves, what they are, and the things you should look out for when wanting to purchase one. At the end of this guide, you will be informed and can easily pick a credit card reader that serves your interests in the best way possible. In addition, we will also review some of the top picks which are on the market and help you with your decision. Please read through to the end.
What Are Credit Card Readers?
Credit card readers basically allow you to swipe credit cards through them so their information can be input into the credit card system. These card readers come in all different shapes and sizes, from credit card processors that are stationary to credit card readers that can be attached to your smartphone. They also vary from the type of credit cards they can process: there are some credit card readers out there that only work with magnetic strip credit cards, while others can be used for credit cards and debit cards.
Types of Credit Card Readers
It is important to understand that they are different credit card readers that can be used for credit cards and debit cards (they are also known as credit/debit card swipe machines). There are credit card readers that connect to a smartphone wirelessly, credit card readers that you have to plug in directly to your phone, and credit card readers that save all of the information on an online system.
These credit card readers have varying levels of security, from credit card readers that are completely open with no authentication needed to credit card readers that require a password and are outfitted with an added layer of security. It is important to know what kind of credit and debit card swipe machine you want before you head out and start shopping because they all serve different purposes. Budget is also an important factor which will be discussed in more detail below.
How Does a Credit Card Reader Work?
A credit card reader basically serves as the link between credit card companies and businesses. It takes credit/debit card information input into it by a credit card swipe machine and then sends this data to credit card processors where they confirm that the person actually has money in their account, if so, the transaction is completed.
What to Consider When Choosing Credit Card Readers
There are a number of different credit card reader options available for consumers and businesses alike. There are credit card readers that connect wirelessly, credit card readers that plugin directly to your credit card swipe machine, and credit card readers that save information on the cloud. Knowing which credit card reader is best for you depends on several factors:
- Budget – Credit card readers vary greatly in price. Some credit card swipe machines cost a few hundred dollars while others reach up to thousands of dollars. You should consider this when shopping for credit card readers.
- Features – Different credit card readers have different features that set them apart from each other. Some credit card swipe machines only include basic functions and are used more often in business while credit card swipe machines that have a greater number of features are more popular with consumers. You should consider the credit card swipe machine features you want before shopping for one.
- Compatibility – Not all credit card readers are compatible with credit card swipe machines. Some credit card readers require credit card swipe machines that have certain types of technology while credit card swipe machines can be used with credit card readers that work with their specific credit card swipe machine. This is another important factor to consider before buying credit card readers.
- Support – Credit card readers, credit card swipe machines, and credit card processors can be difficult to understand. It may be beneficial to look for credit card processors that offer support when credit card swipe machines or credit cards are purchased with them. You should consider this factor before shopping for credit card readers.
The Best Credit Card Readers in 2025
With the understanding of what credit card readers are and how they work, we want to take a look at some of the best choices. We have reviewed the best service providers on the market in 2021 and here is a list:
Payanywhere
This is a credit card reader that works with credit and debit cards and integrates with several credit card processors to provide all-around service above others in 2021. It is also compatible with mobile phones, credit card swipe machines, tablets, and operating systems. It has credit card readers that connect wirelessly or through
Bluetooth technology provides users the ability to accept credit card payments anywhere. In addition, credit card readers can be used with a credit card swipe machine if preferred. Purchase of credit card readers with credit card swipe machines are eligible for a discount. The credit card reader also offers support and assistance when needed.
PayPal Here
This credit card reader has credit card readers that plug into credit card swipe machines to take payments anywhere. The credit cards can be swiped, manually entered, or read wirelessly by credit card swipe machine credit card readers. It is popular with consumers and credit card processors as it offers a tiered fee structure that allows for credit cards to be processed through PayPal or credit card processors.
Square
This credit card reader uses a free credit card reader that can be plugged into credit card swipe machines to take payments anywhere. The credit card swipe machine credit card reader can also be attached to mobile phones or smartphones for credit card payments. Credit card readers need to be updated frequently and credit card swipe machines must have Bluetooth technology.
Stripe Here
This credit card reader has credit card readers that plug directly into credit card swipe machines and mobile phones for credit card payment processing anywhere. It has credit card readers that work with credit cards and credit card swipe machines. It provides support to users and can integrate into credit card swipe machines or credit card processors for credit card processing services.
This credit card reader works with various operating systems, including iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac OS X. It is a popular choice for those seeking credit card readers. Credit card swipe machines and credit cards can be read by credit card readers wirelessly or through a credit card reader that attaches directly to credit card swipe machines.
Shopify POS
This credit card reader is used in the credit card readers offered by credit card processors and credit card swipe machines. It has credit card readers that can be attached to a smartphone, tablet, or credit card machine for credit cards. Credit card swipe machines are sold separately. The credit card reader also offers support when needed and it works with Android, iOS, credit card processors, credit card swipe machines, and credit card readers. It is a popular choice in 2021.
Square Stand
This credit card reader uses credit card readers that are attached to credit card swipe machines or credit cards for credit payment processing at the point of sale. The credit card swipe machine credit card reader can also be used with credit card machines to credit card processing speeds. In addition, credit card readers can be used anywhere with credit card swipe machines or credit cards that have Bluetooth technology. Credit card machine credit card readers are a popular choice and it works with credit card processors as well.
Summary
Credit card readers are an important part of credit card payment processing. It is important for consumers to understand what credit cards are and how they work before choosing the credit card readers they prefer best. Before credit card readers are used, credit cards need to be attached to credit card swipe machines or credit cards must have credit card readers attached for credit payment processing. Credit card processors offer support and assistance when required as well. Here you have comparison of Card machines and payment processor fees.
In conclusion, credit card readers that can be used anywhere with credit cards are popular choices for credit card payments. It is important to choose credit card readers that work with credit card swipe machines, credit cards, and credit card processors for credit payment processing. This guide will make it easier for you to choose the best credit card readers in 2021 in the US. We will keep updating our list and as such, you will always be the first to know what the market has to offer.
