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We reviewed 15 mobile POS systems using a comprehensive process to help you find the seven best credit card readers for Android. Our ratings considered several factors that included plan pricing and processing fees, available features that come with mobile readers and our experts’ review based on customer reactions to the products. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
The Best Credit Card Readers for Android of 2025
Compare Top Android Card Readers
| Company | Monthly Costs Start At | Monthly Costs Start At | Monthly Costs Start At | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Free for your first reader | 2.6% plus 10 cents per transaction | On Square's Website | |
| Free | Your first reader is $29 ($79 per additional readers) | 2.29% plus 9 cents per transaction | Read Forbes' Review | |
| Free; $14.95 per month | $49 | 2.6% plus 10 cents per transaction | On Clover's Website | |
| Free | $39 | 2.75% per transaction | Read Forbes' Review | |
| $29 | $49 | 2.4% per transaction (Advanced plan) | On Shopify POS's Website | |
| Free | Purchase card reader outside of Loyverse | Depends on payment processor | ||
| Free | $59 or $249 | 2.7% plus 5 cents per transaction | On Stripe's Website |
Methodology
Forbes Advisor chose the best credit card readers for Android based on several factors, including price, features, durability and ease of use. We also considered whether the reader could be used with a variety of Android devices and whether it offered any special features that would be beneficial for businesses. Then, we scored these contenders across several categories of features using 12 different metrics that were weighted to favor features that small business owners find valuable in an Android card reader.
Pricing
For pricing, we considered whether a mobile POS provider offered an initial card reader for free or at a deep discount. We also looked at the pricing plans available in terms of their affordability. This not only included the monthly pricing but the processing fees, such as for card-present and card-not-present transactions, and how the provider compared to others on the list. Pricing and fees accounted for 35% of our weighted scoring.
Features
For mobile credit card readers, we expected them to provide certain features, so those that included them as part of their base plan fared the best in our ratings. These features included offering options for both retail and restaurant POS, offering inventory management and built-in payment processing, taking mobile payments and having access to third-party software integrations. We weighted features at 35% of our total score.
Expert Analysis
Based on our market research, our panel of experts turned to popular third-party review sites to gauge actual users’ reactions to and opinions of these card readers. Specifically, we focused on popularity, value for the price, ease of use and any stand-out features. Altogether, these criteria make up 30% of the total score.
What Is a Credit Card Reader?
A credit card reader is a device that allows you to accept credit card payments from customers. The reader is connected to your Android device, typically through the headphone jack, and allows you to process payments using your chosen payment processor.
Most readers will also come with a companion app that you’ll need to download to process payments. Once you’ve set up your account and linked your reader, you’ll be able to start taking payments from customers.
Types of Credit Card Readers
There are a few different types of credit card readers available, so you’ll need to choose the one that’s best for your business. The three most common types of readers are magnetic stripe readers, EMV chip readers and NFC readers.
Magnetic Stripe Readers
Magnetic stripe readers are the most basic type of reader and are typically the cheapest. These readers will require you to swipe the customer’s credit card through the reader to process the payment.
EMV Chip Readers
EMV chip readers are the next step up and are becoming increasingly common. These readers will require the customer to insert their credit card into the reader to process the payment.
NFC Readers
NFC readers are the most advanced type of reader and allow you to process payments without even having to swipe or insert the credit card. Instead, the customer can hold their credit card near the reader to process the payment.
Featured Partners
1
Stax
No
First Month Free
$99 per month, 7 cents to 15 cents per transaction plus interchange rate
2
Finix
No
Save up to 40% on credit card processing
Transparent subscription-based pricing with 0% markup on interchange fees
3
Payment Depot
No
First Month Free
$59 per month, $0.07 - $0.15 per transaction + interchange rate
How To Choose the Best Credit Card Reader for Android
The features that are important in a credit card reader will vary depending on the type of business you have. However, some features that may be important include the ability to accept payments on the go, EMV certification and a wide variety of card types that can be accepted.
No matter which type of reader you choose, you’ll need to make sure that it’s compatible with your Android device. Most readers will connect to your device through the headphone jack or Bluetooth but some may require a different type of connection.
Essential Hardware Features
There are many hardware features that can be important when choosing a credit card reader. However, the most important feature is compatibility with your Android device. The reader should connect to your device easily and be able to process payments quickly. Other hardware features that can be important include a long battery life, the ability to accept a wide variety of card types and EMV certification.
Features to consider include:
- Bluetooth connectivity: Some credit card readers will connect to your Android device via Bluetooth. This can be beneficial if you want to be able to accept payments on the go.
- EMV certification: If you want to be able to accept chip cards, EMV certification is important.
- NFC compatibility: NFC compatibility is important if you want to be able to accept contactless payments.
- USB-C connectivity: USB-C is the new standard for Android devices and is slowly becoming more common on credit card readers. If you have a USB-C device, then choosing a reader with USB-C connectivity can be beneficial.
- Headphone jack connectivity: Headphone jack connectivity is the most common type of connection for credit card readers. If your Android device doesn’t have a USB-C port, then this is the best option.
App and Software Integrations
Some credit card readers will offer integrations with other apps and software, helping to expand the functionality of the device. These integrations can be beneficial if you want to streamline your sales process. Examples of integrations include QuickBooks, Salesforce and FreshBooks. Most card readers offering integrations have an app marketplace with a list of third-party apps to connect, many of which are free, although most are paid options.
Cost Considerations
When choosing a credit card reader, you’ll also want to consider the cost of the device. The price can vary depending on the features and functionality offered. In general, the more features and functionality a reader has, the more expensive it will be. You’ll also want to consider the cost of any companion mobile apps and any third-party integrations you may want to use.
Equipment Costs
Depending on the desired features and functionality, the cost of a credit card reader will differ. A credit card reader with fewer functions generally costs less than one stacked with multiple features.
| Card Reader | Card Reader Cost |
|---|---|
| Square Reader | First reader is free; $10 per additional reader |
| PayPal Zettle | First reader is $29; $79 per additional reader |
| Clover Go | $49 |
| SumUp | $39 |
| Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader | $49 |
| Loyverse | Must purchase outside of Loyverse |
| Stripe | $59 or $249 |
Payment Processing Fees
Customary transaction fees for in-person credit card processing are typically around 2.6% plus a small flat fee and can vary depending on the type of reader you use. For example, the Square Reader’s fee is 2.6% plus 10 cents per transaction.
| Credit Card Reader | In-person Transactions Start at |
|---|---|
| Square Reader | 2.6% plus 10 cents per transaction |
| PayPal Zettle | 2.29% plus 9 cents per transaction |
| Clover Go | 2.6% plus 10 cents per transaction |
| SumUp | 2.75% per transaction |
| Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader | 2.4% per transaction (Advanced plan) |
| Loyverse | Depends on payment processor |
| Stripe | 2.7% plus 5 cents per transaction |
Bank Connectivity & Transaction Speed
When you use a credit card reader, your bank account is linked to the device so that payments can be processed, although PayPal Zettle links to your PayPal account and then you’ll sweep it into your bank account. The transaction speed will vary depending on the reader you use and the type of connection it has. For example, a Bluetooth connection generally will be slower than a wired connection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best credit card reader for Android?
Square Reader: If you’re looking for a credit card reader that works well with Android and has features to support most businesses, Square Reader is a great option. One of the best things about it is that there’s no monthly fee to use it, plus sign-up is fast and easy. Another perk is that transfers typically are processed within one business day.
PayPal Zettle: Are you looking for a dependable and affordable card reader? Then, you’ll want to go with PayPal Zettle. This versatile mobile card reader is ideal for restaurants thanks to its fast setup time and ability to accept all major cards and contactless payments. Its quick-charging battery will keep your business running smoothly all day long.
Clover Go: Clover Go is an excellent choice for small businesses that need to take payments while away from the office. It’s easy to use and has a lot of processing power. With Clover Go, you can accept payments even when you’re not in the same location as your customer, so you can relax knowing your business’s data is protected securely, no matter where you are.
What is the cheapest Android credit card reader?
There are some free credit card readers, such as the Square Reader (your first one is free and then it’s $10 per additional reader). The PayPal Zettle reader is just $29 for your first one and $79 per additional reader.
How much do credit card readers for Android cost?
The cost of credit card readers for Android will vary depending on the features and quality of the reader. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $299 for a quality credit card reader. You can even find a free reader, such as the Square Reader.
How can you accept credit card payments on an Android device?
There are many ways to accept credit card payments on an Android device. Some companies, such as Square, offer a free credit card reader that plugs into your device. Others, such as PayPal and Clover, have credit card readers that connect wirelessly to your device. You can also find apps that allow you to accept credit card payments, such as the Square app.
Are Android devices safe to process credit cards?
Android devices are safe to process credit cards. Android devices are equipped with built-in security features that help protect your data. When you use a credit card reader, your customer’s data is encrypted and sent directly to the processor, so it’s never stored on your device. Plus, most credit card readers come with fraud protection features that help keep their data safe.
