In 2024, if your eCommerce or brick-and-mortar store doesn’t offer credit card payments, you might as well be living in the Stone Age. With Americans making an average of 186 credit card transactions a year, and credit card payments being the most popular in-store payment method, it’s a given that you have a point of sales system that accepts card. But with seemingly endless payment solutions to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and uncertain. Fret not—in this guide, we’ll help you choose the best credit card machine for your business to ensure you’re getting the most important features you need at a competitive price.
TL;DR
- Before you choose a credit card reader like Stax Pay or a POS system, you need to have a good understanding of your own business, to see if your potential payment solutions provider offers features that meet your profile.
- As you start narrowing down the potential credit card machine providers, consider important factors like PCI compliance, customer support, fees transparency, and integration with existing systems.
- Don’t forget to read third-party reviews and go over all terms and conditions to set yourself up for success.
Understanding Your Business Needs
Before you choose a credit card reader or POS system, you need to have a good understanding of your own business, to see if your potential payment solutions provider offers features that meet your needs. Some questions to consider include:
- What type of transactions do you mostly carry out? Are they in-person, online, or mobile? If they’re mostly online, you might want a provider that focuses on eCommerce, while if they’re mobile, you would want a strong contactless payment solution.
- How many payments do you average per year? For example, some credit card processing companies may charge you based on your annual sales volume, so it’s good to know.
- What’s your typical transaction size? Again, since a (variable) percentage of your sales will go to the payment processor, it’s good to be upfront to see if you can negotiate more competitive fees.
Types of Credit Card Machines
Not sure what’s available when looking for a credit card reader? Here’s a quick breakdown.
- Traditional countertop terminal: This is the traditional EMV terminal with a pin pad, used for in-person payments. You can tap, swipe, or insert your credit or debit card at the checkout counter to make a purchase. Newer models use near field communication (NFC) for contactless payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Mobile card readers: These payment terminals are designed to be taken on-the-go (like Square terminals) and can, for example, be used by food trucks, or be brought to the customers’ table in a restaurant. Meanwhile, wireless terminals can complete payments without needing a separate mobile device.
- Virtual terminal: These card readers use software to accept card-not-present transactions: in other words, online payments or payments made over the phone (like if you’re ordering takeout). It’s a great option to have to ensure flexibility and convenience, especially in a pinch.
Key Features to Look Out For
As you start narrowing down the potential credit card machine providers, here are a few important factors you should be aware of and research before signing on the dotted line.
Security features
You’ll be handling a lot of money, so you want to make sure you have the payment security fundamentals down to protect your business and customers. First, ensure you have an EMV card reader, as most cards today are EMV chip cards, which are the more secure option.
Then, make sure your provider is PCI compliant (these are standards set in place by card associations to ensure payment data is properly processed, stored, and transmitted.) Ideally, go for a provider that ensures the highest level of PCI compliance (Level 1) like Stax offers.
Connectivity options
How will your card reader go online? If you’re operating in a small space, just Bluetooth might be fine, but if you, it’s always good to have WiFi connectivity just in case. Meanwhile, if you have a whole POS terminal setup or process a lot of payments, you might want to have Ethernet as an option to ensure minimal connectivity issues.
Integration with existing systems
Make sure your new provider adapts and streamlines your current workflow. That way, you’ll be set up for success. To do that, find out what software and services can be integrated with your future payment processor, and if they have publicly-accessible APIs in case you have manpower to create custom integrations. Make sure the sky’s the limit!
Fees structures
Another important element to take into account is the pricing for using a credit card processor: are there hidden costs like start-up, early cancellation, or monthly minimum fees? How competitive are the transaction fees and processing rates? At Stax, we’re fully transparent about our fees, offering an easy-to-understand subscription-based pricing model, with no hidden fees. So if your potential provider isn’t up-front about their costs, you might want to look elsewhere.
Customer support
How easy is the payment processor to use and set up? Is it easy to reach a real human and get support? If something goes wrong, how fast is it to solve? See what real customers have said on independent sites to determine how committed your potential payment processing provider is to taking care of its clients.
Credit Card Terminals to Consider
Ready to start shopping around for payment processing equipment? Here are the top ones we recommend.
| Model | Connection | Payment Types | Screen Size | Battery | Additional Features |
| QD2 Dejavoo | WiFi, 4G/LTE | Chip, Swipe, Contactless | 5.5″ Touch Screen | 7.4V, 2 x 2600mAh | Portable and versatile |
| QD4 Dejavoo | WiFi, Ethernet | Chip, Swipe, Contactless | 5.5″ Color LCD with Touch Panel | 7.4V, 2 x 2600mAh | Dependable countertop terminal |
| Clover Flex LTE or WiFi | WiFi or LTE | Chip, Swipe, Contactless | 5″ LCD Color Touch Screen | N/A | Handheld POS system, Clover Care included |
| Clover Mini LTE | WiFi or LTE | Chip, Swipe, Contactless | 7″ LCD Color Touch Screen | N/A | Full POS system in compact design, Clover Care included |
| Clover Station Solo | WiFi, Ethernet, 4G/LTE | Chip, Swipe | 14″ HD Display, Tiltable | N/A | All-in-one POS system with cash drawer and receipt printer, Clover Care included |
| Clover Station Duo | WiFi, Ethernet, 4G/LTE | Chip, Swipe, Contactless | 14″ HD Merchant-Facing + 7″ Customer-Facing Touch Screens | N/A | Powerful POS system for quick service, retail, and service businesses |
| Swipe Simple B250 Reader | Bluetooth Low Energy | EMV, Magnetic Stripe, Contactless | N/A | N/A | Connects to iOS/Android devices |
QD2 Dejavoo
A sleek wireless and versatile terminal, the QD2 Dejavoo allows you to accept all forms of card payments wherever your business operates. With WiFi and 4G/LTE connectivity, it supports chip, swipe, and contactless payments. Its 5.5″ touch screen and dual 7.4V, 2 x 2600mAh batteries ensure efficient and long-lasting performance.
QD4 Dejavoo
The QD4 Dejavoo is the dependable countertop terminal perfect for accepting all forms of credit card payments. It features WiFi and Ethernet connections, supports chip, swipe, and contactless payments, and boasts a 5.5″ color LCD with touch panel. The terminal is powered by dual 7.4V, 2 x 2600mAh batteries for reliable operation.
Clover Flex LTE or WiFi
This handheld POS system improves customer service at the counter, in line, at the table, or in the field. It accepts chip, swipe, and contactless payments and features a 5″ LCD color touch screen. With WiFi or LTE connectivity and Clover Care included, it’s a versatile and reliable choice.
Clover Mini LTE
The Clover Mini LTE is a full point-of-sale system packed into a sleek, compact design. It supports chip, swipe, and contactless payments, and comes with a 7″ LCD color touch screen. With WiFi or LTE connectivity and Clover Care included, it offers a complete POS solution in one package.
Clover Station Solo
Accept payments easily with the Clover Station Solo, an all-in-one flexible POS system featuring a cash drawer and receipt printer. It supports chip and swipe payments and offers a 14″ HD display that is tiltable. With WiFi, Ethernet, and 4G/LTE connectivity and Clover Care included, it’s a comprehensive solution for any business.
Clover Station Duo
The Clover Station Duo is a powerful POS system designed for quick service restaurants, retail stores, and service businesses. It supports chip, swipe, and contactless payments and features a 14″ HD merchant-facing and 7″ customer-facing touch screen. With WiFi, Ethernet, and 4G/LTE connectivity, it ensures fast and efficient transactions.
Swipe Simple B250 Reader
The Swipe Simple B250 Reader supports EMV and magnetic stripe card types and accepts contactless tap-to-pay cards and mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay. It securely connects via Bluetooth Low Energy to your iOS or Android mobile device, making it a convenient and secure payment solution.
Getting Set Up For Success
Now, before you bite the bullet and choose your new credit card reader, don’t forget to read third-party site reviews to see what real people have to say about them. Some sites to look at include Trustpilot, Capterra, and G2—it’s the best way to really know what the credit card processor company is like!
Then, carefully go over the contract terms and conditions, and make sure you clearly understand what’s written. If not, don’t be afraid to ask: if the provider is hesitant to answer, that might be a red flag.
Finally, make sure your new provider can help you set up your new credit card machine, offer trainings, and be available if you need them, especially in the first days and weeks. Once that’s done, you’re all ready to start accepting payments!
Wrapping Up
While this might feel like a lot of info, remember: finding the perfect credit card reader for your small business doesn’t have to be a labyrinth to navigate. By understanding your business needs and the key factors you should look out for, you’re well on your way to making an informed choice to help grow your brand. We promise.
Stax Pay offers subscription-based pricing and direct cost processing with no markup, contract, or hidden fees. By charging a transparent, flat membership fee and access to wholesale credit card processing costs, we help you save up to 40% on payment processing. Contact us to learn more.
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