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Best Credit Card Readers For Android In Canada For May 2024

Kathy Haan
Contributor

Updated: May 1, 2024, 9:54am

Courtney Reilly-Larke
editor

Fact Checked

Editorial Note: Forbes Advisor may earn a commission on sales made from partner links on this page, but that doesn't affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Accepting credit cards with a mobile device can help you serve more customers and increase your revenue. You’ll need to find a great Android-compatible card reader if you’re using Android devices. To help you find the right option for your needs, read our guide on the best credit card reader for Android devices available today.

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The Best Credit Card Readers for Android In Canada For May 2024

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The Forbes Advisor Small Business team is committed to bringing you unbiased rankings and information with full editorial independence. We use product data, strategic methodologies and expert insights to inform all of our content and guide you in making the best decisions for your business journey.

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.

FEATURED PARTNER OFFER

BEST FOR ALL-AROUND USE

Square Reader

Square Reader

Monthly costs start at

Free

Hardware cost

$69 USD ($93.15 CAD)

Processing fee starts at

2.65%

per transaction

Square Reader

Monthly costs start at

Free

Hardware cost

$69 USD ($93.15 CAD)

Processing fee starts at

2.65%

per transaction

Why We Picked It

Square Reader is one of the best credit card readers for Android because it offers features suitable for most businesses. The hardware is free, and there’s no monthly fee for use. Additionally, Square Reader offers fast online sign-up and next-business-day transfers.

Active fraud prevention and dispute management are key features of Square Reader. Square Reader will cost $69 USD ($93.15 CAD). You have two choices for connections: a lightning connector or a headset jack. Best of all, you pay the same rate no matter which card the customer uses—even American Express, which is notorious for costing more.

Who should use it:

The Square Reader is ideal for small businesses that need a fast and easy way to take credit card payments.

Pros & Cons
  • Access your money the next business day
  • Your first card reader is free
  • Use its API to customize your omnichannel payment solutions
  • Loyalty rewards cost an extra $45-plus per month
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER

BEST FOR POP-UP SHOPS

Clover Go

Clover Go

Monthly costs start at

Contact Sales

Hardware cost

Contact Sales

Processing fee starts at

Contact Sales

Clover Go

Monthly costs start at

Contact Sales

Hardware cost

Contact Sales

Processing fee starts at

Contact Sales

Why We Picked It

Clover Go is a great option for small businesses that want to take payments on the go. It’s simple to operate and it has a lot of computing power. Clover Go enables you to accept payments remotely, giving you peace of mind while travelling. You can use it anywhere there is Wi-Fi and feel confident that your data is safe because it has top-notch payment security.

It sets up in minutes, so you can begin processing payments quickly. The Clover Go app is user-friendly and easy to download and it allows you to generate new sales right away. It’s available for iOS and Android devices, so it’s compatible with a variety of phones and tablets. If you’re looking for pricing details for Canadian merchants, you’ll need to contact Clover Go’s sales department.

Who should use it:

Small businesses that want to take payments on the go, such as pop-up shops, food trucks and market stalls.

Pros & Cons
  • Send and track invoices
  • Accepts major credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay
  • For a fee, get instant deposits
  • Send paperless receipts
  • Integrates with QuickBooks and Xero
  • Card-not-present transactions are expensive
  • Must meet credit approval
  • First card reader is more expensive than competitors
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER

BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES ON A BUDGET

SumUp

SumUp

Monthly costs start at

Free

Hardware cost

$54 USD ($72.89 CAD)

Processing fee starts at

2.75%

per transaction

SumUp

Monthly costs start at

Free

Hardware cost

$54 USD ($72.89 CAD)

Processing fee starts at

2.75%

per transaction

Why We Picked It

SumUp is best for small businesses on a budget. Costs start at free and there is no contract or monthly minimums. Hardware costs start at $54 USD ($74.89 CAD) and processing fees start at 2.75%. SumUp is reliable and best in class, and you can receive funds in as soon as one business day. It offers a long battery life—processes up to 500 transactions on a single charge, compared to 100 with other readers.

You can sign up in minutes and start accepting card payments in person, online and on the go. Accept all card payments wherever your customers are and however they want to pay. Best of all, there’s no subscription cost, which is ideal for businesses on a budget.

Who should use it:

Small businesses on a budget that want an easy and affordable way to take credit card payments.

Pros & Cons
  • No monthly costs
  • Low-cost card reader
  • Accept payments via magnetic strip or near-field communication (NFC)
  • Keep track of tips and cash payments
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • No hidden fees
  • Gift card transactions cost more than credit card transactions
  • No overnight shipping of hardware
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER

BEST FOR E-COMMERCE RETAILERS

Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader

Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader

Monthly costs start at

$38 CAD

Hardware cost

$69 CAD

Processing fee starts at

2.4% per transaction

(Advanced plan)

Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader
Learn More

On Shopify's Website

Monthly costs start at

$38 CAD

Hardware cost

$69 CAD

Processing fee starts at

2.4% per transaction

(Advanced plan)

Why We Picked It

Shopify Tap & Chip Card Readers offer e-commerce businesses a convenient way to accept payments in person without paying an additional monthly fee. It’s ideal for retailers already using Shopify. These readers comply with the latest Visa Ready requirements and are EMV-certified, meaning they keep both you and your customers safe.

They connect wirelessly to your Android device using Bluetooth LE technology and include a carrying case and an “Accepted Here” window sticker. The standard one-year warranty is included, but it can be extended to two years with the POS Pro subscription.

Learn more: Read our full Shopify review.

Who should use it:

E-commerce retailers that want to accept in-person orders casually should choose the Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader.

Pros & Cons
  • Omnichannel selling via in-store and online
  • Takes one to two hours to fully charge
  • Free shipping
  • Includes a carrying case
  • No returns or refunds
  • Supply chain issues cause the reader to be sold out often
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER

BEST FOR LOYALTY

Loyverse

Loyverse

Monthly costs start at

$5 USD ($6.74 CAD)

Hardware cost

Purchase card reader outside of Loyverse

Processing fee starts at

Depends on payment processor

Loyverse

Monthly costs start at

$5 USD ($6.74 CAD)

Hardware cost

Purchase card reader outside of Loyverse

Processing fee starts at

Depends on payment processor

Why We Picked It

While Loyverse doesn’t have a native card reader, it works with four Android-compatible readers. These include SumUp, PayPal Zettle, Worldpay and PayGate readers. Loyverse is worth checking out because of its zero monthly cost and included loyalty program. With other providers, you’re looking at $49 USD ($66.12 CAD) plus per month for up to 500 loyalty visits per month. This is an excellent way to build customer loyalty without breaking the bank.

This loyalty program includes a customer relationship management (CRM), purchase history, a customer’s address, points reward system, loyalty cards and notes section. You’ll also get live, 24/7 chat support, a multilingual help centre and community help.

Who should use it:

Businesses of any size that want a free way to accept credit card payments and build customer loyalty.

Pros & Cons
  • Has an app marketplace full of integrations
  • Loyalty program is free
  • No monthly fee
  • 24/7 support
  • No native card reader
  • Have to purchase compatible card readers outside of Loyverse
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER

BEST FOR CUSTOMIZATION

Stripe

Stripe

Monthly costs start at

Free

Hardware cost

$79 CAD or $299 CAD

Processing fee starts at

2.9% plus $0.30 CAD

per transaction

Stripe

Monthly costs start at

Free

Hardware cost

$79 CAD or $299 CAD

Processing fee starts at

2.9% plus $0.30 CAD

per transaction

Why We Picked It

Stripe is a great choice for businesses that need a lot of customization options. Aside from its application programming interface (API) that’s ideal for omnichannel businesses, merchants can get custom pricing depending on both the volume you process as well as your business model. For this, you’ll have to contact its sales team.

There are two precertified card reader choices, both of which are compatible with Android. The BBPOS WisePad 3 is $79 CAD Stripe Reader M2 is $59, while the BBPOS WisePOS E is $299 CAD. There are no monthly fees—just a per-transaction payment processing fee.

Who should use it:

Businesses that need a lot of customization and API options for their payment processing.

Pros & Cons
  • No monthly fee
  • Highly customizable
  • Custom pricing for high-volume businesses
  • Supports Apple Pay and Google Pay
  • Battery-powered readers (its larger one can also be plugged in)
  • Hardware costs are higher than others
  • Requires a little more technical knowledge

Compare Top Android Card Readers


COMPANY MONTHLY COSTS START AT HARDWARE COST PROCESSING FEE STARTS AT LEARN MORE
Square Free $69 USD ($93.15 CAD) 2.65% per transaction View More
Clover Go Contact sales Contact sales Contact sales View More
SumUp Free $54 USD ($72.89 CAD) 2.75% per transaction View More
Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader $38 CAD $69 CAD 2.4% per transaction (Advanced plan) Learn More On Shopify’s Website
Loyverse $5 USD ($6.74 CAD) Purchase card reader outside of Loyverse Depends on payment processor View More
Stripe Free $79 CAD or $299 CAD 2.9% plus $0.30 CAD per transaction View More

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 favour 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 a credit card. Instead, the customer can hold their credit card near the reader to process the payment.

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 $69 USD ($93.15 CAD)
Clover Go Contact sales
SumUp $54 USD ($72.89 CAD)
Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader $69 CAD
Loyverse Must purchase outside of Loyverse
Stripe $79 CAD or $299 CAD

Payment Processing Fees

Customary transaction fees for in-person credit card processing are typically around 2.65% plus a small flat fee and can vary depending on the type of reader you use. For example, the Square Reader’s fee is 2.65% per transaction.


Credit Card Reader In-person Transactions Start at
Square Reader 2.65% per transaction
Clover Go Contact Sales
SumUp 2.75% per transaction
Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader 2.4% per transaction (Advanced plan)
Loyverse Depends on payment processor
Stripe 2.9% plus $0.30 CAD 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. 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.

Canadian specific editing and research (including pricing) conducted by Anna Rey.

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.

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?

The cheapest credit card reader available in Canada comes from Shopify and costs $69.

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 $69 CAD to $299 CAD 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.

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Kathy Haan Contributor

Kathy Haan, MBA is a former financial advisor-turned-writer and business coach. For over a decade, she’s helped small business owners make money online. When she’s not trying out the latest tech or travel blogging with her family, you can find her curling up with a good novel.