Featured Partner
1
Shopify POS
Pricing starts at
$7 per month for casual sellers $51 per month ($38 per year) for retail sellers
Mobile payments
Yes
Key features
Syncs with Shopify online store, smart inventory management
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The best card reader for small business will offer a versatile and affordable way to take payments from customers. Whether you run a retail store, a restaurant, pop-up shop or any other type of small business, you’ll need a way to take card payments.
There are many card readers on the market but not all are created equal. Forbes Advisor has done the research to determine the best card reader for small businesses, so you didn’t have to.
Featured Partner
1
Shopify POS
On Shopify’s Website
Pricing starts at
$7 per month for casual sellers $51 per month ($38 per year) for retail sellers
Mobile payments
Yes
Key features
Syncs with Shopify online store, smart inventory management
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 the leading card readers using a detailed process to help you find the 10 best card readers for small businesses. Our ratings used a wide variety of factors that included pricing plan structure, the depth and quality of features available, actual user responses to the product and review by our panel of experts to come up with the final ratings. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Free
$24.49 USD ($33.42 CAD) per month
Yes
None
Free
$24.49 USD ($33.42 CAD) per month
Yes
None
This Canadian point-of-sale (POS) system works with Nuvei payment processing, providing you with access to the extensive features offered by eHopper’s POS system in Canada. It’s equipped for credit card processing and includes functionalities such as debit card processing, voids and refunds, all set up and ready to use.
Pricing:
The eHopper paid plans start at $24.49 USD ($33.42 CAD) per month if billed annually. However, you can get free processing, a free e-commerce site, free POS software and a PAX S300 using its cash discount/surcharge plan. Its OmniChannel plan and higher comes with EBT processing, a menu builder, exchanges and phone, email and chat support.
If you want to buy a card reader from eHopper, choose from the following:
Who should use it:
eHopper is best for businesses on a budget that want features such as robust inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM) and the ability to split payments, no matter the plan they choose.
Free
Contact Sales
Yes
Contact Sales
Free
Contact Sales
Yes
Contact Sales
For a 1% fee, eligible customers using Clover can get immediate access to deposits. Make as many transfer requests as you want per day, but the transfer amount must not exceed $10,000 for a single request. To use it, link an eligible Visa or MasterCard business debit card that can accept deposits, request the transfer and access funds within minutes. This doesn’t matter if it’s the middle of the night, a holiday or a weekend—it’s available 24/7.
Learn more: Read our full Clover review.
Pricing:
Pricing information is only available if you contact the Clover sales team directly.
Who should use it:
Clover is best for businesses that want the ability to make rapid deposits, as well as access to features such as 24/7 live support and free overnight shipping.
Free
$120 CAD per month
Yes
Custom
Free
$120 CAD per month
Yes
Custom
Toast offers a customizable platform that’s built specifically for restaurants. With Toast, you can manage your front of house and back of house operations from one system. This includes features, such as online ordering, gift card management, employee productivity tracking and tableside ordering. The card reader is ideal for restaurants because it’s spillproof, drop proof and dustproof, has a 24-hour battery and fits in a back pocket or apron with ease. Compared to its competition, this 24-hour battery lasts significantly longer than the Clover Flex or an iPad.
Pricing:
Toast offers one card reader option, called Toast Go 2. Software is $120 CAD per month (plus processing fees, which are not outlined upfront). You can also pay as you go, so there’s no upfront cost and no monthly subscription fee. Toast compensates for this by charging higher processing fees, but you’ll have to contact sales directly to see how much those fees are.
Who should use it:
Toast is best for restaurants that want a mobile card reader that is durable and fits in a back pocket or apron.
$89 CAD per month
No
2.6% plus $0.10 CAD
$89 CAD per month
No
2.6% plus $0.10 CAD
Lightspeed offers one of the easiest-to-use card readers. It’s designed for businesses of all sizes, from small businesses to enterprise-level operations. With ShopKeep, you can process payments, track inventory, manage customers and run reports—all from your iPad or iPhone. It also specializes in golf businesses, but that division doesn’t offer card readers (just full POS setups).
Pricing:
The starting price is $89 CAD per month (billed annually). You’ll need to purchase hardware.
Who should use it:
Lightspeed is best for businesses that want an easy-to-use card reader.
Free
$79 CAD per card reader
Yes
2.9% plus $0.30 CAD
Free
$79 CAD per card reader
Yes
2.9% plus $0.30 CAD
Stripe is best known for its online payment processing, but it also has a mobile card reader. With Stripe Terminal, you can process payments offline, which is ideal for businesses that lose power or have spotty internet connections. Plus, if you’re already using Stripe for your online payments, it’ll be easy to add the Stripe card reader to your existing account.
Pricing:
Unlike most of its competition, you won’t pay any monthly or annual fees, only your hardware cost and processing fees.
Choose from two card reader options:
Who should use it:
If you’re already using Stripe for your online payments and want a card reader for your brick-and-mortar store, Stripe Terminal is a good option.
Free
$69 CAD per month
Yes
2.65%
Free
$69 CAD per month
Yes
2.65%
Square is best known for its small, white magstripe credit card reader that plugs into your smartphone’s headphone jack. But the company also offers a full POS system as well as a contactless and chip reader where customers can insert their card or tap it to make a payment. With the Square POS app, you can accept payments, track inventory and sales, manage customers and employees and run reports—all from your iPad or iPhone.
Pricing:
Square Reader for contactless and chip costs $69 CAD. The Square software is free, although you can buy add-ons, such as loyalty ($60 CAD per month), email marketing ($20 CAD per month) and gift cards (starting at $0.66 CAD). Depending on your industry, there are other plans available, too. Paid plans start at $35 CAD per location per month.
Who should use it:
If you have a pop-up shop or other temporary retail business, Square is a good option because you only pay as you make transactions, unless you’ve got an add-on.
Free
Contact Sales
Yes
Contact Sales
Free
Contact Sales
Yes
Contact Sales
Aloha Cloud, formerly known as NCR Silver, is an all-in-one cloud-based POS system that is perfect for busy restaurants. It stands out as the best option for restaurants due to its comprehensive features and ease of use. The system offers an intuitive interface that remains consistent across all screens, ensuring a smooth user experience for restaurant staff.
One of the key features of Aloha Cloud is its fully integrated Kitchen Display System, which effectively manages high order volumes and improves communication in the back of the house. This feature reduces errors and waste, optimizing kitchen operations and enhancing overall efficiency.
It has robust data and insights reporting, empowering restaurant owners to make informed decisions. The system turns complex business data into easily understandable reports, helping identify areas of improvement, uncover hidden costs and maximize profitability.
Pricing:
Aloha Cloud offers different pricing plans to accommodate various restaurant needs. They are not upfront about their pricing, so you need to contact sales to get an idea of what each plan costs. Hardware pricing details can be obtained by contacting the sales team. It’s worth noting that the Premium plan offers lower payment processing fees, providing cost savings in the long run.
Who should use it:
Aloha Cloud is the ideal POS system for restaurants, offering an all-in-one cloud-based solution with a user-friendly interface, integrated kitchen management and comprehensive reporting capabilities. With its ability to cater to restaurants of all sizes and stages, Aloha Cloud provides the necessary tools to optimize operations, enhance customer engagement and drive business growth.
$51 CAD per month
(billed annually)
Yes
2.9% plus $0.30 CAD per transaction
One of the key advantages of Shopify POS is its flexibility and scalability. It offers two subscription options: Shopify POS Lite, which is included with all Shopify plans, and Shopify POS Pro, which can be added for an additional $119 CAD per month per location. The Lite version provides essential features such as in-person credit card processing, order and product management, and customer profiles. On the other hand, the Pro version expands the capabilities with unlimited staff, advanced inventory management, omnichannel selling features and more.
Shopify POS seamlessly integrates with the Shopify ecosystem, allowing businesses to streamline their online and off-line operations. Retailers can manage their inventory, track sales and customer data, and synchronize their online and in-store channels all within a single platform. This integration offers convenience, efficiency and a unified view of the business.
Learn more:Read our full Shopify POS review.
Pricing:
The POS Lite plan is included with all Shopify plans, providing businesses with the basic features necessary to sell in person. For businesses that require advanced capabilities such as scalability, unlimited staff and smart inventory management, the POS Pro plan is available for an additional $119 CAD per month, per location.
Hardware includes:
Who should use it:
Shopify POS is an excellent choice for small businesses in the retail industry. With its comprehensive features and seamless integration with the Shopify platform, it provides a powerful and reliable point-of-sale solution.
$59 USD ($80.52 CAD) per month
Yes
Varies by processor
$59 USD ($80.52 CAD) per month
Yes
Varies by processor
KORONA POS stands out as the top choice for high-risk merchants, particularly businesses in industries such as CBD and vape shops that often face restrictions and limitations when it comes to payment processing solutions. KORONA POS allows these businesses to accept payments seamlessly, enabling them to operate more efficiently and effectively.
We chose KORONA POS for its exceptional features and its ability to cater to high-risk industries that typically struggle to find suitable POS systems. With KORONA POS, businesses in these industries can overcome the challenges associated with payment processing and focus on growing their operations.
Pricing:
KORONA POS offers flexible pricing plans to accommodate businesses of all sizes. The Core plan starts at $59 USD ($80.52 CAD) per month and provides essential checkout functionality and reporting features. The Advanced plan, priced at $69 USD ($94.17 CAD) per month, includes inventory management and real-time tracking capabilities. The Plus plan, available for $89 USD ($121.46 CAD) per month, offers additional features such as order-level optimization and multi-store reporting. For larger enterprises with specific requirements, KORONA POS provides customized pricing through a quote-based Enterprise plan. Hardware pricing isn’t transparent, so you’ll need to contact a sales team member for a custom quote.
Who should use it:
KORONA POS is best suited for businesses in high-risk industries that require a reliable and flexible POS system to overcome payment processing challenges. It provides seamless payment acceptance, inventory management and customizable features to meet the unique needs of these businesses. With its dedicated support and extensive feature set, KORONA POS empowers high-risk merchants to focus on growth and success without the limitations imposed by traditional payment solutions.
COMPANY | FORBES ADVISOR RATING | STARTING PRICE | OFFLINE PAYMENTS | PROCESSING FEES | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | LEARN MORE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
eHopper | Free; $24.49 USD ($33.42 CAD) per month | Yes | None | View More | |||
Clover | Contact Sales | Yes | Contact Sales | View More | |||
Toast | Free; $120 CAD per month | Yes | Custom | View More | |||
Lightspeed | $89 CAD per month | No | 2.6% plus $0.10 CAD | View More | |||
Stripe POS | Free; $79 CAD per card reader | Yes | 2.9% plus $0.30 CAD | Learn More | On Stripe’s Website | ||
Square POS | Free; $69 CAD per month | Yes | 2.65% | View More | |||
Shopify POS | $51 CAD per month (billed annually) | Yes | 2.9% plus $0.30 CAD per transaction | Learn More | On Shopify’s Website | ||
Aloha Cloud | Contact Sales | Yes | Contact Sales | View More | |||
KORONA POS | $59 USD ($80.52 CAD) per month | Yes | Varies by processor | View More |
A credit card reader is a device that allows businesses to accept payments from customers using credit cards or debit cards. It reads the information encoded in the magnetic stripe or chip of the card and transfers the data to the payment processing system for authorization and completion of the transaction.
Selecting the right card reader for your business requires careful consideration of various factors, including pricing and fees. Here’s what to look for.
Different forms of credit card readers exist, for example, magnetic stripe readers, chip card (EMV) readers, mobile card readers and contactless/near-field communication (NFC) readers. Consider which payment types you will be taking and pick a card reader that is compatible with the payment methods your customers want:
When choosing a card reader, look for:
Pay attention to the pricing and fees associated with each card reader. Compare equipment costs, which may include upfront purchase or leasing options, and consider the payment processing fees charged by each company. You can expect to pay a minimum of $49 CAD for a standard card reader, though this price can vary significantly by industry and features:
To find the best card reader for small businesses, we looked at a variety of factors, including processing fees, features, ease of use and customer reviews. We also considered whether the company had monthly or annual fees as well as if there was a contract required. Importance weighs each factor, and the top seven rated card readers made our list.
Here are some of the categories we used to rank the providers.
We compared the processing fees charged by each company and looked for the lowest fees possible. We noted whether there were any monthly or annual fees as well as if there was a contract required. No monthly or annual fees are ideal for small businesses. We also looked at whether each company required a contract and, if so, the length of the contract. A shorter contract is ideal for small businesses. The final factor we looked at when it came to pricing was if the provider offered anything for free, whether the plan itself was free or if there was free hardware available. As this is such an essential factor for many businesses’ bottom line, pricing accounted for 30% of our weighted scoring.
We considered the features offered by each company, such as whether they had an offline mode in case of power outages or internet problems. Other features that we considered to be essential included access to a mobile card reader (even better if there was a free card reader as part of the plan), built-in payment processing, inventory management and software integrations. We weighted features at 35% of our total score.
For our expert analysis of the best card readers for small businesses, we turned to actual customer reviews of the products to gauge the providers, such as ease of use and customer support. For example, we wanted to know if customer experiences matched company promises. For ease of use, we looked at how easy it was to set up and use each card reader as well as the available support options. Then, we looked at additional metrics, including detailed or standout features, popularity and value for the money to come to a final rating for each card reader. Altogether, this final section accounted for 35% of the total score.
Featured Partner
1
Shopify POS
On Shopify’s Website
Pricing starts at
$7 per month for casual sellers $51 per month ($38 per year) for retail sellers
Mobile payments
Yes
Key features
Syncs with Shopify online store, smart inventory management
A card reader is a device that reads the information on a credit or debit card’s magnetic stripe. The information is then transmitted to the POS system for processing.
Credit card readers typically cost between $200 CAD and $500 CAD. However, smaller card readers with minimal functions can be less than $80 CAD and some companies even provide them for free.
eHopper offers a card reader with no processing fees. It does this by offsetting costs through surcharges or cash discounts.
It is possible to use your phone as a card reader. Many payment service providers offer mobile card reader solutions that can be connected to your smartphone or tablet via a headphone jack or Bluetooth. These mobile card readers enable you to accept credit and debit card payments using your mobile device. Some even offer tap-to-pay options without needing any hardware at all.
Clover, eHopper and Toast each provide card readers that are great for small businesses. Our top pick is eHopper while Clover is ideal for businesses that need instant access to deposits and Toast is suitable for restaurants.
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.
Kelly is an SMB Editor specializing in starting and marketing new ventures. Before joining the team, she was a Content Producer at Fit Small Business where she served as an editor and strategist covering small business marketing content. She is a former Google Tech Entrepreneur and she holds an MSc in International Marketing from Edinburgh Napier University. Additionally, she manages a column at Inc. Magazine.