In my evaluation, the best credit card readers for iPhones are Square for its all-in-one solution, PayPal for its solopreneur-friendly features, and Shopify for its omnichannel tools.
7 Best Credit Card Readers for iPhones
This article is part of a larger series on Payments.
To accept payments on your iPhone, you will need an internet or cellular connection, a compatible mobile card reader, and a corresponding payment app downloaded to your phone.
The best credit card readers for iPhone can process swipe, chip, and contactless payments for a small transaction fee with no monthly minimums or restrictions. The best iPhone payment apps are also easy to use, can deposit funds into your account quickly, and have good user reviews.
After comparing and testing over a dozen options, the best credit card readers for iPhones 2025 are:
- Square: Best overall (and best free)
- PayPal POS: Best for solopreneurs
- Shopify: Best for online businesses accepting in-person payments
- SumUp: Cheapest for low-ticket sales
- Payanywhere: Best for small mobile restaurants
- Clover: Best if you have a preferred payment processor
- Payment Depot: Cheapest for high-volume sales
Best credit card readers for iPhone compared
Overall Score (Out of 5) | Mobile Card Reader Cost | Payment Method | Swipe, Chip, and Contactless Rate | Chargeback Fee | Payment App User Review (Out of 5) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4.65 | $59; first magstripe reader free | 2-in-1 (tap and dip) | 2.6% + 15 cents | Waived up to $250 per month | |
 | 4.26 | $79; first reader discounted to $29 | 2-in-1 (tap and dip) | 2.29% + 9 cents | $0 to $20 | |
 | 4.15 | $49 | 2-in-1 (tap and dip) | 2.4% to 2.6% + 10 cents | $15; refundable | |
 | 4.11 | $54 | 3-in-1 (tap, dip, and swipe) | 2.6% + 10 cents | $10 | |
 | 4.06 | $59.95 | 3-in-1 (tap, dip, and swipe) | 2.69% | $25 | |
 | 3.92 | $199 | 3-in-1 (tap, dip, and swipe) | 2.6% + 10 cents* | From $25 | |
 | 3.87 | $49 | 3-in-1 (tap, dip, and swipe) | Custom interchange plus | $25 | |
*Based on Fiserv rates. Actual fees will depend on your chosen payment processor. | ||||||
If you are looking for something different: We have several guides on mobile and in-store payment solutions, where many of the best iPhone card readers are also included:
- Best Credit Card Payment Apps
- Best Mobile Credit Card Processing
- Best Card Readers for Android
- Best Card Readers
Why You Can Trust Us
I have been reviewing and testing payment systems for eight years, applying my background in finance and payment technology to provide you with the best recommendations. For this guide, I compared 14 iPhone-compatible card readers from popular POS and payment platforms, scoring each on 25 data points, and prioritizing key features, value for money, compatibility, and ease of use. See my full methodology below.
Retail Staff Writer at Fit Small Business
Square: Best overall credit card reader for iPhone
Overall Score:
4.65 / 5
Pros
- Easy to use
- Powerful POS system
- Best payment hardware
- Additional plans and tools as your business scales
Cons
- Limited customer support hours
- Must use Square payment processing
- Many complaints in the App Store about held funds
Square overview
Who should use it:
Small and new businesses that need a built-in POS system
Why I like Square’s iPhone card reader:
Square offers competitive rates with no monthly fees or upfront costs. It provides reliability, security, and a suite of business management tools and scalable hardware, making it the overall best iPhone credit card reader.
Small businesses, such as food trucks and cafes, choose Square for its easy setup and simple payment processing rates. In addition, if you expand and find yourself needing payroll, scheduling, or other software, Square also has these.
Square’s transaction fees are average — not the cheapest, but the powerful free point-of-sale (POS) system and inexpensive card readers make Square a favorite among small merchants.
- Monthly fee: $0
- In-person (including contactless): 2.6% plus 10 cents tap, dip, or swipe
- Keyed-in: 3.5% plus 15 cents
- Online, recurring, and invoicing: 2.9% plus 30 cents
- Chargeback fee: Waived up to $250 per month
- Free POS software
- Next-day funding, same-day with fee
- Card reader: $0 to $49 for chip and tap (one free swipe reader)
- Accepts tap, dip, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other NFC payments
- Offline payment processing
 |  |
$10 (first one is free) Available with lightning or audio jack input. Accepts payments via magstripe (swiped). | $59 Connects via Bluetooth. Accepts payments via EMV (chip) or NFC (Apple Pay, Google Pay). |
Square’s POS app can record both cash and card payments, add tips to each transaction, split sales between different payment methods, and send customer receipts via text or email. Square also works even without an internet connection.
As of this writing, Square ties with Clover and SwipeSimple (Payment Depot) for the best ratings on the Apple App Store. It has 4.8 out of 5 stars with some 557,000 ratings.
Users Like | Users Don’t Like |
|---|---|
Easy to set up and use | Issues of frozen accounts and funds |
Scalable | Customer support not helpful |
PayPal POS: Best for occasional sellers & PayPal users
Overall Score:
4.26 / 5
Pros
- Free POS with no minimums
- Low swipe fees
- Very easy to use
- Pays immediately into PayPal
- Accept Venmo payments
Pros
- No offline mode
- Basic POS functionality
- PayPal has a reputation for freezing accounts
- Increasingly negative user reviews: 3.1 out of 5 on App Store
PayPal POS overview
Who should use it:
Occasional sellers, such as pop-up stores in tourist spots and solopreneurs or gig workers with PayPal accounts
Why I like PayPal’s iPhone card reader:
The PayPal POS card reader (formerly PayPal Zettle) is simple but powerful and, combined with PayPal’s ability to accept all kinds of payments (from credit cards to bitcoin, Venmo, and cross-border payments), makes it a top contender for one of the best mobile credit card processors on the market.
PayPal’s reader includes a PIN pad that can process chip and tap transactions for both credit and debit cards. The actual price is higher than some at $79, but you can purchase your first device at just $29.
I like PayPal best for individual users because, while it is very easy to use, its POS functionality for larger operations is limited. It also doesn’t charge monthly fees for inactivity.
Learn more about PayPal:
- Monthly fee: $0
- Card-present (including contactless): 2.29% plus 9 cents
- Keyed-in: 3.49% plus 9 cents
- QR code payments: 2.29% plus 9 cents
- Chargeback fee: $20
- Free POS Software
- Next-day funding, same day with fee
- Card reader: $79 (first one, $29)
- One-year limited warranty
- Accepts debit and credit EMV cards, NFC payments, gift cards, and Venmo payments
 |  |
$79 (first one $29) Connects via Bluetooth and accepts payments via EMV (chip) and NFC contactless payments (Apple Pay, Android Pay). | $49 Locks the card reader into place for countertop use and charges in-dock. |
PayPal POS is a complete POS app for your mobile device — from ringing up credit card sales to generating sales reports. It has an inventory management system with product images integrated into your main countertop software for seamless selling in-store, curbside, and on the go.
As of this writing, PayPal has 3.1 out of 5 stars on the Apple App Store with more than 900 reviews. One of the most recent complaints is that data from PayPal Here does not carry over. Users also had problems with setup, including being unable to change the app from Spanish to English. Customer support also received complaints. For more responsive help, consider Payment Depot.
Users Like | Users Don’t Like |
|---|---|
Easy to use | Can’t enable manual card entry |
Discount coupons feature | Tipping function on the small card reader screen instead of the app |
Shopify: Best for online businesses with occasional in-person sales
Overall Score:
4.15 / 5
Pros
- User-friendly mobile app interface
- Customizable mobile checkout
- Strong omnichannel features
- 4.5 out of 5 rating on App store
Cons
- Limited offline features
- Locked into Shopify Payments to use the mobile card reader
- Requires a Shopify Ecommerce subscription
- Payouts take two business days
Shopify overview
Who should use it:
Online businesses using the Shopify platform participating in trade shows or setting up pop-up shops
Why I like Shopify’s iPhone card reader:
Shopify is a powerhouse name for ecommerce businesses, providing its users with outstanding omnichannel tools so you can reach customers anywhere. It offers a 2-in-1 credit card processor for iPhones and Androids at $49 (similar to Square).
Additionally, Shopify enables you to sync online and in-person sales, including curbside and pickup orders, pop-up shops, and sales at trade shows. These features make Shopify among our best retail POS systems and bring it to the top of our list of multichannel POS systems.
- Monthly fee: $5 to $89 (plus $5 to $399 for a Shopify ecommerce account)
- In-person transaction (including contactless): 2.4% to 2.6% + 10 cents
- Online transaction: 2.4% + 30 cents to 2.9% + 30 cents
- Chargeback fee: Varies
- Funding: 2 business days
- Card reader: $49
- Tap, dip, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other NFC payments
- One-year limited warranty plus two-year extended warranty with a POS Pro plan
 |
Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader $49 Bluetooth-enabled, EMV-certified mobile card reader that accepts chip and contactless payments for Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. |
The Shopify POS app comes free for all Shopify plans, including the free Shopify POS Lite. It has a built-in inventory and CRM features that work with Shopify’s omnichannel system, allowing for seamless selling to your in-store, curbside, and on-location customers.
The Shopify POS app has earned an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars on the Apple App Store, based on more than 7,400 reviews, as a solid and dependable app with flexible features. However, the most recent feedback, even from those who have given the platform high ratings, is that the latest design and user interface updates are less favorable.
Users Like | Users Don’t Like |
|---|---|
Easy to use interface | Login and user caching issues |
Affordable card reader | Failed contactless payment transactions |
SumUp: Best for small businesses with low-ticket sales
Overall Score:
4.11 / 5
Pros
- Pay-as-you-go transaction fees
- Free payment app and virtual terminal
- Easy two-step sign-up process
- PIN pad mobile card readers
Cons
- Account stability issues with holds, freezes, and closures
- Does not support high-risk merchants
- Limited multichannel/sales ecommerce integration
- Poor user reviews: 2.5 out of 5 App Store rating
- Customer support only available during business hours
SumUp overview
Who should use it:
Small and new businesses that don’t need a POS software and are looking for a cheaper alternative to Square
Why I like SumUp’s iPhone card reader:
SumUp is a mobile-first payment processor built for small businesses. Like Square, it does not charge any monthly fees or tie you up in a long-term contract, except that its card reader and transaction rates are cheaper. This makes it one of the industry’s most affordable payment processors.
I like how SumUp’s card readers have developed over the years since I first evaluated the system. It now offers improved payment processing tools and even a full-sized POS system, which earned it a significant boost in real-life user reviews. SumUp also comes with a virtual terminal, basic inventory management features, and reliable app functionality.
- Monthly fee: $0 (without POS)
- In-person transaction (including contactless): 2.6% + 10 cents
- Online transaction (payment gateway): 3.5% plus 15 cents
- Virtual terminal processing: 3.5% plus 15 cents
- Chargeback fee: $10 per transaction from acquirer and passed on to merchant
- Funding: 1 to 2 business days
- Card reader: $54 to $169
- Accepts EMV chip, contactless (NFC), Apple, and Android Pay
- 1-year warranty
 |  |
$54 ($64 with dock) Features an LED screen, tip function, Bluetooth connectivity, comes with charging dock, connects with SumUp app. | $99 ($169 with printer) Standalone card reader and payment processor, touchscreen panel, refund and dynamic tipping tools, invoice processing |
The SumUp App supports a POS function that includes a product catalog, smart tipping, tax setting, refund issuing, and employee management tools. It also allows merchants to process payments, create and manage invoices, and access reports from the dashboard.
Real-life user reviews for SumUp’s iPhone mobile app have considerably improved over the past years, from a low score of 2.7 to a 3.7 out of 5 stars. Still, the actual number of reviews is only about 550, which affected our evaluation of its popularity.
Users Like | Users Don’t Like |
|---|---|
No issues of frozen funds | Occasional app crashes |
Great deal for second card reader | Manual entry of sales items |
Payanywhere: Best for low-volume restaurants and food trucks
Overall Score:
4.06 / 5
Pros
- Low fees on small transactions
- No chargeback fees
- Free same- and next-day funding
- Autopay for subscriptions and recurring payments
Cons
- Possible long-term contracts with hefty early termination fees on custom plans
- Lacks echeck and ACH processing
- Charges an inactivity fee
- Limited customer support hours
Payanywhere overview
Who should use it:
Small food sellers, including food-based retailers
Why I like Payanywhere’s iPhone card reader:
Payanywhere is an all-in-one payment processing solution with a mobile app, and it provides you with a 3-in-1 mobile card reader when you sign up for a merchant account. What I like most, though, is that aside from Square, this is the only provider in this list that offers restaurant-specific tools, such as splitting checks, opening tabs, and tipping.
While not the cheapest, Payanywhere does not charge a fixed fee per in-person transaction, and its flat-rate fee for manual entry payments is the lowest I’ve seen so far. There’s an inactivity fee, though, so it’s not the best option if you run a seasonal business. Consider PayPal as an alternative.
- Monthly fee: $0
- In-person transaction fee (including contactless): 2.69%
- Keyed-in transaction fee: 3.49% plus 19 cents
- Contract length: Month-to-month for pay-as-you-go; minimum three years, with one year auto-renewal, for custom plans
- Inactivity fee (for pay-as-you-go plan): $3.99 per month after 12 months of inactivity
- Chargeback Fees (for pay-as-you-go plan): $25
- Offline payment processing
- Free next-day and same-day funding
- Card reader: $59.95
- Accepts traditional magstripe credit cards, EMV chip cards, and NFC contactless payments
 |
$59.95 Bluetooth-enabled card reader. Accepts traditional magstripe credit cards, EMV chip cards, and NFC contactless payments like Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. |
Payanywhere account includes a free mobile POS app, which allows you to process payments from a compatible smartphone or tablet. It comes with inventory and employee management tools and an offline payment processing function.
Payanywhere’s mobile app used to be among the most well-rated software in our list, although ratings have recently declined this past year 4.3 to 3.7 out of 5 with more than 600 reviews.
Users Like | Users Don’t Like |
|---|---|
Easy payment processing | Reports of hidden fees |
Zero monthly fees | Poor customer support |
Clover: Best for merchants with a preferred payment processor
Overall Score:
3.92 / 5
Pros
- Highly rated mobile app
- Can be programmed to work with most merchant services and payment processors
- Accepts payments offline
Cons
- Requires paid plan to access inventory tools
- Limited POS features available to the mobile card reader
- Lacks same-day funding option
Clover overview
Who should use it:
Growing businesses that want to upgrade their card reader without losing their current payment processor
Why I like Clover’s iPhone card reader:
Clover hardware is compatible with most popular payment processors, so you’ll find it offered on multiple payment provider websites. Available POS features depend on the hardware you use, so businesses only pay for what they need according to their business size.
This compatibility with multiple payment processors is why Clover stands out in this list. I like how it allows merchants to keep their current provider while seamlessly upgrading to their hardware. One downside, however, is that Clover has no control over the pricing plan when sold by a third party so you’ll need to shop around on your own to find the best deals.
- Monthly fee: $0 to $84.95
- In-person transaction fee (including contactless): 2.6% + 10 cents
- Keyed-in transaction fee: 3.5% + 10 cents
- Contract length: Month-to-month
- Chargeback fees: $25
- Card reader: $199
- Accepts traditional magstripe credit cards, EMV chip cards, and NFC contactless payments
|
Clover’s credit card reader comes with its proprietary POS software, which merchants can use with their preferred payment processing provider. What’s unique about this is that available POS functions are determined by the hardware. Merchants using Clover Go can choose between a free account for simple payment processing and payment tracking, while those who require basic inventory management tools can subscribe to the paid plan at $29.95 per month.
Clover Go is both popular and highly rated, earning a score of 4.8 out of 5 from nearly 47,000 user reviews on the Apple App Store.
Users Like | Users Don’t Like |
|---|---|
Quick set up | Difficult to process an exchange |
Ability to review transactions | Sales processing issues after software update |
Payment Depot: Best for high-volume sales
Overall Score:
3.87 / 5
Pros
- Interchange-plus pricing
- Highly rated mobile app
- Excellent customer support
- 4.8 out of 5 rating on App Store
Cons
- Charges monthly fees
- Chargeback process is more complex
- US-based merchants only
Payment Depot overview
Who should use it:
Growing businesses with high-volume sales
Why I like Payment Depot’s iPhone card reader:
Payment Depot’s mobile payments are powered by SwipeSimple. The app comes with a product catalog and allows you to not only accept payments, but also add tips, process returns, and even save payment information. And while you can also get this device with other payment processors, it’s the combination with Payment Depot’s pricing and features that sets it above the other providers I’ve reviewed for this guide
As a traditional merchant account provider, businesses are less likely to deal with frozen or delayed funds with Payment Depot. It also offers custom interchange-plus pricing ideal for high-volume sales without the monthly fees. This means you get all the features your business needs and only have to worry about one simple pricing.
Also read: 9 Cheapest Credit Card Processing Companies in 2025
- Monthly plans: $0
- Card-present (including contactless): Custom interchange plus
- Card-not-present: Custom interchange plus
- Chargeback fee: $25
- Card reader: Starts at $49
- Accepts tap, dip, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other NFC payments
- May offer free hardware, depending on custom contract
 |
Starts at $49 (Contact Payment Depot) Connects via Bluetooth and accepts payments via magstripe (swipe), EMV (chip), and NFC contactless payments (Apple Pay, Android Pay). |
As of this writing, SwipeSimple ties with Square as one of the highest-rated apps, with 4.8 out of 5 stars with 5,400-plus ratings. SwipeSimple is used by many merchant services, and there are complaints about some of them. However, most people said it worked well and was easy to use.
Users Like | Users Don’t Like |
|---|---|
Easy to use and learn | Reports of hidden fees |
Invoicing feature | Lack of CRM feature |
How do I choose the best iPhone credit card reader for my business?
Many popular payment processors offer mobile credit card readers that are both affordable and full-featured. However, businesses vary by size and type, so there is no one-size-fits-all mobile payment device. Reliability, functionality, cost-effectiveness, and security are the key features to look for when choosing the best credit card readers for iPhones.
As a merchant, you need an iPhone credit card processor that helps you provide a seamless customer checkout experience, offer the latest and most popular payment methods, and get the most value for your investment in payment processing.
Here’s how:
1. Prioritize device reliability.
A seamless checkout experience is important in building loyalty. Customers become wary of failed transactions, so you need to make sure that your iPhone credit card reader is:
- Compatible with your version of the iPhone operating system
- Known for its reliable connection and minimal to no instance of failed transactions
- Built with a long battery life for extended use while on the go
2. Look for devices that support not only your preferred, but also the latest payment methods
Nowadays, payment convenience is one of the biggest factors that customers look at when trying to decide where to shop, so the best iPhone credit card reader should:
- Support the latest options in payment processing, like EMV (chip) and NFC (contactless) payments
- Come with a mobile POS app built with a wide range of payment tools, such as generating QR and payment links, processing digital wallet payments, and sending digital receipts
3. Compare device cost and value for money
The wide variety of iPhone credit card readers in the market can make choosing the right mobile payment device an intimidating task, so before purchasing one for your business, consider:
- Focusing on options that provide the current payment requirements of your business to avoid spending your budget on features your business does not need
- The security features provided by the payment processor behind the mobile credit card reader to help minimize fraudulent transactions
- The overall cost of accepting credit card payments with the payment processor should be reasonable and most affordable while also providing you with all the payment tools you need to maximize sales.
Get a personalized recommendation
Still not sure which iPhone credit card reader is best for you? Take this quiz for our recommendation. It is only three questions and will provide a result without redirecting you to another page.
Mobile payment alternatives
If you’re looking for more mobile payment solutions, check out my recommendations below:
 |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
Best for: Accepting peer-to-peer payments | Best for: Processing QR code payments | Best for: Using payment links for selling anywhere | Best for: iOS users that need a digital wallet app |
Monthly Cost: $0 | Monthly Cost: $0 | Monthly Cost: $0 | Monthly Cost: $0 |
Transaction Fee: $0 | Transaction Fee: from 1.9% + 10 cents | Transaction Fee: 2.9% + 30 cents | Transaction Fee: $0 |
Methodology: How I evaluated the best credit card readers for iPhone
The best mobile credit card processing services work with both iOS and Android, so I chose those that had the best ratings in the App Store or were more popular on iOS.
I proceeded to evaluate them according to pricing, types of payments provided, additional features, and how quickly you can access your earnings. I also took into consideration the reviews left by real-life users on the Apple App Store.
After comparing popular providers, Square’s contactless and chip continues to rank as the best credit card reader for iPhones. With clear-cut pricing and no contracts, a feature-rich POS system and invoice capabilities, and easy access to your funds, it’s a strong choice for individuals and businesses of all sizes.
Click through the tabs below for our full evaluation criteria:
20%
Pricing & Contract
25%
Card Reader Features
20%
Ease of Use
20%
Account Features
15%
Expert Score
20% of Overall Score
We gave the most points to payment processors that did not require contracts or monthly fees and did not have cancellation fees or minimum requirements. We also took transaction fees heavily into consideration, particularly in-person payments, including contactless/tap, which is most popular among iPhone users for Apple Pay.
25% of Overall Score
The best iPhone payment credit card readers support all types of in-person transactions. We gave premium points for iPhone credit card readers that support offline payment processing and provide PIN pad for debit/prepaid card transactions. We also awarded points for free mobile payment or point-of-sale mobile app.
20% of Overall Score
For this criteria, we evaluated both the mobile credit card readers and the mobile app for their ease of use. We tested the user interface, setup, and configuration as well as the device’s overall reliability. Additionally, we awarded premium points for real-life reviews of each provider’s mobile app.
20% of Overall Score
This criteria focuses on the payment processor’s merchant account service and features. We awarded points for month-to-month contracts, 24/7 support, quick deposit times, and omnichannel features.
15% of Overall Score
This combined our overall evaluation of price and ease of use with scores from real-world users on trusted third-party review sites.
*Percentages of overall score
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
These are some of the questions I frequently encounter about credit card readers for iPhones.
The best credit card reader for iPhones depends on your business needs, but Square Reader is often the top choice for its ease of use, low cost, and seamless iOS integration. Other strong options include PayPal POS, and Clover Go which provide flexibility, quick setup, and reliable mobile payment processing.
Yes. With Apple’s Tap to Pay feature, merchants can accept contactless payments directly on their iPhone without additional hardware. Customers simply tap their card or mobile wallet to your iPhone to complete transactions. However, if you want to accept chip or magstripe cards, you’ll still need an external reader.
Credit card readers for iPhones typically connect via Bluetooth, Lightning port, or headphone jack. Once paired with a payment app, the reader securely captures card details, processes the transaction, and issues a digital receipt. Many also work with contactless payments like Apple Pay, making transactions fast and convenient for both businesses and customers.
When choosing an iPhone card reader, look for compatibility with iOS, low transaction fees, and quick setup. Additional key features include contactless payment support, chip card capability, offline mode, and easy integration with point-of-sale apps. Strong security and responsive customer support are also essential to ensure smooth and safe payment processing.
Yes, reputable credit card readers for iPhones are designed with security in mind. They use encryption and tokenization to protect card data during transactions. Providers like Square, PayPal, and Clover are PCI-compliant, ensuring payments meet industry standards. Choosing a trusted provider helps safeguard your business and your customers against fraud and data breaches.
Bottom line
At the end of the day, finding the best credit card readers for iPhones comes down to making checkout as smooth as possible for your customers. Small business owners need tools that make payments quick, reliable, and flexible, whether that’s through chip cards, tap to pay, or other contactless payments. The easier the process, the more likely customers are to come back.
By focusing on tools that simplify the checkout experience while keeping costs low, you can run your business more efficiently and deliver the seamless payment experience today’s customers expect.
Square offers the best credit card reader for iPhones because it’s affordable, easy to set up, and supports contactless payments. It also works as a full mobile POS solution, letting small business owners manage sales, track inventory, and take payments all in one app. Sign up for a free account.