If you need a basic credit card processor without a lot of frills, then a credit card processing app could fit the bill. Most popular mobile payment apps can be downloaded for free on iOS or Android devices, are easy to sign up for, and let you start accepting payment quickly through the app or a connected card reader.
The best payment apps have some built-in POS software and inventory tracking tools and connect to other business management software like accounting and ecommerce. Our top recommendations offer solutions for different business types and operating requirements.
Based on our evaluation, the best credit card payment apps for 2021 are:
- Square: Best overall payment app for new and growing businesses.
- PayPal Here: Best for businesses of all sizes, including those doing international business.
- Intuit GoPayment: Best for businesses wanting to integrate sales with QuickBooks accounting.
- Shopify: Best for merchants needing online and in-person sales.
- Payanywhere: Best for restaurants and food services that need split checks and open tab functions.
- SumUp: Best for solopreneurs and small businesses wanting a basic and easy-to-use credit card processor.
How We Evaluated Credit Card Payment Apps
We examined a dozen of the most popular credit card payment apps by price, payment types, and hardware requirements. We looked for payment apps that were mobile but could be applied to online or POS systems, which were easy to sign up for and use right away. We also considered features beyond simple sales, such as invoicing or recurring payments, how funds are paid out, and how each app handles chargebacks. We also looked for the versatility of features to find qualities that stand out. Finally, we considered reviews by actual users and my own personal experience using the different apps and interacting with customer support.
Overall, we found Square’s credit card payment app to be the best, earning an overall score of 4.34 out of 5. This is also in line with my personal experience using apps to accept customer payments and working with small businesses that use POS systems every day. We find Square to be one of the most intuitive payment apps on the market and also one that provides much value.
Click through the tabs below for a more detailed breakdown of our evaluation criteria:
20% of Overall Score
We review each app’s subscription pricing and fees for tapped, dipped, swiped, and keyed-in card payments. We also take a look at the cost of card readers, providing high marks for devices that are free and points for ones that are less than $50 or available for purchase via an affordable installment plan.
20% of Overall Score
We awarded premium points for quick payout times and merchant-friendly chargeback policies. We also favored apps that include ecommerce or marketplace integrations, additional payment tools like invoicing, and other business management functions like customer directories or product tracking.
25% of Overall Score
The platform itself should be versatile so that it can grow with the business, which is why top marks are awarded to apps that can work as a stand-alone or as an integration to a larger POS system. We also identified providers with the widest options of payment types and tenders accepted. Finally, we gave high marks for providers with the simplest transaction fee structures, including low-cost flat-rate options and interchange-plus models.
15% of Overall Score
Taking payments with a card payment app should be easy. We awarded points to apps that can work with any mobile device. We also looked into each app’s reviews from Google Play and App Store. Extra points were also given for systems that provide round-the-clock support.
20% of Overall Score
We evaluated the quality of each app’s both general and industry-specific features, noting standout and any missing functions. We also weighed the software and hardware options against their costs to determine which system offers a good overall value for its price. I also awarded points based on my personal experience interacting with the software and the company’s customer support.
Square
PROS
- Works for the casual solopreneur or the active SMB with in-store and online presence
- Easy chargeback disputes
CONS
- Cannot accept payments in multiple currencies
- Not good for high-risk businesses
RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 4.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
Card Payment App-Specific Features | 4.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
Account Features | 3.88 | OUT OF | 5 | |
Ease of Use | 4.25 | OUT OF | 5 | |
Expert Score | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
Growing businesses should consider Square as its credit card processor because of its ease of use and wide range of features that let you grow your system with your business needs. Solopreneurs with limited stock or sales can take advantage of the simple mobile app and free card reader, while brick-and-mortar stores can design a POS system that works online and in-store. Square also integrates with other software. The rates are simple and competitive.
Based on our scoring system, Square stands out as the best card payment app in terms of scalability, backed by solid POS features to support new and growing businesses. It earned a total score of 4.34 out of 5, with high marks across the board, edging out PayPal for first place with its business-friendly chargeback policy and integrated sales features.
Square is also our top choice for small business POS systems and mobile credit card processing. It offers great value by bundling payments and software together in one free account.
Square Pricing
Square is completely free to use; sellers just have pay-as-you-go transaction fees. Upfront costs are limited to a card reader. Interest-free installment plans are also available on hardware purchases over $49.
Square Transaction Fees: | Square Hardware: |
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Square App Features
- Accept credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, and other mobile wallet solutions
- Record cash, gift cards, and other forms of tender
- Physical, digital, invoiced, or recurring sales
- Send receipts via text or email
- Apply discounts and refunds directly from POS
- Track inventory in real time, with low-stock alerts
- Integrates with business apps, including ecommerce, shipping, appointments, forms, and communications
- Connects to POS hardware systems
- Funds access in one to two days or immediately if using the Square debit card
- Fraud protection and some chargeback representment
Square User Reviews
- 4.3 out of 5 stars on Google Play
- 4.8 out of 5 stars App Store
If you’re ready to get started, visit Square to create a free account.
PayPal Here
PROS
- Processes 100+ currencies for over 200 countries
- Discounts, special programs for nonprofits
CONS
- No POS system, limited inventory management
- PayPal will hold funds for certain conditions
RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 4.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
Card Payment App-Specific Features | 4.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
Account Features | 3.25 | OUT OF | 5 | |
Ease of Use | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
Expert Score | 4.38 | OUT OF | 5 |
PayPal Here has long been a leader in payment processing, and its payment app, PayPal Here, is one of the most highly regarded apps by users. In addition to being able to process just about any kind of payment, it handles international currencies. It does not have an extensive POS app, but it does let you track sales by time, product, and even employees. You can access your funds with a PayPal debit card or have them transferred to your bank account. With basic and competitive pricing, it’s one of the best credit card processors for just about any business.
A note of caution, however. PayPal can hold funds for first-time sellers, sellers who have not used the app in a while, and sellers whose pattern has changed. It may also hold funds if your swiped or keyed-in payments exceed $500 in a week. If you need to process more than that or want an app with more sales features, then consider using Square.
In our evaluation, PayPal scored a total of 4.20 out of 5, with high marks for card payment app-specific features, ease of use, and pricing. While it has an advantage over Square for its ability to accept international payments, PayPal’s lack of sales features to support small and medium businesses prevented this provider from earning the top spot.
PayPal Here Pricing
Like Square, PayPal Here just requires pay-as-you-go transaction fees with no subscriptions or monthly minimums.
PayPal Transaction Fees: | PayPal Hardware: |
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PayPal Here App Features
- Accept credit card, debit card, Venmo, Apple Pay, and other mobile wallet solutions
- AI-assisted fraud protection and seller protection
- Customize sales taxes
- Product lists including photos and descriptions
- Tip suggestions
- Sales history management—including time of sale, products, employees
- Text and email custom receipts
- Add and manage multiple users on one device
- Integrate with ecommerce platforms, marketplaces
PayPal Here User Reviews
- 4.3 out of 5 stars on Google Play
- 4.6 out of 5 stars on App Store
QuickBooks GoPayment
PROS
- Accepts debit card payments along with other payment tenders
- Feeds information to QuickBooks
- First card reader is free
CONS
- Need QuickBooks, Mint, or TurboTax
- No third-party integrations
RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 3.63 | OUT OF | 5 |
Card Payment App-Specific Features | 4.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
Account Features | 2.88 | OUT OF | 5 | |
Ease of Use | 4.25 | OUT OF | 5 | |
Expert Score | 4.69 | OUT OF | 5 |
If you use QuickBooks, TurboTax, or Mint, you can get Intuit GoPayment for your card processing needs. The app requires QuickBooks Payments to work, which incurs a monthly fee but gives you tools for business accounting and payment processing. GoPayment is not a full POS system, but you can create inventory lists, set taxes, and create discounts. If you need a more complex solution, it will integrate seamlessly with QuickBooks POS but not a third-party solution.
In our evaluation, QuickBooks GoPayment earned a total score of 3.88 out of 5, earning high marks for ease of use and expert score. Intuit GoPayment edged out Shopify for its pricing, particularly because it offers a free card reader and lower in-person transaction fees. However, the cost of QuickBooks’ POS system is quite steep, and small business owners who want to add sales features would be better off using Shopify or Square.
QuickBooks GoPayment Pricing
To use GoPayment, you’ll need a QuickBooks Online account. See our guide on QuickBooks Online to learn more about the different plan options and pricing.
GoPayment Transaction Fees: | GoPayment Hardware: |
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GoPayment also offers up to 40% discounts for merchants processing over $7,500 per month in charges.
QuickBooks GoPayment App Features
- Process debit and credit cards, along with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
- Invoicing, including a “Pay Now” button on invoices
- Funds arrive in your bank account the next business day
- Create inventory lists with photos and details
- Calculate discounts and taxes
- Scan credit cards
- Create customized receipts
- Integrate with the customer’s bank for real-time mobile payments
- Integrate with QuickBooks POS
QuickBooks GoPayment User Reviews
- 4.2 out of 5 stars on Google Play
- 4.8 out of 5 stars on App Store
Shopify
PROS
- Leading shopping cart solution with in-store POS capability
- Fraud protection and some chargeback protection
CONS
- Limited to Shopify customers
- Chip reader limited to US and Canada
RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 2.50 | OUT OF | 5 |
Card Payment App-Specific Features | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 | |
Account Features | 3.63 | OUT OF | 5 | |
Ease of Use | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
Expert Score | 4.38 | OUT OF | 5 |
If you are looking for credit card processing and great software for an online store, then Shopify may be the right choice for you. Shopify has two apps: Shopify POS Lite, a POS application for occasional sellers (such as for fairs or markets), and Shopify POS Pro, a more robust solution that handles multiple stores, marketing campaigns, and more.
Regardless of which app you choose, you need a Shopify plan, which incurs a monthly fee but provides you with an online store. POS Lite is included for free with each plan, whereas POS Pro requires an additional monthly fee.
All things considered, Shopify earned an overall rating of 3.79 out of 5, trailing closely behind QuickBooks GoPayment. It earned high marks for ease of use and expert score, in particular, for its solid online platform and round-the-clock customer support. However, comparatively pricey subscriptions, strict chargeback policies, and mixed user reviews prevented Shopify from getting a higher score. If you do need a free app, Square or PayPal Here would be a better choice.
Shopify Pricing
Shopify Lite | Basic Shopify | Shopify | Advanced Shopify | |
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Monthly Fee | $9 | $29 | $79 | $299 |
In-person Transaction Fees | 2.7% | 2.7% | 2.5% | 2.4% |
Online Transaction Fees | 2.9% + 30 cents | 2.9% + 30 cents | 2.6% + 30 cents | 2.4% + 30 cents |
Shopify offers a 14-day free trial, and fraud protection costs extra. POS Lite is included free for every plan, while POS Pro is an additional $89 per month.
Shopify App Features
Shopify POS
- Process credit cards, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, PayPal, and Google Pay
- Fraud protection via 3D Secure checkouts and reimburses US and Canadian customers for fraudulent chargebacks
- Records cash
- Discount processing
- Email or text receipts
- Sync with your online store and other sales channels
- Inventory management
- Add customer notes to orders
Shopify Ecommerce: Shopify POS features, plus
- Print packing slips
- Refunds
- Manage tags and notes
- Track conversions
- Grow sales with Google of Facebook ads
- Blog
- View sales reports
Shopify POS User Reviews
- 3.7 out of 5 stars on Google Play
- 4.6 out of 5 stars on App Store
Payanywhere
PROS
- Can set up autopay for subscriptions and recurring payments
- Allows open tabs, split payments, and tips
CONS
- Inactivity fee
- Platform unstable, frequent updates interfere with performance
RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 4.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
Card Payment App-Specific Features | 3.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
Account Features | 2.88 | OUT OF | 5 | |
Ease of Use | 3.38 | OUT OF | 5 | |
Expert Score | 4.06 | OUT OF | 5 |
Payanywhere is a mobile credit card app that also offers hardware terminals. It’s a good choice for restaurants and food services because it has features for split payments, open tabs, and tips. In addition, it has an autopay feature for recurring payments.
If you only sell goods occasionally, this is not the best choice, as Payanywhere charges an inactivity fee for accounts that are not active after 12 months. If you’re more of an occasional seller, Square or PayPal Here are the better choices.
After our evaluation, Payanywhere scored a total of 3.44 out of 5. Like Square, Payanywhere offers a free software plan along with the first card reader for free. On the other hand, the app itself needs improvement, as reflected on the mid-range ratings it received from Android and Apple users who tried the platform.
Payanywhere Pricing
Payanywhere Transaction Fees: | Payanywhere Hardware: |
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Payanywhere App Features
- Process Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and AliPay, plus contactless payments like Apple Pay and Samsung Pay
- Email or text receipts
- Create open tickets and tabs
- Enable split payments, accept tips
- Inventory management tools
- Allow customers to set up autopay
- Invoicing
- Transaction reports
- Virtual terminal
- Integrations with QuickBooks, GRUBBRR, GiveHub, and others
Payanywhere User Reviews
- 3 out of 5 stars on Google Play
- 3.5 out of 5 stars on App Store
SumUp
PROS
- Can handle tips and cash payments
- Accept payment links via social media
CONS
- No chargeback protection
- No third-party integrations
RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 3.38 | OUT OF | 5 |
Card Payment App-Specific Features | 3.25 | OUT OF | 5 | |
Account Features | 2.88 | OUT OF | 5 | |
Ease of Use | 3.38 | OUT OF | 5 | |
Expert Score | 4.06 | OUT OF | 5 |
SumUp is a handy credit card payment app that works well for solopreneurs and independent businesspeople. Like Square and PayPal Here, it can receive payments in-person and via links, phone, and invoice. The app has a basic product catalog that allows photos and tax rates, revenue reports for tracking sales and taxes, and allows you to accept tips and cash. You can send receipts via the app as well.
Based on our evaluation criteria, SumUp scored a total of 3.38 out 5, with high marks for free features like payment links, Text2Pay, virtual terminal, and invoicing. User reviews from App Store and Google Play are somewhat mixed. SumUp also lacks third-party integrations and chargeback protection that most businesses would want in a card payment app provider.
SumUp Pricing
SumUp Transactions: | SumUp Hardware: |
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SumUp App Features
- Accept credit cards, eWallets like Apple Pay, gift cards
- Send payment links via social media, text, or email
- Create and manage products in a catalog
- Add and edit tax rates
- Get revenue reports
- Manage multiple employee accounts
- Track tips
- Handle cash payments
- Email or text receipts
- Money delivered to your bank in one to two business days
SumUp User Reviews
- 3.2 out of 5 stars on Google Play
- 3.2 out of 5 stars on App Store
Bottom Line
These days, even the most casual solopreneur needs a way to process credit card payments. Fortunately, there are many effective applications that work on your smartphone. Most offer other features as well, from invoicing to fully-featured POS solutions. They usually pay to a special account and let you transfer the money to your bank in a day or two.
Square is our top choice for credit card payment processors because of its competitive pricing, which includes the software and card reader for free. It’s the highest-rated mobile app by users as well. Sign up for an account (if you haven’t already), download the app, and start processing payments easily with Square.
You May Also Like…
- Take advantage of free POS software to track product counts and sales reports
- Learn about traditional merchant accounts and whether it’s right for your business
- As your business grows, find the cheapest credit card processing to keep costs down
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