Best Card Readers with Apps for iPhone and Android Phones
8th of December 2024
3 minute readLooking for the best card readers for your phone? You’ve come to the right place! We can help you find the perfect card reader that works smoothly with your iPhone or Android.
The best card readers for iPhone and Android phones include Square Reader, PayPal Here, and SumUp. These devices connect via Bluetooth or audio jack and work with easy-to-use apps for taking payments on the go.
There’s so much more to know about these card readers. Keep reading to discover which one suits your needs best!
Ready to choose the best card reader for your business? Click the link below to explore our top recommendations and make your payments easier today!
Best Card Readers with Apps for iPhone and Android Phones
When choosing a card reader, it’s important to consider ease of use, compatibility, and fees. Square Reader is popular for its simplicity and no monthly fees. PayPal Here is great for those who already use PayPal, offering seamless integration. SumUp is known for its low transaction fees and compact design. These card readers connect to your phone via Bluetooth or audio jack and work with their respective apps to help you accept payments anywhere.
How Card Readers Work
Card readers are essential devices that allow businesses to accept payments from customers using credit or debit cards. Understanding how they work can help you appreciate the technology behind secure and convenient transactions. Here’s a simple breakdown of how card readers operate:
- A wireless card reader connects to a mobile phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
- The app on the mobile device communicates the transaction to the card reader.
- The payer enters their PIN or taps a card just like on a standard card machine.
These devices typically have no monthly fees, lock-in, or complicated charges. Instead, you purchase the card reader upfront and pay a fixed rate per transaction. This is particularly appealing for merchants who cannot commit to ongoing costs and perfect for new businesses looking to start quickly.
Card Readers for iPhone and Android Phones Comparison in the UK
When choosing a card reader for your iPhone or Android phone, it’s important to consider factors such as compatibility, fees, ease of use, and additional features. Below is a comparison of some of the most popular card readers available in the UK:
SumUp Air – Excellent for Simple Shops
Price: £49 (excluding VAT)
Transaction Fee: 1.69%
Advantages: Accessible business tools
SumUp Air is known for its simplicity and efficiency. It features a sleek glass PIN pad that’s easy to clean and has a long battery life. The SumUp App, which it connects to, includes a product library, user accounts, sales overviews, payout reports, and online payment options.
Pros:
- No monthly fees or lock-in
- Next-day payouts
- Easy to clean
- Various online payment tools
Cons:
- Basic POS features
- Limited integrations
Square Reader – Comprehensive Free App
Price: £19 (excluding VAT)
Transaction Fee: 1.75%
Advantages: Numerous app features
The Square Reader is compact and lightweight, lacking a PIN pad but supporting PIN entry on your mobile device. Its Square Point of Sale app is highly comprehensive, offering features such as inventory tracking, employee management, and multiple payment methods.
Pros:
- Smallest card reader
- No monthly fees or lock-in
- Excellent free POS app
- Many online tools
Cons:
- PIN pad only in the app
- Support only on weekdays
Revolut Reader – Best for Revolut Business Users
Price: £49 + £5 shipping (excluding VAT)
Transaction Fee: 0.8%-2.6% + 2p
Advantages: Low UK card rate
The Revolut Reader is ideal for those already using a Revolut Business account. It features a basic app and requires a separate Merchant Account approval. While it offers low rates for domestic cards, the support can be slow and the app is not designed for comprehensive POS functions.
Pros:
- Good business account features
- Low rates for UK consumer cards
- Payouts within 24 hours
Cons:
- Slow support
- Basic app features
- Extra approval for Merchant Account
Zettle Reader – Best Design
Price: £29-£59 (excluding VAT)
Transaction Fee: 1.75%
Advantages: Ergonomic design
Zettle Reader is renowned for its ergonomic design and wide range of accepted cards. It integrates with various hardware and offers a free POS app with basic features. However, PayPal’s acquisition of Zettle has led to fewer updates.
Pros:
- Most ergonomic card reader
- No monthly fees or lock-in
- Wide range of accepted cards
Cons:
- Limited online payment tools
- Few recent updates
Shopify WisePad 3 – Best for E-commerce Integration
Price: £49 (excluding VAT)
Transaction Fee: 1.5%-1.7%
Advantages: Shopify integration
The Shopify WisePad 3 integrates seamlessly with Shopify’s e-commerce platform, ideal for businesses using Shopify online stores. The device requires a Shopify subscription, making it more expensive but highly effective for omnichannel sales.
Pros:
- Excellent omnichannel features
- 24/7 customer support
- High-quality card reader
Cons:
- Requires an e-commerce subscription
- Higher initial cost
Compare Card Readers for iPhone and Android Phones:
| Card Reader | Price* | Transaction Fee | Advantage | Website |
| SumUp Air | £49 | 1.69% | Accessible business tools | SumUp |
| Square Reader | £19 | 1.75% | Comprehensive app features | Square |
| Revolut Reader | £49 | 0.8%-2.6% + 2p | Low UK card rate | Revolut |
| Zettle Reader | £29-£59 | 1.75% | Ergonomic design | Zettle |
| Shopify WisePad 3 | £49 | 1.5%-1.7% | Shopify integration | Shopify |
| Elavon | £29 | 1.75%-2.5% | 24/7 support | Elavon |
| Smartpay Anywhere | £29 | 1.6% | Low fixed rate | Barclaycard |
*Prices exclude VAT.
Conclusion
Selecting the best card reader depends on your specific needs. SumUp and Square offer excellent features for small businesses, while Revolut and Shopify provide specialised solutions for business account users and e-commerce integrations. Zettle stands out for its ergonomic design, making it a versatile choice for various business settings.