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7 Best Free Credit Card Readers of 2026

By the Rankozo research desk · Updated November 10, 2026

7 of the 9 tools in our best credit card readers ranking offer a permanent free plan. Square Reader scores highest among them at 9.1 out of 10.

  1. 01

    Square Reader

    Most small sellers who want a cheap reader for iPhone or Android with no monthly fee.

    $59 one-time for the reader; 2.6% + 15¢ per in-person payment; no monthly fee

    Full entry, No. 1 overall

    Paid from

    $59

    Score 9.1

  2. 02

    SumUp Plus Card Reader

    Low-ticket sellers who want the smallest fixed fee per sale and a long battery.

    $54 one-time for the reader; 2.6% + 10¢ per card-present payment; free plan at $0 a month, POS Plus $49 a month

    Full entry, No. 2 overall

    Paid from

    $54

    Score 8.7

  3. 03

    PayPal Card Reader

    Sellers who already use PayPal and want the cheapest reader and lowest in-person rate.

    $29 for your first reader, $79 for each additional reader; 2.29% + $0.09 per card-present transaction; no monthly or setup fees

    Full entry, No. 3 overall

    Paid from

    $29

    Score 8.6

  4. 04

    Tap to Pay on iPhone (Square)

    Occasional sellers with an iPhone XS or newer who only need contactless payments.

    No reader to buy; 2.6% + 15¢ per tap in the free Square Point of Sale app

    Full entry, No. 4 overall

    Paid from

    Free

    Score 8.5

  5. 05

    Helcim Card Reader

    Growing sellers with higher card volume who want interchange plus rates and surcharging.

    $199 per reader plus shipping; interchange plus processing with no monthly, PCI or statement fees

    Full entry, No. 5 overall

    Paid from

    $199

    Score 8.4

  6. 06

    Square Terminal

    Sellers who want printed receipts and a dedicated device instead of using their phone.

    $299 one-time, or $27 a month for 12 months with Square financing; Hub add-on $39

    Full entry, No. 7 overall

    Paid from

    $299

    Score 8.0

  7. 07

    Clover Go

    Businesses that already run Clover at a counter and want a matching reader on the road.

    $199 for the Go reader on the Starter plan with 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person card; Essentials plan adds $29.95 a month and 2.5% + 10¢

    Full entry, No. 8 overall

    Paid from

    $199

    Score 7.9

Scores and prices come from our Best Credit Card Readers ranking, which uses one method for every tool. Questions or corrections: editorial@rankozo.com