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7 Cheapest Credit Card Readers of 2026

By the Rankozo research desk · Updated November 10, 2026

Among the 9 tools in our best credit card readers ranking, PayPal Card Reader has the lowest verified paid starting price at $29 one-time for the first reader. Prices below are quoted from each vendor's US pricing page.

  1. 01

    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

    Starts at

    $29

    Score 8.6

  2. 02

    Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader

    Shopify store owners who sell in person at markets, pop-ups or a small shop.

    $49 for the reader without a dock, $89 with the dock; requires a Shopify plan

    Full entry, No. 6 overall

    Starts at

    $49

    Score 8.1

  3. 03

    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

    Starts at

    $54

    Score 8.7

  4. 04

    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

    Starts at

    $59

    Score 9.1

  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

    Starts at

    $199

    Score 8.4

  6. 06

    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

    Starts at

    $199

    Score 7.9

  7. 07

    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

    Starts at

    $299

    Score 8.0

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