For most sellers who take in-person payments, the Square Reader for contactless and chip (2nd Generation) is the best overall mobile credit card reader here because it accepts tap and chip payments in a compact format. The Square Handheld Portable POS suits sellers who want a more self-contained checkout, while the SumUp Plus Bluetooth Card Reader is a straightforward smartphone-connected alternative. The main tradeoffs are which payment methods a reader accepts, whether it depends on a phone or tablet, and how much checkout hardware you want to carry. Older magstripe-only Square readers can fit a narrow use case, but they do not provide tap or chip acceptance. Read on for the full comparison, buying advice and recommendations by business type.
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Key Takeaways
- Tap and chip support set the strongest everyday option apart: Square Reader for contactless and chip handles more common in-person payment methods than the magstripe-only readers.
- Standalone checkout comes with a portability tradeoff: Square Handheld Portable POS combines payment acceptance and checkout tools in one device, while phone-connected readers keep the kit smaller if you already use a compatible smartphone.
- Connector choice can narrow compatibility: Square‘s headset-jack, Lightning and USB-C magstripe readers depend on the device connection they are built for, so check your phone or tablet before choosing one.
- Magstripe readers have a limited role: They may suit sellers with a specific swipe-based workflow, but shoppers who expect tap or chip acceptance should look to a different reader in this lineup.
- More hardware does not automatically mean a better fit: Square Terminal offers a fuller checkout device, while a compact reader can be easier for occasional sales, markets or mobile appointments.
| Square Reader for Magstripe (Headset Jack) |  | Best for Headphone-Jack Devices | Brand: Square | Model: A-SKU-0047 | Connectivity: Wired | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Square Reader for Magstripe with Lightning Connector |  | Best for Lightning iPhones and iPads | Brand: Square | Model number: A-SKU-0523 | Connectivity: Lightning connector | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Square Reader for contactless and chip (2nd Generation) |  | Best Overall for Mobile Card Acceptance | Brand: Square | Model number: 7227688 | Connectivity: Bluetooth | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Square Handheld Portable POS and Credit Card Machine |  | Best for Tableside Orders and Scanning | Manufacturer: Square | Dimensions: 7.04 x 3.12 x 0.62 in | Weight: 2.11 oz | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Square Terminal – Credit Card Machine to Accept All Payments |  | Best for a Standalone Checkout | Manufacturer: Square | Model number: 8.17044E+11 | Dimensions: 5.6 x 3.4 x 2.5 in | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| SumUp Plus Bluetooth Card Reader for Smartphones |  | Best for Bluetooth Flexibility | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Compatible devices: Smartphones and tablets | Operating systems: iOS, Android | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Square Reader for magstripe (USB‑C) |  | Best for Magstripe-Only USB-C Setups | Connectivity: USB Type-C | Compatible devices: Apple and Android devices with a USB-C connector | Operating systems: iOS, Android | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| mobile creditcard reader | Weight | Connectivity | Compatible devices | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square Reader for Magstripe | 1.6 oz | Wired | Apple and Android devices with a 3.5 mm headphone jack | Square |
| Square Reader for Magstripe wi | 2.08 oz | Lightning connector | Smartphones, iPhone, and iPad | Square |
| Square Reader for contactless | — | Bluetooth | Android, iPhone | Square |
| Square Handheld Portable POS a | 2.11 oz | — | — | — |
| Square Terminal | 14.7 oz | — | — | — |
| SumUp Plus Bluetooth Card Read | 142 g | Bluetooth | Smartphones and tablets | — |
| Square Reader for magstripe | 6.53 g | USB Type-C | Apple and Android devices with a USB-C connector | Square |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Square Reader for Magstripe (Headset Jack)
The Square Reader for Magstripe is a simple fit for sellers whose Apple or Android device still has a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Its wired connection means there is no reader battery to charge, and the Square Point of Sale app adds sales history and tracking. That keeps the setup light, though it only handles swipe payments. Compared with the Square Reader for Magstripe with Lightning Connector, this version suits compatible devices with an audio jack instead of a Lightning port; neither offers the chip and contactless options of the Square Reader for contactless and chip (2nd Generation). The main limitation is device compatibility: newer phones without headphone jacks cannot use it. I’d choose it for occasional, straightforward sales with a compatible device, but skip it if customers expect tap or chip payments.
Pros:- Accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express magstripe cards.
- Draws its connection through the device, so the reader does not need charging.
- Works with the Square Point of Sale app for sales tracking and history.
Cons:- Requires a compatible device with a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
- Supports magstripe payments only, unlike Square’s chip and contactless reader.
- The listed warranty is six months.
Best for: Occasional sellers using an Apple or Android device with a 3.5 mm headphone jack who want a reader without its own battery.
Not ideal for: Businesses with newer phones lacking a headphone jack or customers who need chip and contactless payment options.
- Brand:Square
- Model:A-SKU-0047
- Connectivity:Wired
- Interface:3.5 mm audio jack
- Compatible devices:Apple and Android devices with a 3.5 mm headphone jack
- Accepted cards:Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express
- Weight:1.6 oz
- Warranty:6 months
Our verdict“Choose this reader for basic swipe sales if your device has a headphone jack; otherwise, the Lightning or Bluetooth Square reader is a better fit.”
Square Reader for Magstripe with Lightning Connector
This Lightning-connected magstripe reader makes the most sense for sellers already using a compatible iPhone or iPad and Square’s point-of-sale app. The app supports tips, signatures, receipts, discounts, and payment tracking, giving it a fuller checkout workflow than the headphone-jack Square reader. It also supports deposits to a bank account within one to two business days, according to the product details. That convenience comes with a narrow fit: it requires iOS 10.0.2 or later and a compatible Lightning connection, while the Square Reader for contactless and chip (2nd Generation) connects by Bluetooth and accepts tap and chip payments. This model handles magstripe cards, so sellers who want newer payment methods should look elsewhere. Processing and instant deposit fees also affect the overall cost of using it.
Pros:- Accepts major magstripe credit cards through a compatible iOS device.
- Square app supports tips, signatures, receipts, discounts, and payment tracking.
- Product details list bank deposits within one to two business days.
- Includes a one-year limited warranty.
Cons:- Requires a compatible iOS device and Square point-of-sale app.
- Accepts magstripe payments rather than chip or contactless payments.
- Payment processing and instant deposit fees apply.
Best for: Market vendors and mobile service providers using a compatible Lightning iPhone or iPad who want Square app tools for tips and receipts.
Not ideal for: Android users, owners of devices without a compatible Lightning connector, and sellers who need chip or contactless acceptance.
- Brand:Square
- Model number:A-SKU-0523
- Connectivity:Lightning connector
- Compatible devices:Smartphones, iPhone, and iPad
- Operating system:iOS 10.0.2 or later
- Payment type:Magstripe credit cards
- Weight:2.08 oz
- Warranty:1-year limited
Our verdict“Pick this for a Lightning iPhone or iPad checkout built around Square’s app, but choose the Bluetooth Square reader for tap and chip acceptance.”
Square Reader for contactless and chip (2nd Generation)
For a phone-based checkout that needs to take more than swiped cards, the Square Reader for contactless and chip (2nd Generation) is the strongest all-round fit in this group. It accepts chip cards, contactless cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay over Bluetooth, while the magstripe readers depend on a compatible port and only cover swipe payments. Its battery-powered design adds portability, and the reader can accept offline payments for up to 24 hours, which can help when a connection drops. That flexibility still depends on a compatible smartphone, and the reader itself must be recharged after extended use. Compared with the Square Terminal, it is a smaller companion for a phone rather than a standalone device that prints receipts. I’d choose it for mobile sellers who want broad payment coverage without carrying a full terminal.
Pros:- Accepts contactless payments, chip cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
- Bluetooth connectivity pairs with compatible Android and iPhone devices.
- Offline payment capability lasts up to 24 hours.
- No monthly fees or long-term contracts are listed.
Cons:- Requires a compatible smartphone to operate.
- Battery needs recharging after extended use.
- Does not provide the standalone receipt printing of the Square Terminal.
Best for: Mobile vendors, tradespeople, and pop-up sellers who use a compatible iPhone or Android phone and want chip, tap, and wallet payments.
Not ideal for: Sellers who need a standalone checkout with a built-in receipt printer or do not want to keep a reader battery charged.
- Brand:Square
- Model number:7227688
- Connectivity:Bluetooth
- Compatible devices:Android, iPhone
- Accepted payment types:Contactless, chip cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
- Battery type:Lithium-ion, included
- Offline payments:Up to 24 hours
- Warranty:Limited 1-year
Our verdict“Choose this Bluetooth reader for flexible chip and tap payments from a phone; opt for the Square Terminal if you need printing in the same device.”
Square Handheld Portable POS and Credit Card Machine
The Square Handheld is aimed at sellers who need a portable point-of-sale tool for more than taking a card payment. Its barcode scanner and support for tableside orders suit inventory-led counters, food service, and staff moving around a shop. Offline payments can help keep transactions moving when internet access drops, while splash and dust resistance add practical protection during busy shifts. Compared with the phone-dependent Square Reader for contactless and chip (2nd Generation), this is presented as a handheld POS device with scanning built in; the product details do not specify its connectivity or supported payment technologies beyond major credit and debit cards. It also lacks the Square Terminal’s stated receipt printing. The optional protective case and processing fees are additional tradeoffs, so I’d favor it when scanning and mobility matter more than a simple reader.
Pros:- Combines payment acceptance with barcode scanning.
- Supports tableside orders for staff serving customers away from the counter.
- Offline payments can help maintain sales when internet access is unavailable.
- Splash and dust resistance suit active retail or service settings.
Cons:- An accidental-drop protective case is optional.
- Payment processing fees apply.
- The provided product details do not specify its connectivity or accepted payment technologies beyond major credit and debit cards.
Best for: Retail teams and food-service staff who take orders away from a fixed counter and need barcode scanning in the same handheld device.
Not ideal for: Sellers looking for a basic phone-paired card reader or a checkout device with a built-in receipt printer.
- Manufacturer:Square
- Dimensions:7.04 x 3.12 x 0.62 in
- Weight:2.11 oz
- Payment methods:Major credit and debit cards
- Scanner:Barcode scanner
- Offline payments:Supported
- Resistance:Splash and dust resistant
- Date first available:May 13, 2025
Our verdict“Choose the Square Handheld when mobile ordering and barcode scanning are part of the job; for a simpler phone-based reader, consider Square’s 2nd Generation reader.”
Square Terminal – Credit Card Machine to Accept All Payments
The Square Terminal combines payment acceptance and receipt printing in one cordless device, making it a better match for a staffed counter or tableside checkout than a reader that relies on a separate phone. The product details say it processes chip cards in about two seconds and can run for a full day on a charge, which supports a more self-contained checkout routine. Funds may be available as early as the next business day. Compared with the Square Reader for contactless and chip (2nd Generation), it adds a printer and standalone form, but it is heavier and tied to Square’s software ecosystem. It also requires an internet connection for transactions, so it lacks the offline payment option described for Square’s smaller reader. I’d pick it when printed receipts matter more than the lightest possible kit.
Pros:- Combines payment processing with receipt printing.
- Product details state chip cards process in about two seconds.
- Cordless operation with a full-day battery is listed.
- Funds may be available as early as the next business day.
Cons:- Requires internet connectivity for transactions.
- Limited to Square’s software ecosystem.
- Heavier than a compact reader paired with a phone.
Best for: Small shops, cafés, and service counters that want one cordless device for card checkout and printed receipts.
Not ideal for: Outdoor or event sellers who may lose internet access, and mobile workers who prioritize a lightweight phone-paired reader.
- Manufacturer:Square
- Model number:8.17044E+11
- Dimensions:5.6 x 3.4 x 2.5 in
- Weight:14.7 oz
- Battery:1 lithium-ion battery, included
- Receipt printing:Built in
- Chip processing time:About 2 seconds
- Internet requirement:Required for transactions
Our verdict“Choose the Square Terminal for a cordless checkout that prints receipts, provided reliable internet and Square software fit your operation.”
SumUp Plus Bluetooth Card Reader for Smartphones
The SumUp Plus suits sellers who want to keep a phone or tablet in hand while taking payments, with Bluetooth pairing avoiding the need for a USB-C port. It accepts major credit and debit cards through the SumUp app on iOS or Android, so it can fit a mixed-device setup. Compared with the Square Reader for magstripe (USB-C), it connects wirelessly and is not limited to magstripe transactions according to the supplied product details. The tradeoff is a stated 2.6% plus 10 cents per in-person transaction, and the reader still depends on a compatible device and app. Choose it for mobile flexibility; skip it if you want a standalone terminal or need to avoid per-transaction fees.
Pros:- Accepts major credit and debit cards
- Bluetooth connection works with compatible smartphones and tablets
- Supports both iOS and Android through the SumUp app
- No long-term contract or hidden fees stated in the supplied product details
Cons:- In-person transactions carry a stated fee of 2.6% plus 10 cents
- Requires a compatible smartphone or tablet and the SumUp app
Best for: Mobile sellers using an iOS or Android phone or tablet who want a Bluetooth-connected reader for taking major credit and debit cards
Not ideal for: Sellers who need a standalone payment terminal or want to avoid a per-transaction fee
- Connectivity:Bluetooth
- Compatible devices:Smartphones and tablets
- Operating systems:iOS, Android
- Transaction fee:2.6% plus 10 cents per in-person transaction
- Weight:142 g
- Color:White
- Model:Plus Card Reader
- Manufacturer:SumUp
Our verdict“Choose the SumUp Plus if you want a Bluetooth reader for an iOS or Android device and accept the stated transaction fee.”
Square Reader for magstripe (USB‑C)
The Square Reader for magstripe (USB-C) is a compact pick for sellers whose customers pay by swiping and who already use a USB-C iPhone, iPad, or Android device. Its wired connection and Square Point of Sale app keep setup direct, while the app adds sales tracking, inventory management, tips, and digital receipts. Compared with the Bluetooth-based SumUp Plus, this reader plugs straight into the device, but its payment method is much narrower: it supports magstripe only, with no chip or contactless payments. That limitation can rule it out for businesses serving customers who expect to tap or insert a card. Choose this for a simple USB-C swipe setup; look at the Square Reader for contactless and chip if you need broader card acceptance.
Pros:- Plugs into compatible USB-C devices without a separate wireless pairing step
- Square Point of Sale app includes sales tracking and inventory management
- Supports tips and digital receipts through the app
- Lightweight at 6.53 g
Cons:- Accepts magstripe cards only, with no chip or contactless support
- Requires a USB-C connector, so Lightning devices are incompatible
Best for: Small sellers with a USB-C phone or tablet who mainly accept magstripe cards and want Square’s sales and inventory tools
Not ideal for: Businesses whose customers use chip or contactless cards, or sellers using Apple devices with Lightning connectors
- Connectivity:USB Type-C
- Compatible devices:Apple and Android devices with a USB-C connector
- Operating systems:iOS, Android
- Payment method:Magstripe only
- Weight:6.53 g
- Dimensions:4.5 in L × 0.62 in W × 4.5 in H
- Warranty:1 year
- Brand:Square
Our verdict“Choose this Square reader for a lightweight USB-C swipe setup, but pick a chip-and-contactless reader if customers need more payment options.”
How We Picked
I compared these seven devices by how well they fit a mobile checkout, with attention to accepted payment methods, connection type, portability and reliance on a separate phone. I also considered whether each product offers a simple card-reading role or a more complete point-of-sale setup, since those serve different selling routines.
The ranking favors broad payment acceptance and practical mobility for everyday sellers. That puts the Square contactless-and-chip reader first, with Square Handheld and Square Terminal serving buyers who want more checkout hardware. The SumUp Bluetooth reader is a useful phone-connected alternative, while the magstripe-only Square models rank lower because their payment method and connector limit their fit for many buyers. Confirm current device and service compatibility before purchase.
| mobile creditcard reader | Connectivity | Compatible devices |
|---|---|---|
| Square Reader for Magstripe | Wired | Apple and Android devices with a 3.5 mm headphone jack |
| Square Reader for Magstripe wi | Lightning connector | Smartphones, iPhone, and iPad |
| Square Reader for contactless | Bluetooth | Android, iPhone |
| Square Handheld Portable POS a | — | — |
| Square Terminal | — | — |
| SumUp Plus Bluetooth Card Read | Bluetooth | Smartphones and tablets |
| Square Reader for magstripe | USB Type-C | Apple and Android devices with a USB-C connector |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Mobile Creditcard Reader
Choose a reader around the checkout you actually run: what customers pay with, what device you carry and how much setup you want at each sale. These broader questions can prevent a reader that looks portable from becoming awkward in daily use.
Match payment methods to your customers
Think about the cards and devices customers are likely to present, then confirm which methods the reader accepts. A magstripe-only reader may work in a swipe-focused setting, but it leaves out tap and chip transactions. That can create friction when a customer expects to tap a card or phone. Choosing a reader with broader acceptance can also make checkout more consistent across locations. Check the seller’s supported payment methods and regional availability, since product names alone may not tell the whole story.
Check the connection against your actual device
A reader that connects directly to a phone can keep a mobile kit light, but its connector has to match your device. Headphone jacks are absent from many current phones, and Lightning or USB-C compatibility depends on the specific hardware you own. Bluetooth models avoid a physical plug, though they add pairing and charging to the routine. Before buying, check the manufacturer’s device compatibility list and consider whether you may replace your phone soon. A connection mismatch can turn a compact reader into equipment you cannot use.
Decide how much checkout hardware you want to carry
A small reader is easier to pack for appointments, stalls or pop-up sales, especially when you already carry a phone. A handheld POS can reduce dependence on a separate checkout device and may suit sellers who want payment and sales tools together. A countertop-style terminal can provide a more dedicated checkout station, but it is less appealing when every item in your bag matters. Do not pay for a larger setup simply because it appears more capable. Consider how often you move, where customers stand and whether you need a dedicated customer-facing device.
Look beyond the reader to the sales workflow
The reader is one piece of a payment setup, so check which app, account and point-of-sale features the provider requires. A basic reader may be enough when you only need to accept payment, while a fuller device can make sense if you also need item entry or a more structured checkout. Ask whether your workflow needs receipts, staff access, inventory links or offline handling, and verify those features with the provider. Avoid assuming that every function shown in a product listing is included with every service plan or region. A good fit reduces steps at checkout rather than adding features you will not use.
Factor in charging, upkeep and replacement
Mobile hardware needs a charging routine, and a reader that is ready only part of the time can disrupt a busy day. Compare how each option charges and whether you will need to carry a cable, power bank or backup device. More integrated equipment can simplify the number of separate pieces, though it may also be more disruptive if that single device is unavailable. For a seasonal or occasional business, keeping the setup simple may matter more than choosing the most feature-rich unit. Check support, warranty and replacement terms before relying on any reader for regular sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose a magstripe reader or one that accepts tap and chip?
Choose based on the payment methods your customers use and the transactions your business needs to handle. In this lineup, the magstripe-only Square readers are narrower tools, while the contactless-and-chip reader covers more ways to pay in person. If you are unsure, broader acceptance can reduce the chance of needing a second device later. Confirm the provider’s current payment support for your region before ordering. A swipe-only option makes most sense when your workflow specifically calls for it and its device connection suits your setup.
Can I use a mobile card reader without a smartphone?
Some readers in this roundup are designed to work with a separate phone, while dedicated POS devices offer a more self-contained checkout experience. Square Handheld Portable POS and Square Terminal are the options to investigate if you want payment hardware with more built-in checkout capability. Check which tasks each device handles on its own and which still require an account, network connection or companion app. A standalone-looking device may still rely on provider services to process transactions. Decide whether you want to carry and manage a phone as part of checkout before choosing.
How do I know whether a connector-based reader will work with my phone?
Identify your phone model and its available ports, then compare them with the reader’s stated connection and compatibility list. The headset-jack, Lightning and USB-C Square magstripe options are not interchangeable simply because they serve the same basic purpose. Phone cases, adapters and operating system support can also affect use. For Bluetooth readers, check supported operating systems and pairing requirements instead of focusing only on the absence of a cable. If you expect to change phones soon, a connection that is not tied to a disappearing port may offer more flexibility.
When is a larger POS device worth carrying instead of a small reader?
A larger device can make sense when you want checkout controls and payment acceptance together, or when sales happen at a regular service point. It may be less convenient for a seller who moves between customers and already relies on a phone for the rest of the transaction. Think about setup time, space at the checkout and what happens if the device needs charging or service. A compact reader is often easier to share across locations, while a dedicated unit can make a fixed routine feel more organized. Compare the full workflow each device supports before deciding that more hardware will save time.
What should I confirm before buying a reader for pop-up or travel sales?
Check whether the reader and payment service work in the places where you will sell, and how the setup connects to the internet. Confirm battery and charging needs, phone compatibility, supported payment methods and what the provider says about interrupted connectivity. Do not assume that a reader can store or process payments offline; availability and rules can vary by provider and transaction type. Consider whether you can keep your phone, reader and any cables charged during a long event. A quick compatibility check is easier than discovering a service or connection limit at the point of sale.
Conclusion
For an everyday mobile checkout, I would start with the Square Reader for contactless and chip (2nd Generation) as the best overall pick because it combines a compact reader format with tap and chip acceptance. The Square magstripe readers are the value-minded choices only when swipe transactions and their specific phone connections fit your setup. For beginners who want a phone-connected reader, compare the SumUp Plus Bluetooth Card Reader and Square’s contactless-and-chip option against your phone compatibility and payment needs. Choose Square Handheld Portable POS for a more self-contained mobile checkout, or Square Terminal if you want a dedicated, fuller checkout device. For a specific connector-based setup, select among the headset-jack, Lightning and USB-C magstripe readers only after confirming your device supports the connection.
