A comparison of wireless card readers for processing payments and merchant services. Learn what mobile credit card processing hardware integrates into your pos point of sale or business software. How to accept payments in the field.
At SwipeSum, we’re all about helping business owners to run their business how they want to. We work tirelessly with our processing network to make sure that the needs (and wants) of every business we serve are met. We understand that not every business has a traditional checkout counter in their store. In fact, some businesses don’t have a set location at all. For these businesses, we recommend wireless credit card readers for accepting payments.
In this article, we’ll highlight a few of our favorite wireless readers for your business to consider. Please note that not all of these readers will be available with your chosen processor, but you’re likely to have access to at least one of these readers if you find your processing solution through SwipeSum.com.
Wireless readers are growing more and more common nowadays. They can work with any number of devices, whether that be a smartphone, tablet, or a traditional desktop terminal. That means that businesses of all sizes can use these readers and benefit from their portability.
Let’s take a look at our recommendations:
Poynt
Poynt offers a series of wireless card readers, from the handheld Poynt 5 to the tablet-sized Poynt terminal. While all of their products are wireless, some are more portable than others. If you’ll be keeping your reader in-store but would like to have the freedom to move it around, the Poynt terminal is a perfect option. It’s sleek, responsive, and surprisingly lightweight.
If you operate exclusively on the go, you can’t go wrong with the Poynt 5. It’s basically the size of your average smartphone but has a card reader built right in. Both the Poynt 5 and the Poynt Terminal are capable of connecting to your processor over WiFi or 3G, which means you can accept card payments almost anywhere (unless you’re running your business in the middle of a desert).
SwipeSimple
If you’ve already got a smartphone and you just need something that will allow you to accept card swipes, the SwipeSimple by CardFlight is a great option. There are two models available: the Swift B200 and the Swift B250. Both devices connect to your device using Bluetooth, which means you can use them anywhere you can use your phone. Setup is super simple too. All you have to do is connect the devices via Bluetooth, download the SwipeSimple app, and you’re ready to go!
The more basic Swift B200 accepts just card swipes and chips, while the Swift B250 adds NFC capability, allowing you to collect payments from digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Wallet.
Ingenico APOS A8
The APOS A8 is unique in that it’s not just a card reader, but actually has all the functionality of a full-fledged point-of-sale terminal built-in. Of course, you can swipe a card, but you’ll be able to scan bar codes, print receipts, check inventory, and more!
Sure, it’s not as pretty as the Poynt or as portable as the SwipeSimple, but the APOS A8 is really the most comprehensive wireless option available. It can connect to your processor via WiFi, 4G, 3G, and even 2G (who even knew that existed anymore?). It accepts card swipes, dips, and mobile wallets. If you want to cover every conceivable base, the APOS A8 should be your choice.
Verifone VX 690
The Verifone VX 690 is the best middle-of-the-road option on this list. If you don’t want to be strictly portable, but also don’t need to carry a full-on POS in your pocket, it’s a good option. It has the main features that you’d hope for in a mobile reader: it accepts both card swipes and mobile wallets and offers connectivity via BlueTooth, 3G, or WiFi.
The only real downside of the Verifone VX 690 is its form factor. While it can be held in one hand, it’s clear that this reader was not made to be carried around. The design is similar to its wired counterparts, and it’s not as light as other portable options like the Poynt 5.
If you need hardware advice for your business, feel free to contact the payment processing experts at SwipeSum. We specialize in finding the best payment processing solution for your unique business. We can assist with hardware, software, POS, processors, and more. Reach out to us by emailing save@swipesum.com or calling (314) 390-1461.
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