Your payments should be mobile in the modern business world. Today, Android phones can accept credit card payments anywhere, anytime.
Android credit card readers and mobile point of sale systems on the U.S. market offer speed, affordability, and data security.
Find out what are the best credit card readers and payment apps for Android.
Why Choose Mobile Credit Card Processing
Android credit card readers are lightweight, secure, and easy to use. Using Bluetooth or USB-C, these devices turn your smartphone into a mini POS.
Benefits include:
It’s easy to set up and get approved for most merchants
POS systems with lower processing fees
Contactless (NFC) or chip-based payments
Invoices, sales, and inventory tracking
Secure encryption of customer data
Best Credit Card Readers for Android Phones in the USA
A list of the most popular, trusted, and PCI-compliant credit card readers for Android phones is provided below.
1. Square Reader for Contactless & Chip
Best Overall Credit Card Reader for Android Phones
About:
America’s most popular payment processor is Square. The reader connects via Bluetooth and supports chip-based (EMV) as well as tap-to-pay (NFC) transactions.
Features:
- No monthly fee, 2.6% + $0.10 per swipe
- Free Android POS app
- Fast deposits to your bank
- Real-time sales analytics
Why It’s Great:
Freelancers, cafes, and local businesses will appreciate Square’s simplicity, cost, and performance.
Website: squareup.com
2. PayPal Zettle
Best for Businesses Already Using PayPal
About:
With PayPal Zettle, you can replace PayPal Here on Android devices seamlessly. If you already accept PayPal online, this is great for you.
Features:
- Flat fee: 2.29% + $0.09 per transaction
- Accepts chip, swipe, and contactless payments
- Syncs with PayPal Business accounts
- Deposit directly to your PayPal balance or linked bank
Why It’s Great:
It integrates seamlessly with your PayPal ecosystem and is fast and reliable.
Website: paypal.com/zettle
3. SumUp Plus Reader
Best for Small & Local Merchants
About:
The SumUp Android credit card reader is one of the simplest to use. SumUp Plus connects via Bluetooth to most Android devices.
Features:
- 2.75% flat rate per transaction
- Chip and contactless payments are supported
- Neither monthly fees nor hidden costs
- Free digital POS app included
Why It’s Great:
The best credit card processing solution for small businesses.
Website: sumup.com
4. Clover Go
Best for Growing Small Businesses
About:
Clover Go is a compact, Bluetooth-enabled credit card swiper for Android phones. Clover POS offers advanced reporting and multi-user management as part of its wider ecosystem.
Features:
- Support for EMV and NFC
- Analyzes data using Clover Dashboard
- The U.S. customer support line is open 24/7.
- Fiserv-backed for reliability
Why It’s Great:
In the future, Clover Go may be a good choice for businesses looking to expand into retail or restaurant POS setups.
Website: clover.com
5. Helcim Card Reader
Best for Transparent Pricing & Lower Fees
About:
You pay less for large volumes when you use Helcim, a PCI Level 1–compliant payment processor.
Features:
- Payments accepted by card, chip, and tap
- Android is supported by Helcim’s POS app
- No long-term contracts, no hidden charges
- Free business management software
Why It’s Great:
Low rates and detailed reporting make Helcim the perfect choice for established businesses.
Website: helcim.com
How to Choose the Best Credit Card Reader for Android
Comparison of Android credit card readers should include:
- Fees: Select a flat-rate or interchange-plus model.
- Compatibility: Check the Bluetooth and USB-C compatibility.
- Payout Speed: Some processors pay immediately; others take two to three business days.
- Security: Choose readers certified to PCI-DSS and EMV.
- Extra Features: Inventory tracking or POS reports.
Setting Up Credit Card Processing on Android
- Use your chosen provider’s mobile app (Square, PayPal, SumUp, Clover, etc.).
- Create a business account and verify your KYC
- Use Bluetooth or USB to connect the card reader
- For deposits, pair it with your bank account
- Instantly accept chip, tap, or swipe payments
Customers can pay with their Android phone or card simply by tapping it with NFC (Near Field Communication).
Conclusions
Paying on the go has never been easier. A credit card reader for Android phone is an ideal choice for any local café, delivery service, or market stall.
- Square is the best overall
- PayPal Zettle is best for PayPal users
- SumUp is the best low-cost option
- The best business solution is Clover Go
- Helcim is the best for transparent fees
Now you can securely process payments with your Android phone, regardless of your business size
