What is a mobile card reader? How small businesses take cards on the go
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
- 1Your card appears in your app
- 2Tap it to pay in a shop
- 3See every payment as it happens
A mobile card reader is a small, pocket-sized device that lets a business take card and contactless payments using a phone or tablet. It is popular with market traders, tradespeople and anyone who gets paid away from a shop counter.
How it works
- The reader connects to the provider's app on a phone or tablet, usually by Bluetooth.
- The seller types the amount into the app.
- The customer taps, or inserts their card and enters their PIN, on the reader.
- The app confirms the payment, and the money is paid out to the seller's account later.
Costs to compare
Providers usually charge for the reader itself, then a percentage of each payment, and some add a monthly fee. Check how quickly you are paid out, whether you need a contract, and what happens if the reader breaks.
Try it
Name your platform and watch it come to life
Type a name, tap a colour and pick what it does. The phone changes as you go.
Colour
What it does
Design and preview your whole platform free, then launch when you are ready.
Reader, card machine or phone?
A full card machine works without a phone and often prints receipts, which suits busy counters. A mobile reader is cheaper and more portable. Tap to pay on a phone needs no extra hardware at all. And for payments that aren't face to face, a payment link or invoice needs no reader either.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay doesn't sell card readers or card machines. SendPay platforms give your business payment links, invoicing and subscriptions under your own brand, so customers can pay from their own phone.
How it works
Your own money app- 1Name it and pick your colours
- 2Choose what it does
- 3Launch when you are ready
Why sign up
Create your free SendPay account
It's all about creating your own financial platform with ease. Start with a free account today.
- 🪪A free business accountOpen it in about a minute with your business name, email, password and mobile. No card and no documents to start.
- 💳Get paid from day oneTake card payments, and share your own payment link and invoices so customers pay in a click.
- 🌐A free business websiteFree to build, free to publish and free to keep, with unlimited visits.
- 🚀Your own financial platformDesign and preview your whole platform free, then launch when you are ready.
SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank. Accounts, cards and payments are powered by licensed partners.
Questions people ask
Which card machine deal is cheaper?
Compare device price, fees and monthly charges over a year.
Card machine cost calculator →What is tap to pay on a phone?
Taking contactless payments on your phone.
What is tap to pay on phone? →Read next
Spotted a mistake or something out of date? and we'll fix it. How our guides are made
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. Other companies named in this guide are reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.