How to Set Up And Use A Mobile Credit Card Machine For On-The-Go Payments?

24 minutes read

Setting up and using a mobile credit card machine for on-the-go payments is a convenient way to accept payments from customers wherever you are. To get started, you'll need to choose a mobile credit card machine provider and sign up for an account. Once you have your account set up, you'll receive a mobile credit card reader that can be attached to your smartphone or tablet.


To use the mobile credit card machine, simply insert the card into the reader or have the customer tap or insert their card, and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the transaction. Once the payment is processed, the funds will be deposited into your account.


Using a mobile credit card machine for on-the-go payments is a convenient and secure way to accept payments from customers, whether you're at a trade show, pop-up shop, or providing services on location.

Best Credit Card Machine For Small Business in 2024

1
Shopify POS Go - Mobile Point of Sale Machine & System for Retail, Small Business - All-in-One Credit Card Reader, Terminal, Barcode Scanner, POS Software Device

Rating is 5 out of 5

Shopify POS Go - Mobile Point of Sale Machine & System for Retail, Small Business - All-in-One Credit Card Reader, Terminal, Barcode Scanner, POS Software Device

  • ALL-IN-ONE DEVICE – Designed for efficient, quick, user-friendly in-store transactions, this compact device acts as a complete POS terminal, barcode scanner, and card reader. Accept all payment types including cash, credit or debit cards, and digital wallets.
  • MOBILE CHECKOUTS - Close sales anywhere with this mobile wireless machine. Get everything you need to check out customers in the palm of your hand from the built-in barcode scanner to card reader, WiFi connectivity, and long battery life.
  • USER-FRIENDLY FEATURES - The touchscreen is easy to use and read, with a 5.5" HD display using strong Gorilla Glass 5. The barcode scanner and tap, chip, and swipe card reader functions are intuitive and powerful for quick, smooth operation.
  • SMART BUSINESS MANAGEMENT - Access your entire business from a single device. With this hand-held POS machine you can monitor sales, check inventory levels, update customer profiles, and view analytics.
  • REQUIRES SHOPIFY ACCOUNT - To use the Shopify POS Go, you need to have a Shopify account. New users can sign up for Shopify at shopify.com. Existing Shopify users can start using the Shopify POS Go right away by simply connecting it to your account.
2
Square Register - Powered by Square POS

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Square Register - Powered by Square POS

  • Start selling right out of the box with payments processing, POS software and powerful hardware designed by Square. No extra tablet, apps or payment terminal required.
  • Accept all major cards at 2.6% + $0.10 per tap, dip, or swipe and get funds in your bank account as fast as the next business day. Plus, with Offline Mode, you can still take payments, even when your Wi-Fi is down.
  • Get expert phone support, protection from eligible chargebacks, and a 2-year limited warranty.
  • Customize your setup with two touchscreen displays: one for you and one for your customers
  • Grow your business with constantly improving point-of-sale software, including the Square Point of Sale app, Square Appointments, Square for Retail, and Square for Restaurants.
  • Plug in optional cash drawers, receipt printers, order ticket printers, or bar code scanners and get up and running instantly.
3
Square Terminal - Credit Card Machine to Accept All Payments | Mobile POS

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

Square Terminal - Credit Card Machine to Accept All Payments | Mobile POS

  • With Square Terminal, you can ring up sales, accept payments, and print receipts, all with one device. Use it at the counter or ring up customers anywhere in your store.
  • Accept all major credit and debit cards and pay one low rate with no hidden fees and no long-term contracts.
  • Process chip cards in just two seconds.
  • Get your money as soon as the next business day.
  • Use it cordlessly with the built-in battery, designed to last all day.
4
SumUp Solo + Printer Bundle - Credit Card Payment Card Reader. Full Touch-Screen Interface with Free SIM Card and Mobile Data (SumUp Solo + Printer)

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

SumUp Solo + Printer Bundle - Credit Card Payment Card Reader. Full Touch-Screen Interface with Free SIM Card and Mobile Data (SumUp Solo + Printer)

  • Issue receipts on-the-go with the lightweight pocket-sized device, and benefit from fast and fully thermal inkless printing with 800 receipts on a single charge.
  • Use the printer as a battery pack to kick in when your Solo’s running out of power. Both the reader and the printer stay ready to go with double fast charging and optimal power distribution.
  • Accept all major payment types from chip and contactless to Google Pay and Apple Pay.
  • View your transaction history, issue refunds and enable smart tipping directly on the device
  • Connect to Wi-Fi or use the free, unlimited data service and enjoy automatic software updates to make sure you’re always ready to take payments
5
Swivel Stand for Pax A35 Credit Card Machine Terminal Pin pad - Complete Kit - Sturdy and Durable - 4.7" Tall, Swivels and Tilts

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

Swivel Stand for Pax A35 Credit Card Machine Terminal Pin pad - Complete Kit - Sturdy and Durable - 4.7" Tall, Swivels and Tilts

  • SWIVEL & TILT FLEXIBILITY: The Stand swivels (Left and Right Turns) 330 degree and Tilts (up and down) 50 degree. Swivel gives the cashier flexibility to turn the device towards him/her to help the customers when needed without going to customer side. The tilt feature will adjust the correct angle to hold the Device based on counter height.
  • PACKAGE INCLUDES: This is a complete kit. The package includes the Base Stand with Back Plate to attach the credit card machine (pre assembled), Mounting Screws, Allen Key and Wrench (tools), Adhesive Glue Pad. You can either screw down on counter surface or use Adhesive Glue Pad where Screw is NOT possible, exable - glass counter.
  • PERFECT HEIGHT: The stand if perfect height of 4.7" for all counter level. It has enough clearance for Card Insert from button which can also be adjusted by tilt feature. Once you have the correct tilt position set, you can use the allen Key and Wrench to tight the screw so it won't tilt down anymore.
  • ADHESIVE GLUE PAD: A adhesive Glue Pad is included in each stand as an option to glue down the stand if the surface cannot use the screw (examble glass or marble). The glue pad is very strong to hold the stand as this is made for this purpose. If you ever need to remove the glue pad in the futire, simple slowly heat up the area (with hair dryer) and use a string/thread to workout to remove.
  • DURABILITY: The Stand is made out of robust mild steel with durable powder coated finish. It is very sturdy and durable.
6
Verifone VX520 Dual Comm Credit Card Machine- with Smart Card Reader

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

Verifone VX520 Dual Comm Credit Card Machine- with Smart Card Reader

  • Combines an ergonomic design, small footprint and unique cable management system
  • VX520 DC w/SC 128/32 MB (Dial/ ETH 128 / 32 MB STK) (non contactless) EMV
  • Part Number: M252-753-03-NAA-3
7
First Data FD150 EMV CTLS Credit Card Terminal with Wells 350 Encryption

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

First Data FD150 EMV CTLS Credit Card Terminal with Wells 350 Encryption

  • Chip Card / EMV / NFC Compatible
8
VeriFone Vx520 EMV CLTS 32MB Credit Card Terminal

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

VeriFone Vx520 EMV CLTS 32MB Credit Card Terminal

  • NO ENCRYPTION FOR DEBIT. NEED PIN PAD TO ATTACH WITH THE DEVICE TO WORK FOR DEBI
  • Verifone VX520 terminal with EMV reader, contactless reader, and dual com modem.
  • PCI COMPLIANT
9
Clover Mini POS System for Small Business, Credit Card Reader Anywhere Machine, Built in Printer - Requires Processing Account Through Advantage POS Store

Rating is 4.2 out of 5

Clover Mini POS System for Small Business, Credit Card Reader Anywhere Machine, Built in Printer - Requires Processing Account Through Advantage POS Store

  • A SMALL, POWERFUL POS FOR TIGHT SPACES: Run your business with the sleek and powerful Mini, a POS that fits in any space. Everything you need is right on the device.
  • LARGER TOUCH SCREEN: The upsized 8" touch screen has plenty of room to confirm orders, complete payments, and manage everything to run your business.
  • ACCEPT POPULAR PAYMENT TYPES: The Clover Mini makes it easy for customers to pay with swipe, dip, or tap. Credit or debit. And contactless payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal/Venmo.
  • START SMALL AND EXPAND AS YOU NEED TO: The Clover Mini works with all other Clover devices and can expand with accessories to build a complete system so your system can grow as your business grows.
  • Payments: Accepts chip, swipe, and contactless payments Screen: 8" LCD color touch screen Receipt printer: Built-in thermal dot receipt printer Security: Clover Security end-to-end encryption Connectivity: Wi-Fi, ethernet, and LTE connectivity Cash drawer: Optional add-on
  • READY OUT OF THE BOX: Comes with a receipt printer — all you need to get to work..-(note) Requires new processing account through Advantage POS Store for this package. Rate match guarantee with current credit card payment processor or flat rate of 2.6% and .10 cents a transaction.
10
symcode New POS PDA Thermal Receipt Printer 5.99" High Resolution and Clear Touch Screen Handheld PDA Printer Mobile POS Machine Terminal Printer Android 8.1 OS Built-in Google Play and NFC

Rating is 4.1 out of 5

symcode New POS PDA Thermal Receipt Printer 5.99" High Resolution and Clear Touch Screen Handheld PDA Printer Mobile POS Machine Terminal Printer Android 8.1 OS Built-in Google Play and NFC

  • Symcode New POS PDA Thermal Receipt Printer,5.99" High Resolution and Clear Touch Screen, 5MP camera and Wifi 5G/4G/3G/2G/GPS connectivity.40MM Diameter Paper Roll Capacity, Support Nano SIM+TF , With NFC card recognition.
  • 58mm POS Thermal Receipt Printer Android 8.1 OS,Usb: Support USB OTG.support developers to debug and use .Deca-core/10 cores MTK.
  • [ Control of Inventory ] This thermal receipt printer helps you keep better control of inventory, sales and profits, deliver tickets to your customers, create users, discounts, products by name, code or barcode and much more!
  • POS PDA Compatible with 99% of Android Apps, e.g. Loyverse(For Retail/Clothing), iREAP(For Retail/Inventory), CasierStock(For Shopping/Inventory Management), Kyte(For Mobile Sales), Pozool(Restaurant/Coffee Shop), allow accept order and print receipt in one POS.
  • Handheld PDA printer comes with Google Play and supports the following software, Shopify, Google Chrome, PDF, Loyverse, iREAP, and Kyte, Support Google Play software download.No need for secondary development.which allows accepting the order and print receipt in one POS , 90mm/s boosts 20% working efficiency.
  • POS Receipt Printer inside 3200mAh 7.6V battery lasts the whole day even in the most demanding situations.Work with android app, make bill printing, mobile payment, ordering, takeaway, queue control, marketing management, make all-in-one POS.
  • Terminal printer POS is portable, 0.7in body, 0.9lb weight , also with a 5.5-inch touch screen, also can scan 1D/2D.QR barcodes by the camera.(The camera mainly decodes 2D codes.and the ability to decode 1D codes is relatively weak) It is a combination of Bluetooth thermal printer and mobile phone, so that you can save your money and space, Widely used in food trucks, cafes, drink & food, pizza, bakery, restaurant, grocery store, fashion & boutique, convenience store, jewelry, carwash.


How to customize receipts on a mobile credit card machine?

  1. Access the settings menu on your mobile credit card machine. This can typically be found in the main menu or settings/options section of the device.
  2. Look for an option related to receipt customization or settings. This may be labeled as "Receipt Settings" or "Customize Receipt" depending on the specific device.
  3. In the receipt customization menu, you may be able to change the header and footer text on the receipt. This can include adding your business name, address, contact information, and logo.
  4. Some mobile credit card machines allow you to add custom messages or promotional offers to the receipt. This can be a great way to engage with customers and encourage repeat business.
  5. You may also be able to customize the font size, color, and style of the text on the receipt. This can help make the receipt more visually appealing and on-brand for your business.
  6. Once you have made all the desired changes, be sure to save your settings before exiting the customization menu.
  7. Test a transaction to ensure that the receipt is printing with the desired customization. Make any additional adjustments as needed.
  8. If you have trouble finding the receipt customization options on your mobile credit card machine, consult the user manual or reach out to the manufacturer's customer support for assistance.


How to set up a virtual terminal for online payments with a mobile credit card machine?

To set up a virtual terminal for online payments with a mobile credit card machine, follow these steps:

  1. Choose a mobile credit card machine that offers virtual terminal capabilities. Many mobile credit card processing services, such as Square, PayPal Here, and QuickBooks GoPayment, offer virtual terminal options.
  2. Apply for a merchant account with the mobile credit card processing service of your choice. This will allow you to securely process credit card payments through the virtual terminal.
  3. Once your merchant account is approved, log in to the mobile credit card processing service's website or app and navigate to the virtual terminal section.
  4. Set up the virtual terminal by entering your business information, payment options, and any additional settings you may need, such as customized receipts or reporting features.
  5. To process a payment with the virtual terminal, simply enter the customer's credit card information manually, or swipe their card using a card reader connected to your mobile device.
  6. Once the transaction is complete, the customer will receive a receipt via email or text message, and the funds will be deposited directly into your merchant account.
  7. Make sure to follow all security protocols when processing payments through the virtual terminal, such as encrypting customer data and complying with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) regulations.


By following these steps, you can easily set up a virtual terminal for online payments with a mobile credit card machine and start accepting credit card payments from customers anywhere, anytime.


How to troubleshoot communication errors with a mobile credit card machine?

  1. Check the power source: Ensure that the credit card machine is properly powered on and connected to a power source. If it is battery operated, check if the battery needs to be charged or replaced.
  2. Check the network connection: Make sure that the mobile credit card machine has a stable network connection. Check if the Wi-Fi or data network is working properly and that the signal strength is adequate.
  3. Restart the device: Try restarting the mobile credit card machine by turning it off and then turning it back on. This can often resolve temporary communication errors.
  4. Check for software updates: Make sure that the mobile credit card machine's software is up-to-date. Some communication issues can be resolved by installing the latest updates.
  5. Reset network settings: Resetting the network settings on the mobile credit card machine may help resolve communication errors. Consult the user manual or contact customer support for instructions on how to do this.
  6. Troubleshoot the payment gateway: If the issue persists, there may be a problem with the payment gateway or processor. Contact your merchant service provider or the customer support for the mobile credit card machine for assistance.
  7. Test with another device: If possible, try using the mobile credit card machine with another device to determine if the issue is with the machine itself or with the network connection.
  8. Contact technical support: If none of the above steps resolve the communication errors, contact the manufacturer's technical support or your merchant service provider for further assistance. They may be able to provide specific troubleshooting steps or arrange for a replacement device if necessary.


How to set up contactless payments on a mobile credit card machine?

Setting up contactless payments on a mobile credit card machine involves a few simple steps:

  1. Ensure that your mobile credit card machine supports contactless payments. Most modern machines come with this feature, but if you're not sure, check the product specifications or contact the manufacturer.
  2. Enable NFC (Near Field Communication) on your mobile credit card machine. This is the technology that allows contactless payments to work. You can usually find this setting in the device's settings menu.
  3. Register for a contactless payment service with a payment processor or a payment gateway. This could be services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. You will need to link your business bank account to these payment services.
  4. Obtain a contactless payment-capable card reader from your payment processor or gateway. These card readers are typically small and portable.
  5. Pair your card reader with your mobile credit card machine. This usually involves using Bluetooth connectivity to link the devices.
  6. Test the contactless payment feature by tapping a contactless card or a mobile device with a payment app against your card reader. If set up correctly, the transaction should go through quickly and smoothly.
  7. Encourage your customers to use contactless payments by promoting the convenience and security of this payment method. Display signs or stickers near your checkout area to let customers know that you accept contactless payments.


By following these steps, you can easily set up contactless payments on your mobile credit card machine, making it quicker and more convenient for you and your customers to process transactions.


What are the warranty and support options for mobile credit card machines?

Warranty and support options for mobile credit card machines can vary depending on the specific manufacturer and model of the machine. However, some common warranty and support options that are typically offered for mobile credit card machines include:

  1. Manufacturer's warranty: Many mobile credit card machine manufacturers offer a limited warranty on their devices, typically covering defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty usually lasts for a specified period of time, such as one year, and may include free repairs or replacements for covered issues.
  2. Extended warranty: Some manufacturers or third-party providers offer extended warranty options for mobile credit card machines, which can provide additional coverage beyond the standard warranty period. This can be a good option for businesses that want extra protection for their devices.
  3. Technical support: Many mobile credit card machine providers offer technical support services to help users troubleshoot any issues with their devices. This can include phone support, live chat, email support, and online resources such as FAQs and user guides.
  4. Software updates: Mobile credit card machines require regular software updates to ensure security and functionality. Most providers offer automatic software updates for their devices, but it's important to verify that this is included in the warranty and support package.
  5. Replacement services: Some providers offer replacement services for mobile credit card machines that are damaged or lost. This can be especially valuable for businesses that rely on their devices for daily operations.


Before purchasing a mobile credit card machine, it's important to carefully review the warranty and support options offered by the manufacturer or provider to ensure that you have the necessary coverage and support for your needs.


What are the advantages of using a mobile credit card machine over traditional POS systems?

  1. Portability: Mobile credit card machines are small and lightweight, allowing businesses to easily accept payments anywhere, whether it's a retail store, a pop-up shop, a farmers' market, or a food truck.
  2. Cost-effective: Mobile credit card machines are typically less expensive than traditional POS systems, making them a more affordable option for small businesses or those with limited budgets.
  3. Convenience: Mobile credit card machines offer customers the convenience of paying with their credit or debit card, without the need for cash. This can help to increase sales and attract more customers.
  4. Quick and secure transactions: Mobile credit card machines process transactions quickly and securely, reducing the risk of fraud or errors. This can help to improve customer satisfaction and build trust with clients.
  5. Real-time reporting: Mobile credit card machines can provide real-time reporting on sales and transactions, allowing businesses to track their finances and make informed decisions about inventory, marketing, and other aspects of their operations.
  6. Integration with other devices: Mobile credit card machines can be easily integrated with other devices such as smartphones or tablets, allowing businesses to streamline their payment processes and improve overall efficiency.
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