iPhone Credit Card Reader: Take Payments On-the-Go

Last Updated on October 16, 2024 by Robert Luong

As a business owner, you're always on your iPhone—managing appointments, sending emails, and communicating with your team—all from your trusty device. But have you ever wished your iPhone could do more? How about turning it into a portable point-of-sale system? In this article, we’ll explore how you can use your iPhone to accept payments effortlessly, wherever your business takes you.

What is an iPhone credit card reader?

You've probably heard from fellow business owners that you can process debit and credit card payments with just an iPhone, or maybe you’ve Googled "iPhone credit card reader" once or twice but still don’t have a clear answer. So, what exactly is an iPhone credit card reader?

The term "iPhone credit card reader" refers to using your iPhone with a Point-of-Sale app to handle debit and credit card transactions. This can be done with or without hardware.

With payment hardware: You can connect a credit card reader to your iPhone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to accept card payments. This setup is ideal for businesses that prefer a simple solution to process transactions in-store or on-the-go.

Without payment hardware: If carrying a credit card reader feels cumbersome, you can use Tap to Pay on iPhone to accept credit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets directly from your iPhone. With no upfront costs, Tap to Pay on iPhone is the most affordable and convenient solution for merchants who often process payments on-the-go.

Choosing the right iPhone credit card reader for your business

With an iPhone credit card reader, you can accept debit and credit card payments wherever your business takes you. Here are the pros and cons:

Option 1: iPhone with connected credit card reader:

• Pros: Say goodbye to bulky equipment. The minimal setup of just an iPhone and a card reader saves you space and money. Simply connect a card reader to your iPhone via Bluetooth, and you can take payments anywhere.
• Cons: You'll need to purchase a separate credit card reader, which involves an initial investment ranging from $150 to $500.

Option 2: Tap to Pay on iPhone:

• Pros: With Tap to Pay on iPhone, you can accept debit and credit card contactless payments without any additional hardware, saving you space and cost. According to a global consumer study by Mastercard, nearly 80% of respondents revealed they use contactless payments.
• Cons: Tap to Pay on iPhone only accepts contactless payments. If your customers prefer to pay by inserting or swiping their card, you won’t be able to process those payments. You also need to keep your iPhone charged to avoid any interruption.

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Who should use the iPhone credit card reader?

Any business owner with an iPhone can benefit from having an iPhone credit card reader in their toolbelt. However, some businesses will see greater benefits than the others, for example:

Home Services Businesses: Plumbers, HVAC service providers, landscapers, and other professionals are often on the go and need an iPhone Credit Card Reader to accept payments right at the customer’s location.

Health, Beauty, and Wellness: Hair stylists, mobile massage therapists, and similar small businesses can now offer their services and get paid wherever they go.

Automotive: On-site service providers, tow services, and mobile detailers can get paid at job sites.

Pop-up shops: Businesses that are mobile or open shops at trade shows need the flexibility of iPhone credit card reader to easily take payments without being restricted by old, clunky, point-of-sale systems.

Food trucks: Food trucks and street vendors are always on the move and often deal with fast sale-service rates, so an iPhone credit card reader is perfectly suitable for them. Staff can use their iPhone to take orders and process payments while customers are still in line, speeding up service and enhancing customer satisfaction.

How to get started with an iPhone credit card reader?

To get started with an iPhone credit card reader, the first step is to sign up for a Helcim merchant account. Once approved, download the Helcim Point of Sale app. This allows you to enable Tap to Pay on iPhone and connect a Helcim credit card reader to your iPhone.

There are no monthly fees, no contracts, and no hidden charges, so you only pay for what you process. Ready to take payment and manage your business on a single device? Sign up with Helcim to get started.

Save 25% transaction fees with Helcim

With Helcim's interchange-plus pricing, thousands of merchants have reduced their transaction fees by ~25%.

Interested in switching to Helcim but feel stuck with your current provider? Helcim's Merchant Buyout Program makes the transition smooth and hassle-free. Here’s what you can expect:

• Personalized support to migrate your data
• We’ll waive up to $500 in processing fees to cover your cancellation costs including early termination fees or equipment leases.
• Enjoy better service, lower fees, and free payment tools.

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