When it comes to setting up an ecommerce store in Shopify, payment method is a vital step that any store owner would care about. One of the most popular questions for this step that we’ve got is how to use the card reader for accepting payments via credit or debit card. Shopify card readers make it easy to accept payments in person by securely reading customer credit cards. 

In this blog post, we’ll explain what card readers are, how to use them with Shopify POS and compare their costs and features. You’ll also find step-by-step instructions for pairing and using Shopify card readers to help you get started quickly.

What is a Card Reader?

A card reader lets businesses accept credit and debit card payments by reading the card’s information and securely processing payments through swiping, inserting, or tapping.

Shopify offers a variety of card readers that integrate seamlessly with its Point of Sale (POS) system, making it easy for businesses to handle in-person payments. It also supports contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay, giving customers flexible payment choices. With a user-friendly design, the Shopify card reader is an essential tool for stores aiming to manage in-person sales smoothly and efficiently.

Types of Shopify-Supported Card Readers

Shopify offers a selection of card readers to facilitate in-person payments, each designed to meet different business needs. Below is a comparison of Shopify-supported card readers:

Why You Should App the Shopify Card Reader

Applying the Shopify Card Reader is an innovative tool to streamline payment processes. 

1. Simple and Portable Design – Shopify Card Readers are compact, lightweight, and easily connected to smartphones or tablets, making payments quick and hassle-free, whether at the counter or on the go.
2. Robust Security Features – With advanced encryption and tokenization, Shopify Card Readers protect customer data. EMV compatibility for chip cards adds another layer of security, protecting merchants and their customers.
3. Flexible Connectivity – Shopify Card Readers don’t rely on Wi-Fi alone. They work with mobile networks, wired internet, or Wi-Fi, ensuring consistent payment processing wherever you are.
4. Reliable Fraud Prevention – The readers convert sensitive payment information into secure codes using tokenization, preventing fraud and building customer trust.
5. Fast, Convenient Payments – With options for swiping, tapping, or scanning, these readers allow customers to pay quickly without cash, making their experience smooth and satisfying.
6. Automatic Transaction Tracking – Shopify POS automatically tracks and records transactions, simplifying bookkeeping and offering valuable insights for better financial management.
7. Building Customer Trust – By prioritizing secure payments and data privacy, Shopify Card Readers strengthen customer trust, helping create lasting relationships.
8. Real-Time Inventory and Analytics – The readers integrate with Shopify’s POS system, providing real-time inventory updates and analytics to support smart business decisions and customer service.

How to Use the Shopify Card Reader: A Detailed Guide

To use the Shopify card reader, follow these steps:

Step 1: Download the Shopify POS App
First, install the Shopify POS (Point of Sale) app on your smartphone or tablet. Download it for free from your device’s app store for easy access.

>>See more: How to set up the Shopify POS app. 

Step 2: Connect Your Shopify Card Reader
Next, plug in your Shopify Card Reader using your device’s audio jack or charging port. It’s designed for quick setup, allowing you to connect effortlessly.

Step 3: Open the App
Launch the Shopify POS app from your home screen, and tap to begin.

Step 4: Add Products
In the app, add the products or services you plan to sell. You can also apply any discounts to make sure receipts are accurate.

Step 5: Start Payment Process
When your customer is ready, tap “Charge” in the app to begin the payment process.

Step 6: Select Payment Method
The customer can then pick their preferred payment method:

• Swipe: Swipe magnetic stripe cards through the reader.
• Insert: Insert chip cards into the reader.
• Tap: Tap contactless cards or use digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Step 7: Signature (if required)
If needed, the customer can sign directly on your screen.

Step 8: Confirm Payment
Double-check payment details to confirm the amount and items, then finalize the transaction.

Step 9: Send the Receipt
Choose how to send the receipt—by email or text—for a quick, eco-friendly option.

Step 10: Complete the Sale
The sale is now complete! After payment is confirmed, hand over the purchases. The Shopify card reader streamlines the payment process, making it quick and secure for you and your customers.

So, How Much Does Shopify Card Readers Cost?

Shopify offers a range of card readers at different price points to suit various business needs. Here is the price range for the most popular Shopify-supported card readers:

• Tap & Chip Reader: $49 – Ideal for contactless and chip card payments.
• Chip & Swipe Reader: $29 – Handles chip and swipe payments.
• Swipe Card Reader: $29 – Supports swipe-only payments via audio-jack, 30-pin, or Lightning ports.
• Tap, Chip, and Swipe Reader: $79 – A versatile option combining tap, chip, and swipe functionalities in one device.
• Moneris iPP320 Terminal: Prices vary, typically around $349 or more, depending on the region and chosen payment plan.

Shopify POS Supported Card Readers: Key Features 

Shopify provides a variety of card readers to help businesses process payments in-store quickly and securely. Each reader has unique features, allowing businesses to choose the best fit for their needs. Here’s an overview of them. 

1. Tap & Chip Reader

The Tap & Chip Reader accepts contactless (tap) and chip card payments. It connects wirelessly via Bluetooth, making it portable and ideal for small businesses or mobile sellers. 

The reader supports major payment methods like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and designed for fast checkouts, especially for businesses that prefer to avoid cables​. 

Unique Features:

• Long-lasting battery (up to 500 transactions on a full charge).
• Secure chip technology to prevent fraud.
• Compact size for mobility.

2. Chip & Swipe Reader

The Shopify Chip & Swipe Reader is a wireless card reader that connects to your iPad, iPhone, or Android device. To use it, simply insert or swipe a card and register the payment on your POS screen. It comes with a countertop base, making it convenient for mobile setups or for businesses new to accepting card payments.

You can attach the reader to other devices or smooth surfaces using two reusable mounting stickers. To power on, press the button on the side and pair it with your device. After 30 seconds of inactivity, the reader goes into sleep mode, and it fully powers off after 3 hours. If you need to connect to a new device, unpair it first from the Shopify POS app.

How to setup the Shopify Chip & Swipe Reader: 

• Step 1: Go to ☰ > Settings > Set up Hardware > Card reader in the Shopify POS app.
• Step 2: Select Chip & Swipe Reader and connect via Bluetooth. The status light will flash as it connects.
• Step 3: The reader automatically connects when within range during future use.

3. Swipe Card Readers (Audio-jack, 30-pin, Lightning)

Swipe card reader with auto jack

The Swipe card reader with an audio jack is a convenient and affordable solution for online retailers. To use it, simply plug it into the audio jack of your iPhone, iPad, or Android device. However, IOS users should remember to disable the card reader setting in General Settings to access audio playback.

To process payments with the Swipe audio jack card reader:

• Step 1: Go to the checkout screen.
• Step 2: Tap “Credit” to initiate the payment.
• Step 3: If using an external payment terminal instead, select “Existing Terminal” as your payment option.

This practical card reader offers a smooth payment experience for you and your customers, making it easy to handle transactions.

Swipe Card Reader with Lightning Connector

The Swipe card reader with a lightning connector is compact, fitting easily in most pockets, but it is only available in Canada. Designed for iPads and iPhones, this wireless card reader is ideal for mobile retailers needing a cable-free option.

Its durability is a key benefit, making it a solid choice for business owners handling frequent credit card transactions. To set it up:

• Step 1: Plug the lightning connector into your iPad or iPhone.
• Step 2: For added convenience, charge your device while using the reader by connecting the included micro-USB cable to the USB port.
• Step 3: Insert the card’s magnetic strip correctly on the back of the reader for smooth operation.

4. Tap, Chip, and Swipe Card Reader

This versatile reader combines all three major payment methods – tap, chip, and swipe – into one device, offering businesses the flexibility to handle various customer payment preferences.

It connects wirelessly via Bluetooth and works with iOS and Android devices, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes. This reader covers everything, whether customers want to swipe, tap, or use chip cards.​

How to pair the Tap, Chip and Swipe: 

• Step 1: Charge the reader using the provided cable (it takes about 4 hours).
• Step 2: Press and hold the power button until the Shopify logo appears.
• Step 3: Go to ☰ > Connectivity > Set up Hardware > Card reader > Tap, Chip, and Swipe in the Shopify POS app.
• Step 4: Connect the reader via Bluetooth and complete the pairing process.

5. Moneris iPP320 Terminal

If you’re running Shopify POS on an iPad, the Moneris iPP320 terminal offers an easy way to handle card payments. This versatile terminal accepts all major credit and debit cards and Apple Pay, Android Pay, and other contactless payment methods.

The Moneris terminal helps reduce transaction errors, boosting efficiency and customer satisfaction. It provides a smooth shopping experience by processing payments accurately and quickly, so you can focus on confidently serving customers.

To get started with the Moneris iPP320 terminal, register for a Moneris merchant account. Once your application is approved, Moneris will ship the iPP320 terminal to your business, preconfigured with the necessary Shopify code for seamless integration with your POS system.

If you already have a Moneris account, simply order a customized terminal compatible with Shopify. This setup ensures you have the right tools for secure, efficient, and accurate card transactions.

A Quick Comparison with Other Card Readers

 Below is a breakdown of costs and features, along with the pros and cons of using Shopify card readers versus third-party options.

Cost and Features Comparison

Card Reader	Price Range	Payment Methods Supported	Special Features
Shopify Tap & Chip Reader	$49	Tap, Chip	Bluetooth connectivity, long battery life, supports digital wallets​
Shopify Chip & Swipe Reader	$29	Chip, Swipe	Affordable, portable, wireless​
Square Reader	$0 (free)	Tap, Chip, Swipe	Free reader, 2.6% per transaction, seamless integration​
PayPal Zettle	$29	Tap, Chip, Swipe	No contract, quick setup, works with PayPal​
Stripe Terminal	$59 – $349	Tap, Chip, Swipe, NFC	Customizable checkout, global payments, requires developer input​
SumUp Plus	$39	Tap, Chip, Swipe, NFC	Low cost, mobile, flexible for small businesses​

Pros and Cons of Using Shopify Card Readers vs. Third-Party Options

Feature	Shopify Card Readers	Third-Party Card Readers
Integration with Shopify	Seamless; built-in	Varies; may require extra steps or apps
Transaction Fees	No extra fees beyond standard Shopify Payments processing	May have additional fees per transaction
Hardware Cost	Varies; generally affordable	Wide range; can be cheaper or more expensive
Payment Types	Accepts all major credit cards, contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay)	Varies; ensure it supports your needs
Support	Shopify’s support team can assist	Relies on third-party support
Portability	Mobile options available	Varies; some are mobile, others are countertop units
Features	Basic POS functionality	Offer advanced features like inventory management, employee tracking

Shopify Card Readers

Pros

• Easy setup with Shopify POS, making payment processing and store management
• No extra fees when using Shopify Payments, saving money 
• An all-in-one system to manage the sales

Cons

• Limited to Shopify Payments, which may not offer the lowest processing fees for all businesses​. 
• Lack of advanced customization than more robust third-party alternatives like Stripe​. 

Third-Party Card Readers (e.g., Square, PayPal, Stripe)

Pros

• Wider payment options choice to fit your specific needs and budgets
• Advanced features beyond basic payment processing
• Support international payments and various currencies​. 

Cons

• May require extra steps to connect with Shopify
• Some third-party providers charge additional transaction fees

My Verdict:

In my opinion, Shopify card readers are a great choice for simple, integrated payment processing. However, third-party readers offer more flexibility and features but might involve more setup and potential costs. The best choice depends on your business needs and priorities. 

To help you decide, consider these questions:

• What types of payments do you need to accept?
• What is your budget for hardware and transaction fees?
• How important is seamless integration with Shopify?
• Do you need advanced features like inventory management?

Conclusion

Using a Shopify card reader makes accepting payments in person simple and secure, whether you need a portable or stationary option. With various readers to choose from, you can find the one that best fits your business needs. I hope you find this post helpful in guiding you through the setup and benefits of Shopify card readers.

Related Posts:

• How to Do a Test Order on Shopify?
• How to Add PayPal to Shopify?

FAQs

Does Shopify offer a card reader?

Yes, Shopify offers several types of card readers, such as the Tap & Chip Reader and the Chip & Swipe Reader. These devices allow merchants to accept in-person payments through their Shopify POS system.

How to get a Shopify card reader for free?

To get a free Shopify card reader, you must use Shopify Payments and be on a paid Shopify plan. This offer is only available in select countries, such as the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Ireland. 

How much does Shopify card reader processing cost?

Shopify charges 2.7% per in-person transaction using their card readers through Shopify Payments. This rate applies to all credit card transactions. 

How to use the Shopify card reader?

First, pair the device with the Shopify POS app via Bluetooth on your phone or tablet to use a Shopify card reader. Once paired, you can accept payments by swiping, inserting, or tapping the card. After the transaction, you can issue a digital receipt or print one if you have a connected receipt printer.