The Best Credit Card Processors of 2025: Hardware and Pricing

All the small business owners! If you are reading this, chances are you are searching for the best credit card terminals for small businesses or perhaps the top credit card processing terminals that can keep your sales flowing smoothly. Let us face it—choosing the correct credit card terminals and retail payment solutions isn’t just about swiping and signing anymore. It is about finding a reliable, affordable, and user-friendly system that fits your unique business needs.

So 2025, what's trending in credit card processing terminals, and how do you know you're getting the most bang for your buck? Buckle up, as we take a ride into the most recent trends, rates, and hardware available—including some top-performing devices like the E700, E500, and A920 Pro—that are defining the future of retail payment solutions for your POS system.

Why Selecting the Right Credit Card Terminals is Important

First things first—your credit card terminals are the pulse of your sales cycle. They're the equipment that transforms a basic purchase into an effortless transaction, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Whether you have a small boutique, a busy restaurant, or a short-term pop-up shop, the best small business credit card reader must be dependable, affordable, and user-friendly.

In 2025, the scene has broadened beyond what used to be the classic terminals. Today, credit card processing terminals can take several forms—mobile card readers, countertop terminals, integrated POS systems, and even mobile wallet and contactless-enabled solutions. The aim? Speed and flexibility.

Best Credit Card Processing Terminals of 2025

These are some of the top choices that have become hot favorites with small businesses this year, such as the multi-purpose E700, E500, and A920 Pro:

Square Terminal & Square Register

Square remains the king of small businesses with its payment solutions for retail for your POS system. Its credit card processing terminals are synonymous with simplicity, affordability, and solid features. The Square Terminal, an all-in-one portable device, is ideal for small business credit card terminals that require flexibility. It accommodates chip, swipe, contactless, and mobile wallets, making it suitable for any sales environment.

Stripe Terminal

For companies looking for a developer-friendly, customizable solution, Stripe Terminal provides credit card readers that can be easily integrated into online and offline environments. Its retail payment options are best suited for merchants who require a seamless experience across channels.

Clover Flex & Clover Station

Clover hardware products provide robust and simple-to-use credit card processing terminals. The Clover Flex is a portable device ideal for small businesses with mobility needs, while the Clover Station supports the larger brick-and-mortar installation.

SumUp Air & SumUp 3G

These mobile credit card readers are inexpensive and straightforward, a leading choice for the best payment processing for a small business on a budget.

Innovative Hardware: E700, E500, and A920 Pro

Among the constantly changing credit card processing terminal landscape, some hardware models shine in terms of features and versatility:

E700:This stylish, Android terminal integrates robust security features with a high-resolution touchscreen. Ideal for your POS system's retail payment solutions that need fast, secure transactions, the E700 allows contactless, chip, and magnetic stripe payments, ensuring it is a flexible option for active retail settings.

E500:Engineered to be efficient and straightforward, the E500 is a small countertop device that supports EMV chip, magstripe, and contactless transactions. Its ease of use has made it a go-to choice for credit card terminals among small businesses looking for an easy, no-hassle solution.

A920 Pro: Popular for being portable, the A920 Pro is a wireless credit card reader with the capacity to accept NFC contactless payments, chip, and magstripe. Its printer integration is perfect for merchants on the move, such as food trucks or market vendors, offering retail payment solutions for your POS anywhere.

When considering credit card processing terminals, price is paramount. Here's what you should remember:

Hardware Fees: Most providers now provide credit card terminals for low or no initial costs, particularly with rent or lease alternatives. For instance, the E700, E500, and A920 Pro are frequently provided through leasing schemes or as part of a processing plan, with hardware fees incorporated into transaction fees or monthly plans.

Transaction Fees: The standard rate is 1.5% to 3.5% for every swipe or keyed transaction. Some providers offer tiers or flat-rate pricing plans, which help reduce budgetary complications.

Monthly and Extra Fees: Avoid monthly service fees, PCI compliance fees, or chargeback fees. The best credit card reader for small businesses keeps these additional costs to a minimum.

Hardware Prices: The A920 Pro and E700 typically cost between $300 and $600 based on features and vendor contracts. The E500 is usually less expensive, often below $300, and thus an excellent, affordable credit card terminal.

Tip: Most vendors offer hardware with a retail payment solutions package containing processing rates, simplifying small businesses' budgetary planning.

Hardware Features to Consider in 2025

The hardware you select must be compliant with your company's sales environment. The following are some essential features in credit card terminals this year:

Contactless & Mobile Wallet Support

These are the norm now: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. The ideal credit card reader for small businesses must be contactless payment-capable to reduce checkout time.

EMV Chip Compatibility

EMV chip readers give added security. Both the E700 and E500 have EMV technology compatibility, making transactions secure.

NFC and QR Code Payments

QR code payments are more in vogue and can be supported by devices such as the A920 Pro. This feature can attract more customers who opt for contactless or mobile payments.

Durability & Portability

The A920 Pro is portable and durable, making it well-suited for mobile vendors or on-the-go installations, while the E700 provides a sleek, fixed countertop installation.

Easy Integration

Your hardware must integrate smoothly with your POS system or online store and offer a single retail payment solution.

Briefly: Selecting Your Retail Payment Solutions for Your POS System

In 2025, the ideal credit card processing solutions offer low cost, flexibility, and sophisticated hardware features. For small businesses, selecting a credit card terminal with transparent pricing, strong security, and simplicity is key.

Providers such as Square, Stripe, and Clover, and new hardware models such as the E700, E500, and A920 Pro offer customized solutions specifically for small businesses—their retail payment solutions scale with you, providing expandable hardware choices and competitive interchange rates.

Investing in the correct credit card terminals isn’t just about accepting payments; it’s about creating a smooth, secure, and satisfying customer experience whether a brick-and-mortar shop or a mobile vendor, the best credit card reader for small businesses will streamline your sales process and boost your bottom line.

Wrap-Up

Choosing the right credit card processing terminals in 2025 involves considering your business size, budget, and sales environment. Focus on hardware features, transparent pricing, and support for the latest payment methods. With the right retail payment solutions for your POS system, you’ll be ready to serve customers faster, safer, and smarter.

So, pick the credit card terminal that best suits your needs, and watch your small business thrive!