A credit card payment app is mobile software that provides businesses with the tools to accept credit card payments on a tablet or smartphone. These are often free to download and with the added mobility in accepting payments, businesses are given more opportunities for sale.
In my years of evaluating payment software, I have found that the best credit card payment apps are ones that are easy to use, compatible with multiple payment processors, and offer a variety of payment methods. It should also provide the most value for money based on your business needs. But with many providers in the market today, choosing the right app can become challenging.
To help get you started, here are my recommendations for the best credit card payment apps of 2025:
- Free POS software and low, interchange-plus pricing
- Options to pass processing fees on to your customers
- Dedicated merchant account with greater security and stability
In evaluating the best credit card payment app, I focused on finding providers with the most flexibility and the right resources to scale with growing and established businesses. I also looked at the cost-effectiveness of payment apps and narrowed down our list to the following:
- Square
- Stripe
- Helcim
- Clover
- SumUp
- Shopify
- Nomod
- Stax
- CDGcommerce
- Payanywhere
- Adyen
- SwipeSimple
- iProcess
- Paysley
- Paysimple
- PayPal
- Venmo
I then hand-picked seven providers based on the following criteria:
Pricing 20%
The fee structure should allow users to maximize their savings through volume discounts. The card reader should be affordable, and the payment app should be free.
Mobile App Features 30%
The credit card payment app should provide the widest range of payment methods and features that expand the user’s ability to process payments, such as inventory and customer relationship management. The app should also have customization tools to scale with growing businesses.
Support & Reliability 20%
The app should be reliable and secure, with features to avoid business downtime. It should provide high-level customer support, with live assistance available 24/7. A detailed knowledge base and well-documented developer tools should be accessible.
User Experience 15%
This category takes into account the credit card payment app provider’s overall ease of use and scalability. It also evaluates the user’s application and onboarding experience as well as the flexibility of contract terms.
User scores 15%
This computes the average review scores provided by real-life users on the App Store and the Google Play Store.
Please note that while I work to create a detailed evaluation of each provider, my scores are based on the currently available features and information. This list and scores will be regularly updated based on the latest technology and user demands to ensure that I provide you with the best information.
Feb 10, 2025: Anna Lynn Dizon added two new providers and re-evaluated all the credit card payment apps for consideration. She updated the comparison table and rewrote the “best for” designations as well as the product sections based on her latest findings.
My recommendations for credit card payment apps are based on more than seven years of evaluating payments software and hardware across different industries and business types. To score each one, I reviewed software and hardware specifications, tested the payment app when possible, and gathered feedback from real-life users. I also considered available integrations to gauge the scalability of each provider.
Best credit card payment apps compared
Company
Our Score (out of 5)
Monthly Account Fee
Card Reader Options
Payment Processor
Square
4.33
$0-$165 (w/ POS)
Square magstripe and contactless $0-$59
Exclusive to Square
Stripe
4.3
$0
Stripe Reader M2 3-in-1 $59
Native & third-party providers
PayPal
4.24
$0
PayPal Zettle 2-in-1 card reader $29-$79
Exclusive to PayPal
Helcim
4.24
$0
Helcim 2-in-1 card reader $99
Exclusive to Helcim
Venmo
4.23
$0
Not required
Exclusive to Venmo
Shopify
4.23
$5+
Shopify 2-in1 card reader $49
Exclusive to Shopify
Stax
4.2
$99-$199
SwipeSimple 3-in-1 card reader
Exclusive to Stax
All of my recommended providers above support both iOS and Android devices. But if you’re looking for more specific options, check out our sections for:
Square: Best overall credit card payment app
Overall Score
4.33/5
Pricing
4.06/5
Mobile app features
4.25/5
Support & reliability
4.38/5
User experience
4.38/5
Average user review scores
4.75/5
Pros
- All-in-one POS and payment system
- Highly rated mobile pos app
- Waived chargeback fees
- Large-business solutions
Cons
- Limited customer support hours
- Reports of frozen funds
- Account stability issues
Why I chose Square
Square is an all-in-one POS system with a built-in payment processing service. It also provides a free mobile POS app that’s integrated with Square’s ecommerce and in-store POS platforms. Square does not require merchants to apply for a merchant account. Its pricing structure is ideal for new and small businesses, but it also offers solutions for larger companies.
Of all the providers on this list, Square, to me, is the most small business-friendly. Its feature-rich forever-free plan includes both basic and industry-specific mobile POS apps and is designed so that any budget-restrained business can start selling and accepting payments with very little (even zero) upfront cost.
I like how it’s easy to sign up for a Square account, and the guided setup took only minutes to complete. However, note that the app is exclusively for Square’s platform, so you won’t be able to use the software with other POS and payment processors.
- Monthly account fee: $0-$165 (including POS software)
- Mobile app fee: $0
- Card-present fee: 2.6% + $0.10
- Card-not-present fee: 3.5% + $0.15
- American Express transactions: $0
- Volume discounts: By request for businesses with sales volume greater than $250,000/year
- Chargeback fee: Waived up to $250 per month
- Mobile card reader cost: $0-$59
- Application/set-up fee: $0
- Cancellation fee: $0
- Payment methods: Square’s mobile POS app provides a complete range of in-person payment processing methods, including hardware-free payments via manual entry, QR code scanning, tap-to-pay, and mobile wallet transactions.
- App compatibility: Square’s mobile POS app is exclusive to Square users but has one of the highest user ratings for both iOS and Android users.
- Mobile card readers: Square offers the first free magstripe card reader for all Square merchants. The Square EMV and contactless card reader allows for dipped and tapped credit card payments.
- Scalability: Square offers custom pricing for businesses that process more than $250,000 per year. It also offers customizable and scalable solutions for enterprise-level businesses, including multiple account access and a wide range of business integrations.
Related: Square 2025 Overview
Stripe: Best for customizations & integrations
Overall Score
4.3/5
Pricing
3.13/5
Mobile app features
4.5/5
Support & reliability
4.69/5
User experience
4.69/5
Average user review scores
4.55/5
Pros
- Integrates with other payment platforms
- Advanced customization features
- Custom pricing for large businesses
- Industry-leading API and developer documentation
Cons
- Add-on fees for invoicing and recurring billing
- Limited in-person payments for native mobile app
- Requires third-party or custom developer for card-reader payments
Why I chose Stripe
Stripe is a payment services platform that also comes with a merchant account. It is developer-friendly payment software known for its advanced customization features. Stripe’s payment processing service also powers Lightspeed, Shopify, WooCommerce, and other popular business tools.
It wasn’t until recently that Stripe launched its native mobile app, Stripe Dashboard. The app is highly rated by both iOS and Android users, despite its limited in-person payment capabilities. The sign up process is very similar to that of Square and the set up is fast unless you need advanced customization which takes some time to do.
Stripe also offers a wider range of compatible mobile credit card readers than Square. For larger businesses, Stripe offers well-documented APIs and developer tools to create a mobile app customized to their needs.
- Monthly account fee: $0
- Mobile app fee: From $0 (for custom-designed apps); third-party mobile payment apps will charge anywhere from 1%-1.5% per transaction.
- Card-present: 2.7% + $0.05
- Keyed-in: 3.4% + $0.30
- Touchless: 2.9% + $0.30
- Tap-to-pay on mobile: +$0.10 per authorization
- Volume discounts: Custom interchange-plus pricing for larger businesses
- Chargeback fee: $15
- Mobile card reader cost: $59
- Application/set-up fee: $0
- Cancellation fee: $0
- Payment methods: Stripe’s mobile dashboard app can process hardware-free payments such as manual entry, QR code, and tap to pay. Users can also accept swipe, chip, and tap credit cards if they use a third-party or custom-developed mobile payment app.
- App compatibility: The Stripe mobile app is compatible with iOS and Android devices and is exclusive to Stripe users.
- Mobile card readers: Stripe offers a 3-in-1 mobile credit card reader that can process magstripe, EMV, and contactless payments, including mobile wallet transactions.
- Scalability: Stripe’s well-documented APIs and advanced developer resources power its potential for growing with a business. Businesses can customize their mobile payments app, and Stripe provides a list of developer solutions (e.g., Ciklum and Happy Cog), enterprise POS and PMS integrations (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics and Adobe Commerce), and Stripe Professional Services.
PayPal: Best for fast & convenient payments
Overall Score
4.24/5
Pricing
4.06/5
Mobile app features
4.25/5
Support & reliability
4.06/5
User experience
4.69/5
Average user review scores
4.25/5
Pros
- Ease sign up and set up
- Free POS
- Instant access to funds via PayPal Balance
- Wide range of payment options
Cons
- Complex pricing
- Can be pricey with add-on tools
- Reports of frozen funds
Why I chose PayPal
This guide won’t be complete without the pioneer of the digital payment platforms, PayPal. As the pioneer in digital payment apps, PayPal is also one of the most popular credit card payment apps in the world. As a trusted brand with over 400 million individual users, businesses that offer the convenience of a PayPal payment method will have an advantage over other merchants. Businesses with low-volume transactions and those that process foreign credit cards such as in tourist spots can benefit from PayPal.
One of the best things about the PayPal business app is its credit card reader. The hardware is very much like Helcim (though at a much lower price point), with a PIN pad for debit card transactions, and is easy to sync with the payment app. And while there are some mixed reviews about the software, the processor is reliable and easy to use. Developers update the app every two weeks for fixing bugs and security updates.
- Monthly fee: $0
- In-person transaction fee: 2.29% + 9 cents
- Online transaction fee: 2.99% + 49 cents
- Keyed-in transaction fee: 3.49% + 9 cents
- Invoicing: 3.49% + 9 cents
- QR code payments: 2.29% + 9 cents
- Venmo payments: 3.49% + 49 cents
- Hardware: $0-$269
- Payment methods: PayPal’s mobile payment app offers card and PayPal payment methods. It also supports QR and manual entry payments, as well as invoicing and subscription management tools. PayPal can also accept foreign credit card transactions.
- Mobile card readers: PayPal Zettle comes with an EMV chip and contactless reader. It’s also equipped with a PIN pad for debit card transactions. The card reader connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone, tablet, or iPad with a PayPal business app.
- App compatibility: The PayPal business app is exclusive to PayPal merchants and is available on iOS and Android. The app is getting decent review scores although recent feedback is better from Apple users.
- Scalability: PayPal’s primary pricing and payment tools are ideal for small businesses. However, PayPal also offers enterprise payment services where you can add custom payment features and branding to the payment app, plus custom rates for large-volume transactions.
Related: Best Mobile Credit Card Processing Solutions for 2025
Helcim: Best for scalability
Overall Score
4.24/5
Pricing
4.69/5
Mobile app features
4.5/5
Support & reliability
3.75/5
User experience
4.38/5
Average user review scores
3.65/5
Pros
- Automated volume discounts
- No additional approval for surcharging
- Interchange-plus rates
Cons
- Low mobile app rating for Android users
- Additional cost for Amex transactions
- Expensive mobile card reader
Why I chose Helcim
Helcim is a traditional merchant account services provider that comes with its own payment software. It uses a volume-based pricing model with no monthly fees and complete access to all of its payment processing features at no extra cost. Helcim’s mobile POS app is seamlessly integrated with the merchant account’s inventory catalog, CRM, and secure card vault. It also offers free native ecommerce, mobile app, and POS platforms.
Note that, unlike Square and Stripe, applying for a Helcim account takes longer and the requirements are stricter. However, I like how you can still explore the app while waiting to be approved. Businesses that do get approved for a merchant account will like Helcim’s automation features. It offers automated volume discounts that eliminate the hassle of applying for better rates for businesses with fast-growing sales. Surcharging is also automatically available for users who also process ACH payments.
- Monthly account fee: $0
- Mobile app fee: $0
- Card-present fee: Interchange plus 0.15% + $0.06 to 0.4% + $0.08
- Card-not-present fee: Interchange plus 0.15% + $0.15 to 0.50% + $0.25
- American Express transactions: + 0.10% + $0.10
- Volume discounts: Automated
- Chargeback fee: $15 refundable
- Mobile card reader cost: $99
- Application/setup fee: $0
- Cancellation fee: $0
- Payment methods: Helcim’s mobile POS app offers tap, chip, and PIN debit in-person credit card payment methods with the help of Helcim’s mobile card reader. Hardware-free payment options include manual entry, QR code, mobile wallet, and tap to pay.
- Mobile card readers: Helcim’s mobile POS app works with the Helcim card reader that collects payments via EMV and contactless, plus a PIN debit option for debit card payments.
- App compatibility: The Helcim mobile POS app is exclusive to Helcim merchants and is available on iOS and Android smart devices. The app is getting better reviews from Apple than Android users.
- Scalability: Helcim’s pricing structure provides automated discounts for growing sales. Developer tools are available for custom branding, white-label embedded payment gateway, multi-currency, and multi-user functionalities.
Venmo: Best for businesses selling on social media
Overall Score
4.23/5
Pricing
4.06/5
Mobile app features
4.25/5
Support & reliability
4.06/5
User experience
4.69/5
Average user review scores
4.2/5
Pros
- Social media integrations
- Native marketing tools
- Tap to pay for non-Venmo customers
- Easy business account sign up
Cons
- Limited payment options
- No volume discounts
- Limited seller protection
Why I chose Venmo
Venmo is a peer-to-peer payment app popular for its social media integration. It recently launched a business profile feature that allows individuals to create a separate account for processing business transactions.
As it is owned by PayPal, Venmo supports direct PayPal integration so customers can use their PayPal account to pay for their products and services via Venmo. There are no monthly fees for using the service, and Venmo-to-Venmo transaction rates are considerably lower than those of other in-app payments, including PayPal.
Unlike other providers in this list, Venmo is not compatible with mobile credit card readers, so Venmo merchants can only accept payments from Venmo individual users. However, with the latest addition of the tap-to-pay function, it’s now possible to accept contactless payments from credit cards and other mobile wallets. This makes it possible to actually perform in-person transactions via Venmo with one of the lowest flat transaction rates in the market.
- Monthly fee: $0
- Setup fee: $0
- In-person:
- Through Venmo app: 1.9% + 10 cents
- Tap to Pay: 2.29% + 9 cents
- At POS: 3.49% + 49 cents
- Online checkout: 3.49% + 49 cents
- Instant transfer: 1.75%
- Payment methods: Venmo can accept payments from PayPal and other Venmo apps, including card payments and QR codes. And wIth the tap-to-pay feature, it can now process payments from other mobile wallets and EMV chip-enabled cards.
- App compatibility: The Venmo payment processor is exclusive to Venmo business accounts. It’s compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones, tablets, and iPads although the app is performing so much better than its Android counterpart according to real-life user reviews.
- Mobile card readers: Venmo does not require any mobile credit card reader to function. This essentially limits Venmo’s payment processing capability to contactless transactions but the fees are significantly lower than other in-person and contactless flat rates.
- Scalability: Venmo is primarily for low-volume businesses like solo professionals and home-based retailers. Larger businesses should consider PayPal Enterprise, where you can customize mobile app features, including payment method options to include Venmo.
Shopify: Best for ecommerce
Overall Score
4.23/5
Pricing
3.13/5
Mobile app features
4.75/5
Support & reliability
4.38/5
User experience
4.69/5
Average user review scores
4/5
Pros
- Full-suite ecommerce solution
- Omnichannel features
- Accepts PayPal payments
Cons
- Advanced tools require an ecommerce subscription
- Reports of frozen funds
- Low app ratings from Android users
Why I chose Shopify
Shopify is the leading ecommerce platform in the industry. It has expanded its features over the years with payment processing and point-of-sale, and even built in-house business tools for marketing and fulfillment.
Its pricing plans are designed to include features for businesses of all sizes, and its POS software is app-based, so it’s compatible with smart devices such as tablets for in-store setup and smartphones for selling on the go. Shopify is the best alternative to Square if you need an all-in-one solution but run primarily an online business.
Related: Best 8 Square Alternatives & Competitors.
Shopify joins our list of best credit card payment apps as the best recommendation for ecommerce businesses expanding into in-person sales. It previously lost points because you can’t use the app without paying for an ecommerce account. However, this is no longer the case although you’ll have to get the ecommerce bundle to access advanced POS features.
Over the years of testing the app, I’ve noticed that Shopify for Android seems more prone to bugs and card reader disconnections, but it seems to crash less now with the recent updates, which is likely why the app review score is slowly improving.
Shopify’s mobile POS Lite is free with any of Shopify’s ecommerce plans. Large businesses can upgrade to the paid POS plan to access advanced features.
- Monthly account fee:
- POS only: $5
- Ecommerce + POS plan: $25-$399 + $0-$89
- Mobile app fee: $0
- Card-present fee: 2.4% + $0.10 to 2.6% + $0.10
- Card-not-present fee: 2.5% + $0.30 to 2.9% + $0.30
- American Express transactions: $0
- Volume discounts: Via paid plans + custom plans for enterprise-level businesses
- Chargeback fee: $15 refundable
- Mobile card reader cost: $49
- Application/set-up fee: $0
- Cancellation fee: $0
- Payment methods: Shopify’s POS app supports a full suite of in-person payment methods, including hardware-free payments such as QR codes, mobile wallet, and tap to pay.
- App compatibility: Shopify is an exclusive mobile POS app that’s compatible with both Apple and Android users. However, the iOS app is getting significantly better reviews from real-life users than the Android version.
- Mobile card readers: Shopify provides an affordable proprietary mobile card reader that can process tap and chip payments as well as mobile wallet transactions. Swipe transactions are possible with the Shopify standalone terminal.
- Scalability: Shopify offers an enterprise program that supports high-level customization for B2C, B2B, and large retail businesses. The developer tools can be used to create custom branding, multi-user profiles, and other POS functions that will also be reflected in the mobile app.
Stax: Best for large-volume businesses
Overall Score
4.2/5
Pricing
4.38/5
Mobile app features
4.75/5
Support & reliability
4.38/5
User experience
4.38/5
Average user review scores
2.45/5
Pros
- Wholesale payment processing rates
- Wide range of enterprise-level customizations
- Robust reporting and analytics
Cons
- Poor mobile app user ratings
- Limited mobile card reader options
- Reports of crashes and connectivity problems
Why I chose Stax
Stax is a traditional merchant account that offers wholesale subscription-based pricing. Like Helcim, applying for a merchant account with Stax takes a while, and the strict process is better suited for mid-sized and established businesses. That said, Stax offers a wide range of payment processing features, including a mobile app version of Stax Pay through advanced SwipeSimple customization. Stax Pay comes with a guided setup feature and an intuitive interface.
What I like most about Stax is the system’s ability to scale its features along with any business. This means it can provide simple payment processing solutions, but as a business grows, users can upgrade to any of Stax’s more advanced products such as high-level subscription management with Stax Bill and white label customizations with Stax Processing. The functionalities within the Stax mobile app will also be upgraded along with the business needs.
- Monthly account fee: $99-$199
- Mobile app fee: $0
- Card-present fee: Interchange plus $0.08
- Card-not-present fee: Interchange plus $0.18
- American Express transactions: $0
- Volume discounts: Volume-based subscription plan
- Chargeback fee: $25
- Mobile card reader cost: Contact Stax for pricing
- Application/set-up fee: $0
- Cancellation fee: $0
- Payment methods: The Stax Pay mobile app can process a complete range of credit card payment methods. This includes hardware-free payments such as manual entry, QR code scanning, digital wallet payments, card scanning, and tap to pay.
- App compatibility: Stax Pay mobile app is exclusive to Stax merchants. The app can be upgraded to a more customized solution for larger businesses.
- Mobile card readers: Stax Pay is used in conjunction with the SwipeSimple B250 mobile card reader, which supports contactless and mobile wallet payments.
- Scalability: Stax can be customized and upgraded to support a wide range of businesses. For larger businesses, Stax offers more advanced plans that support developer tools, white-label custom branding, and multiple employee profiles.
How to select the right credit card payment app for your business
To get the most out of a credit card processing app, businesses need to consider the cost-effectiveness of each option. This helps ensure that users choose a provider that can maximize savings while also providing features they need and with room to grow. Below are some key features to look for in a credit card payment app.
Flexible pricing structure
As businesses grow, the priority in pricing shifts from minimal upfront costs to volume discounts. The ideal credit card payment app should support flexible pricing that will allow businesses to upgrade their services without interrupting business operations.
Related: Credit Card Processing Fees: Complete Guide
Variety of payment methods
The best credit card payment app should provide a full suite of in-person payment methods. This means it should be able to work with a card reader that supports swipe, EMV, and contactless payments. Hardware-free payment methods should also be available for businesses that prefer not to invest in a credit card reader for one reason or another.
Level of customization
Credit card payment apps should be equipped with a variety of customization options. This includes additional payment processing services such as invoicing, payment links, card vaults, and surcharging tools. It should also provide customizations that support business growth, such as developer tools to create industry-specific features and various integrations with business systems.
Security measures
Every payment processing service should be level 1 PCI DSS compliant. Users should also look for available tokenization and encryption tools. Ideally, payment processors should also offer chargeback management and customizable fraud protection features.
App & card reader reliability
It’s important that a credit card payment app and a card reader are reliable. The best option should not disrupt business operations with bugs resulting from app updates or card readers that often get disconnected. It’s also ideal for the app to be able to process credit card payments even without an internet connection. Users should also check real-life user reviews for any complaints about frozen funds or failed transactions.
Expert Tip
Note that some apps work with multiple payment processors, while others only work with their namesake processors. If you’re just starting out, choosing an all-in-one solution is easiest. However, if you already have a merchant account or are having trouble getting approved for one, a payment app that works with multiple processors offers more flexibility.
Related: 7 Best Best Credit Card Processing Companies
How apps for credit card payments help your business
The primary benefit of credit card apps is mobility. Being able to accept payments anywhere and anytime gives businesses more opportunities to create a sale. Other benefits of credit card payment apps include:
- Lower transaction fees: Accepting payments in person is cheaper than remote transactions.
- Affordable investment cost: Most payment apps are free and you only need to invest in a mobile credit card reader ($30 to $100) to start accepting payments.
- Multichannel functionality: A mobile credit card payment terminal can be programmed as an additional sales channel for store-based POS.
- Compatibility with multiple payment processors: Businesses will be able to continue using the same payment app so there is no operational downtime.
- Ability to scale: Most credit card payment apps can be easily programmed with custom features to match a growing business’ needs.
- Additional layer of security from smartphones: Smart devices are equipped with native authentication tools, including biometrics, that help in securing payments.
FAQs
Yes, most payment processors provide a free mobile POS or payment app. These payment apps are compatible with tablets and smartphones and can be connected to a mobile credit card reader that can process swipe, chip, and tap payments.
Most credit card payment apps are free to use unless they come from a third-party app developer. The only monthly fees involved are the costs to process transactions.
The best credit card payment app is one that provides payment methods and features that match your business needs. Also, consider your business sales volume and choose a payment processor with a free payment app that can offer you the most savings.
