The best tap and go card reader in this selection is the Square Reader for contactless and chip, which accepts contactless payments, chip cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. It suits sellers who want a compact reader and a Square POS app. Square Terminal is better for businesses that want one device to take payments and print receipts. The other options are swipe readers or a computer-connected magnetic-stripe reader, so they are not substitutes for contactless acceptance.
| Product | Best For | Payment Method Described |
|---|---|---|
| Square Reader for contactless and chip | Tap, wallet, and chip payments | Contactless and chip |
| Square Terminal | Counter or mobile checkout with receipts | Major credit and debit cards; chip processing described |
| Square Reader for magstripe (USB-C) | Businesses seeking a swipe reader and POS app | Magstripe |
| Square Reader for magstripe (Lightning) | Compatible device users who need swipe acceptance | Magstripe |
| ETEKJOY USB 3-Track Reader | Reading magnetic-stripe data on a computer | Magstripe data reading |
Square Reader for Contactless and Chip
Best for: Small businesses, mobile sellers, and service providers who need tap-to-pay acceptance alongside chip payments. This is the clearest match for a tap and go card reader because its listed features specifically include contactless payments, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
The reader works with Square POS and is described as having improved connectivity, extended battery life, and enhanced security. Square also lists offline payments for up to 24 hours, which may help businesses continue taking payments during a temporary connection interruption. The product information states there are no monthly fees or long-term commitments, while payment processing fees apply.
Limitation: This is a reader used with Square POS, rather than an all-in-one terminal with a built-in receipt printer. Choose it if contactless acceptance is the priority; consider a terminal if printed receipts are essential.
Square Terminal Mobile POS
Best for: Businesses that want to ring up sales, accept payments, and print receipts with one device. Square describes the Terminal as usable at a counter or for ringing up customers elsewhere in a store. It accepts major credit and debit cards, and the listing says chip cards can be processed in two seconds.
This is a better fit than a separate reader when an integrated checkout device and receipt printing are important. The listed terms include one processing rate, no hidden fees, and no long-term contracts.
Limitation: The supplied product details do not specifically confirm contactless or mobile-wallet acceptance. If tap-to-pay support is a requirement, check the current device specifications before choosing it over the contactless-and-chip reader.
Square Magstripe Reader With USB-C
Best for: Businesses that need a magstripe reader and want to manage transactions through the Square Point of Sale app. The listed setup process is to download the free app, create a Square account, and start taking payments. The app features sales tracking, inventory management, tips, and digital receipts.
The product information also says funds can arrive as soon as the next business day. This reader may suit a seller whose checkout process includes swiped cards and Square’s business-management tools.
Limitation: This is a magstripe reader, not a tap-to-pay reader. Choose it only if swipe acceptance meets your needs; the product details do not list contactless, chip, Apple Pay, or Google Pay acceptance.
Square Magstripe Reader With Lightning
Best for: Businesses that use a device with a Lightning connector and need to accept magnetic-stripe card payments through Square POS. The listing names Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express as supported card brands, with fees applying to transactions.
The associated app features include accepting tips, tracking cash and gift-card payments, sending receipts by email or text, applying discounts, and keeping a sales history. Those tools make this a swipe-focused option for sellers who also want basic sales records and checkout functions.
Limitation: The product is designed for magstripe payments, not contactless tap payments. Check that the connector suits the device being used and avoid this option if NFC or chip acceptance is required.
ETEKJOY USB 3-Track Magstripe Reader
Best for: Users who need to read magnetic-stripe card data on a computer, rather than take contactless payments. The USB reader uses keyboard emulation, can read data from all three tracks, and is listed as compatible with Windows, Mac, and other USB-capable systems. The listing mentions use with text editors, spreadsheets, and POS systems.
Configuration software is available for changing settings, while the basic reader is described as not requiring software installation to read cards. Its listed formats include ISO7811 and AAMVA, among others.
Limitation: The product information describes reading card data, not processing customer payments. It is not a tap-and-go payment terminal or NFC reader.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Tap and Go Card Reader
Do you need contactless payments or card swipes?
For tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets, select a reader whose listed features explicitly say contactless and name services such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. A magstripe reader handles swipes; it does not become contactless just because it connects to a phone or POS app. The Square contactless-and-chip reader is the direct match among these products.
Would an all-in-one checkout device help?
Choose a standalone terminal when you want sales entry, payment acceptance, and receipt printing in one device. The Square Terminal lists those functions. A separate reader may be a better fit when you prefer to use an existing device and POS app, but check which payment types the reader supports.
Which connector or computer setup is required?
Match a reader’s connection to the device and workflow you plan to use. The two Square magstripe readers listed here have different connectors: USB-C and Lightning. The ETEKJOY reader connects through USB and is intended to read magnetic-stripe data on a computer. Confirm device and app requirements before ordering.
What fees and operating terms should you compare?
Review payment processing fees, account requirements, offline-payment details, and any recurring charges directly with the payment provider. Product descriptions may list no monthly fees or contracts, but that does not mean transaction processing is free. Compare the payment methods accepted as well as the checkout features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tap and go card reader?
It is a payment reader that accepts contactless card payments when a customer taps a card or supported mobile wallet near the reader.
Which product listed here specifically accepts Apple Pay and Google Pay?
The Square Reader for contactless and chip lists Apple Pay, Google Pay, contactless payments, and chip cards.
Is a magstripe reader the same as a contactless reader?
No. A magstripe reader reads a card that is swiped. Contactless readers accept tap payments; the functions are different.
Does the ETEKJOY reader process payments?
The supplied product details describe reading magnetic-stripe data through USB, not processing customer payments.
Which option includes receipt printing?
The Square Terminal is described as a device that can accept payments and print receipts.