Overview
The top iPhone credit card processing applications make it easier to run your business from anywhere (Also see: Best Android Credit Card Processing Apps). Whether you are selling crafts at a trade show or providing in-home services, you can now accept credit cards with your iPhone through a variety of applications. These low cost apps also make for great backup processing options in the event of a service disruption from a primary processor.
Below are our top mobile credit card processing picks based on pricing, customer support, and user satisfaction. Some of these options are ideal for small one-register locations, while others are useful additions to full-service traditional merchant accounts. Many of these providers also offer integration with third-party services like QuickBooks or online marketplaces. Check out each provider’s website to get a full list of current features and pricing.
Why These Providers
Shopify
Shopify is primarily known as an e-commerce platform for online merchants, but the company recently launched a point-of-sale software solution for iPad and iPhone. The Shopify POS app can accept cards via a headphone jack card swiper or a $129 EMV reader and includes features like inventory syncing with a webstore, emailed receipts, automatic tax calculations, basic email marketing, and in-store refunds. The service can also be paired with a Shopify online store, which comes with numerous customization options. Shopify POS is a great fit for mobile merchants who would like to accept payments on-site using their phones as well as through a webstore. Service-industry merchants should note, however, that Shopify’s POS app does not currently support tipping.
Shopify offers month-to-month pricing plans with variable pricing and product tiers. The company is headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, and has been in operation since 2005. The company provides phone, email, and live chat support to all of its merchant tiers and enjoys very few online complaints despite its massive user base. The BBB gives Shopify an “A+” rating at this time, while CardPaymentOptions.com awards the company an “A.”
For more information, see the Shopify website.
Shopify POS Highlights
- $129 card reader
- 2.2% to 2.7% swiped
- 2.4% + $0.30 to 2.9% + $0.30 keyed
- Live customer support
Payline Data
Operating out of Chicago, Illinois, Payline Data is consistently one of the top-rated providers on CPO. In addition to its wide array of traditional merchant services for businesses of all sizes, the company offers a free mobile credit card reader and app for iPhone to merchants that process over $5,000 per month. Payline Data’s other products and services include merchant cash advance, an online payment gateway with QuickBooks integration, wireless terminals, EMV and NFC acceptance, and a USB swiper for desktop computers.
Payline Data earns the first spot on this list due to the widespread praise that it has received from merchants for its interchange-plus pricing structure with no cancellation fee and its friendly, helpful live customer support team. It is a solid all-around processor that will be a good fit for large brick-and-mortar locations as well as smaller merchants that process at least $5,000 per month via iPhone. Our review of Payline Data gives the company an “A+” rating, and the Better Business Bureau also gives Payline an “A+.”
For more information, see the Payline Data website or call (888) 506-7812.
Payline Data Highlights
- Free card reader
- Interchange-plus pricing
- Interchange-plus pricing
- Live customer support
Host Merchant Services
Host Merchant Services is a Newark, Delaware-based merchant account provider that offers a free mobile processing app called “HMSPay” for iPhone along with a free mobile reader for eligible businesses. Host is more than just a mobile payment processor, however, as it also provides point-of-sale solutions, online marketing tools, an online payment gateway and virtual terminal, gift and loyalty programs, and merchant cash advances. Host Merchant Services specializes in e-commerce businesses but is able to serve mobile merchants just as well.
Host Merchant Services has received only positive feedback on public forums, with most reviewers singling out the company’s customer service for praise. Like Payline, Host offers interchange-plus pricing with no early termination fees to all of its merchants, meaning that users will enjoy the most transparent pricing model available and can cancel service without penalty. The BBB gives Host an “A+” rating, and CPO also gives the company an “A+.”
For more information, visit the Host Merchant Services website or call (888) 727-4538.
HMSPay Highlights
- Free card reader (eligibility varies)
- Interchange-plus pricing
- Interchange-plus pricing
- Live customer support
Additional Options
SalesVu
SalesVu is a software development company that has partnered with Mercury Payment Systems to offer a mobile credit card processing application for the iPhone, iPad, and iTouch devices. The application is feature-rich and nearly acts as a full mobile Point-of Sale (POS) System. Some of the most useful tools the application offers are features such as cash drawer management, bar-code scanning, pre-programmed prices, and employee timekeeping. SalesVu is best suited for established businesses that process credit cards on a daily basis, have multiple sales representatives, and/or desire a basic POS system. This sentiment is mirrored in merchant feedback with reports stating that the signup process is much more in-depth than most other mobile payment apps.
See our SalesVu Review for more detail, or visit the SalesVu website.
SalesVu iPad/iPhone Overview
SalesVu Highlights
- Free card reader
- 2.6%-2.75% + $0.00/$0.10/$0.25 swiped
- 2.6%-2.75% + $0.00/$0.10/$0.25 keyed
- Live customer support
Inner Fence
Inner Fence, which also owns “Swipe” by AppNinjas, is a joint venture with Merchant Focus to offer a mobile credit card terminal for Apple and Android devices as well as Mac and Windows computers. Of the other picks in this list, Inner Fence offers the widest platform availability enabling merchants to use the system on just about any of the devices they own. Features include most found with the other picks in this list, but with card readers available for computers as a standout option. Inner Fence offers unlimited phone support and email support, as well as service in Canada.
The only drawbacks are a monthly fee of $39 and that the service also requires an Authorize.net payment gateway account in order to use the card reader, which may subject merchants to additional fees. As of this review, Inner Fence only offers one card reader for free with additional readers costing $79 each.
Learn more in our Inner Fence Review, or visit the Inner Fence website.
Inner Fence Video Demonstration
Inner Fence Highlights
- Free card reader
- 2.9% + $0.30 swiped
- 2.9% + $0.30 keyed
- Live customer support
ProPay
ProPay Jak comes in fourth only because of its card reader cost ($39.95) and annual fee ($39.95 to $69.95 depending on account type), which makes it less than ideal for new and low-volume merchants but great for mid-volume users who regularly accept credit card payments. The additional features that ProPay offers over many of the picks in this article make it a great solution for most businesses. Some of these features include the ability to store encrypted payments for later charging if a phone is not getting service at the time of sale, storage of customer information for future billing or refunds, and use of ProPay’s virtual terminal which comes with a variety of its own features including detailed tracking and reports. ProPay also has month-to-month service agreements, no processing minimum requirements and lower processing rates than most of its competitors (except for GoPayment’s advanced account).
You can learn more in our full Propay Review, or visit the ProPay website.
ProPay JAK Overview
ProPay JAK Highlights
- Free card reader
- 2.40% to 2.60% swiped
- 3.20% to 3.40% keyed
- Live customer support
PayPal Here
Although PayPal was one of the first digital payment methods to gain widespread popularity on the Internet, its mobile processing app is relatively new to the market. In fact, PayPal has restructured its account types to incorporate mobile technology and is leveraging its existing user base in an attempt to become the dominant mobile credit card processing player. Users of the system must first sign up for a PayPal account and then install the PayPal Here application on their smartphones. From there, PayPal will send the user a free card reader which can be used immediately. PayPal Here works in conjunction with a user’s normal PayPal account, so all the transactions are tracked and stored in the same place. Additionally, PayPal offers a variety of customer support options including phone support and email support. The only drawbacks that have been reported so far appear to be issues with the app itself, so it looks as if PayPal may still have a few bugs to work out. With three different account types, PayPal can serve businesses of most processing volumes.
Learn more in our PayPal Here Review, or visit PayPal.com.
PayPal Here Highlights
- Free card reader
- 2.7% swiped
- 3.5% + $0.15 keyed
- Live customer support
Square
Square is top-notch in terms of function and style. There are no startup costs, no additional merchant accounts or payment gateways needed, and no monthly fee or processing minimum requirements. Square is ideal for individuals, low-volume merchants and micro-merchants, and businesses that want an occasional mobile option or credit card processing backup.
Square does have some limitations that may dissuade mid-to-high volume merchants. For instance, Square lacks a dedicated merchant support phone number, which has caused hundreds of complaints to be filed on our review of the company. In addition, the Square’s policies regarding holds on swiped (card-present) transactions lack transparency, and there are numerous reports from users complaining about experiencing sudden, long-term holds without explanation or notification.
You can learn more in our full Square review, or visit the Square website.
Square Swipe Tutorial
Square Highlights
- Free card reader
- 2.75% swiped
- 3.5% + $0.15 keyed
- Limited customer support
PayAnywhere
PayAnywhere (sometimes spelled “Pay Anywhere”) is a mobile credit card processing application launched by North American Bancard. The service is similar to that of GoPayment and Square with many of the same features. In addition to being compatible with iPhone and Android devices, Pay Anywhere can also be used with the Blackberry. The company offers email support, FAQ pages, video tutorials, and phone support; however, it appears that calls are routed to North American Bancard’s traditional call centers which receive numerous complaints of poor service in our review of the company. Like Square, merchant feedback suggests that PayAnywhere uses fund holding as a primary defense against risk, which can cause problems for legitimate merchants. The service appears to be best suited for low-volume and micro-merchants who can swipe the majority of their transactions.
Learn more in our Pay Anywhere Review, or visit the Pay Anywhere website.
PayAnywhere Promotional Video
PayAnywhere Highlights
- Free card reader
- 2.69% swiped
- 3.49% + $0.19 keyed
- Live customer support
These iPhone credit card applications can help you to run your business more effectively. The ability to collect credit card payments in the field can greatly increase your bottom line. Not only will you get paid faster but you will avoid the added cost and risk of billing customers after the fact. With so many options available to accept mobile payment, there is no reason not to take advantage of them. We live in a mobile world and if you and your business are not part of it you should get on board before the train leaves the station without you. If we are missing any great apps that should be included in this list, please let us know in the comment section below.
Spark Pay
Launched in April 2013, Spark Pay by Capital One is a mobile processing app offered as part of Capital One’s “Spark Business” suite of small business solutions. It can be acquired via a free download from the iTunes app store and includes a free headphone jack card reader.
Spark Pay offers two pricing plans for merchants. The first, the Go Plan, is intended for low-volume merchants who simply wish to accept credit cards via their iPhones. It charges 2.65% per swiped transaction, 3.7% per swiped American Express transaction, and 3.7% per keyed-in transaction. There are no other monthly fees associated with this plan.
The Pro Plan, which is intended for higher-volume merchants, charges 1.99% per swiped transaction, 2.8% per swiped American Express transaction, and 2.8% per keyed-in transaction. It includes a monthly fee of $19 and can be cancelled anytime without penalty. Spark Pay also includes other useful features for merchants like bar code scanning, tips, inventory management, and digital receipts. The service comes with live phone support and email support for all users.
You can learn more in our full Spark Pay review, or visit the Spark Pay website.
Spark Pay Video Demonstration
Spark Pay Highlights
- Free card reader
- 2.65% (3.7% Amex) swiped
- 3.7% keyed
- Live customer support
Top All-Purpose Merchant Accounts
About Phillip Parker
Phillip Parker is a former merchant services agent turned small business advocate and the author of "Fee Sweep," which teaches merchants how to dramatically lower their processing rates, eliminate junk fees, and avoid fine-print scams. He founded CardPaymentOptions.com to help merchants enact positive change in the credit card processing industry. Schedule a Consultation with Phillip
Schedule a Consultation with Phillip
Hello,
We are a small window tinting business that typically uses our GoPayment account for automobile customers where we receive $150-$175 payments one to three times per week. However, we have a large residential job coming up and the customer wants to use a credit card. The total charge on the job is $5900. Will GoPayment allow me to charge that amount or any of the other companies? We currently have the pay as you go option with GoPayment. I don’t want to wait 30 days for my money.
Thanks and I look forward to hearing your response.
Amanda
Large transactions are subject to holds with any provider. I recommend calling GoPayment’s customer service prior to running such a sale.
Hi I have used them all for business. I had huge problems with intuit GO. After charging just
$500. They froze my last one for over a month. Getting to right person on phone was stressful.
After they finally realized it they took a additional $10 or so dollars in fees to cover some made up problem.
I now use EMS, Paypalhere (nothing beats money available immediately)
And stripe, and square. One not mentioned on your list. Thanks for your article for us small business
Guys to keep under the rolling amounts I switch between all 4 to keep under the rolling holds.
I have recently heard about ems card swipe. Do you know anything about this company for accepting sales on iphone or ipad? I do a seasonal boutique with about $90,000 in sales in a four day period in March, May, September in November. What do you suggest?
I currently have a landline machine and a wireless terminal that I need to return if I cancel my contract.
Hi Teresa,
None of the providers in the list above are great choices for needs. You need to work with a traditional provider that has a mobile app and card reader. I can’t speak for EMS Card Swipe, but check out the “Custom Provider” section at the bottom of this article as they are better equipped to handle your processing volume: Best Credit Card Processing Apps For Real Businesses
RoamPay was a complete fiasco. Wow what a bunch of clowns. Once I got approved, which took several weeks (and they had to FedEx my reader because I needed the thing for an event), I cancelled the service the following month – that was December 2012. Today, March 2013, I received yet another bill for services. I sent my account rep three requests to cancel the service and stop billing me. I was given an 800 number by the rep so that I contact the corporate office to cancel my own account! DO NOT USE THIS SERVICE
Are they water proof? I need for for the salt water for collecting beach camping fees
Hi Nasimus,
You would need to check directly with the providers, but it is doubtful that any of them are waterproof.
Does anyone have experience using the reader with a LifeProof case on the phone?
Hello,
I work as a for-profit event planner for non-profit organizations. Donor tracking is HUGE for non-profits. Do any of these solutions allow us to save purchaser’s contact information (Name and email address) in order to build the non-profit’s database? I currently use Square and this does not seem to be a feature. Thanks!
Hi Charles,
I believe that GoPayment, Inner Fence, and SalesVu will allow you to do this.
Hi Phillip,
How does the PayPal iPhone/iPad credit card processing stack-up against the others? Thanks
Hi Barbara,
PayPal’s mobile service is still pretty new to the market and I’m still measuring merchant satisfaction; however, you can see my current review here: PayPal Here Review
Thank you for this article. I’m having a hard time deciding between Square and GoPayment. I’ve read other reviews that speak of the ease of signing up and getting funds transferred overnight on Square, but that there are a lot of issues with their reader (therefore, you have to key manually a lot and pay more as a result). With GoPayment, the main negative I hear is that it takes a little more to sign up and that the funds take 2-3 days to transfer. At first I was leaning more toward GoPayment, but I like the ease of set up and overnight funding of Square a lot. The main thing that concerns me with Square is their card reader. Have you heard of this issue getting any better (most recent articles I have found are dated late 2011 and early 2012, but cannot find anything in the past two months).
And have you tried the Mophie case from GoPayment. Apparently that is around $80 and is a far superior reader but you have to sign up on the monthly plan, which I wouldn’t want to do (this is for trade shows which are not every month, so it would not be worth it for me).
Lastly, I have searched the internet and have not found a reader or app that supports the Nexus 7 Tablet. Do you know of any?
Thank you very much!
Hi Jennifer,
Although I do see reports about card reader problems with Square, the most common complaints are regarding fund holding and a lack of telephone customer support. GoPayment scores higher simply because they are the most transparent regarding processing limits and the company has phone support. I haven’t seen any complaints regarding longer deposit times with GoPayment, although it is possible that the deposits take a day or two longer. Here are my reviews if you want more detailed information about the companies: Square Review – GoPayment Review
I have square and I LOVE it! By far the best of all three!
we have a homebase rv mobile repair service and commercial cleaning service and we both are looking for something without all the additional fees or hidden fees that your not told about until you receive your bill with a credit card machine.
What is the difference between gopayment and square and what are the monthly fees/discount fee.
I want to do away with the credit card machine or do you have to have it, because I notice it says as a backup?
Hi Debi,
The full review for Square can be found here, and the full review for GoPayment can be found here.
Hi, I’m looking for the best option for an iPad credit card processor. After reading all of the options I think I am even more confused. A friend had recommended Square, however I am not thrilled about hearing the delayed payment reviews. I am a self emplooyed painting contractor and would only on occasion need the use, however I thought it may bring more business in my add by allowing the addition of credit card acceptance. The other issue is besides only occasional usage, the amount may be sometimes high unlike selling a product could be a few thousand dollars, could be only a few hundred. Any advise from anyone would be greatlly appreciated! Thank you!!!
Hi Denise,
Most mobile processors also work with the iPad. We currently have GoPayment ranked as the top mobile payment processor because they offer superior service and support compared to most other providers.
How does Heartlands Mobuyle stack up to these?
Hi Michael,
I haven’t looked into this service yet but have added them to my future review list. Thanks for bringing them to my attention.
Hi Phillip,
I own a restaurant that does about $3000 per day ( open for lunch only) in CC transactions and I’m just about had it with my credit card service…from the constant change in thier tiered charges to the ‘down time’ I run into on a monthly basis right in the midst of the lunch rush!
I’m looking to simplify and modernize my cc Dilema by switching to square! At least as a back up service…
Given the above….should I?
Thanks
Hi Hisham,
Square does not seem to do well with merchants who have over $2,000 per week in credit card sales. There are numerous reports of funds being put on hold and poor customer support, so you may want to look elsewhere. You can see who we recommend on our Recommended Processors page.
Do any or all of these applications accept international credit cards. I occassionally have orders from customers outside the US which I need to process. Again, thanks for your input.
Hi Billine, I recommend contacting them directly to verify if they accept international cards.
I don’t see Pay Anywhere listed in the mobile app section. Do you know anything about their system and how it would compare to Intuits GoPayment or to Square. 99% of my credit card processing is orders by phone or customers placing repeat dealer orders by phone. All of these are currently called in to my credit card processing company. I never swipe a card. The fees are becoming too high and I am looking for an alternative processing application. Thanks for any input.
Pay Anywhere will likely be added on the next update of this article. You can find more information about them here: PayAnywhere Review
Also, if you never swipe a card, these may not be the best options for you. I recommend getting some quotes from our top recommended processors for your type of processing needs.
Does the square use autorize.net?
Square uses it’s own gateway. It’s really easy to use and would be perfect if it supported subscriptions.
iAuthorizeApp seems dubious. Their Web site seems hacked together, at best, and I tried to send them a support email and it was kicked back as not valid.
Also, it seems the ProcessAway app is not available in the US app store.
I need recurring payments with a swipe card… know which will do that?
Good list, btw.
Hi Rachael, thanks for bringing it to my attention. I’ll take a closer look soon and add it to the list if everything checks out.
Looking for a Zero monthy merchant account; OK with other frees % fees being higher; i.e when used only
Hi Neal,
What kind of business do you have? If you have an iPhone, Square (squareup.com) is a good option.