A basic credit card reader includes a magnetic stripe reader, a keypad to enter prices and other information, and a small display. It may have a printer built in, or attached as a separate unit. They’re generally reliable machines and should last for years with minimal care – just make sure you clean out the printer now and again.

Credit card readers have different types of displays: obviously, larger displays let you see more information at once. Displays are usually measured line lines and columns: an 8 x 20 display has 8 lines of text, 20 columns wide. Getting a backlit display lets you use the reader even in low light conditions and is probably a good idea - backlights are standard on most new readers in any case.

Keypads vary in size and number of keys. More keys typically give you the option to assign commonly-used functions to their own key; larger keypads can improve ease of use.

Wireless credit card readers
Wireless credit card readers provide a significant advantage for some businesses. For example, taxi drivers, seasonal businesses with temporary locations, and large lot businesses can all greatly increase efficiency by accepting credit cards wirelessly. However, for most businesses, wireless credit card readers are a needless expense: if it’s never going to leave the counter, the wires pose no problem.

Wireless credit card readers all have printers built-in - your employees won’t want to carry around two separate pieces of equipment. Important factors to consider when evaluating wireless terminals include battery life, range, weight, and shock-resistance - any terminal that gets carried around is going to be dropped occasionally.