How to Use the Shopify Card Reader

Are you looking to take your Shopify business on the road, at pop-ups, or even in a physical storefront? The Shopify Card Reader is your companion for making swift and secure sales anywhere.

This handy device is designed to work seamlessly with Shopify’s POS system, letting entrepreneurs like you sell products and accept payments with ease. Here’s a quick guide to get you started.

What Exactly Is A Card Reader?

Essentially, a credit card reader or terminal is a device that enables you to accept payments made with debit and credit cards. This can be done through various methods such as tapping, inserting, swiping cards, or manually entering card information. Typically, these card readers are compact devices that can be attached to your Shopify point-of-sale (POS) system.

Why You Should Use Shopify Card Reader?

To accept payments via credit cards, debit cards, or digital wallets at your retail store, integrating a credit card reader is essential.

Consider the benefits of using a Shopify credit card reader for transactions in your Shopify store.

Shopify card readers are connected to Shopify POS apps

Utilizing credit card scanners integrated with POS (Point-of-Sale) software can be straightforward. The appropriate POS system enables you to process payments conveniently from your computer, tablet, or mobile device.

WiFi is not required for card readers

Payments from your clients are securely handled online, though the card reader operates independently of a WiFi connection. It’s versatile enough to work with cellular data, a direct wired connection, or WiFi as needed.

Shopify card readers are security

Most customers prefer non-cash payment methods, reducing the amount of physical cash held by your business. This decreases the risk of theft and saves time by eliminating the need for bank visits to deposit cash or get change.

Credit card readers also keep your company safe online. They safely keep cyber crooks and hackers at bay, keeping important payment information protected.

Shopify credit card readers prevent fraud

Modern card readers use robust security measures to handle customer information during online transfers. These devices employ a tokenization process for payments, converting sensitive data into a secure token before it travels over the web.

This method greatly reduces the risk of cyber intrusions impacting your transactions. Even in the event of a security breach, the compromised data would be indecipherable and ineffective. Additionally, chip-equipped scanners protect your business from the risks associated with counterfeit cards.

Credit card readers make the payment process more convenient

It takes time to handle cash and make changes. Consumers prefer immediate pleasure.

Providing customers with the option to use contactless payments such as credit cards or mobile pay results in seamless transactions. Such ease of payment not only enhances the shopping experience but also encourages repeat business at your venue.

Shopify card readers keep track of and record all transactions

All the cards that are processed through your credit card reader will be tracked by your point-of-sale software.

Utilizing this approach streamlines the process of retrieving transaction records for accounting tasks, like when a customer initiates a chargeback. Additionally, to simplify the way you compensate your employees, you can enable automatic gratuity processing through the Shopify POS system.

Shopify card readers help you build trust

The credibility of your business is significantly influenced by the security measures you employ to manage customer funds. Encrypting payment data via credit card readers is a critical step in safeguarding private financial information, which, in turn, fosters customer confidence and trust in your operations.

Before diving into top best Shopify card reader selections, let’s create a Shopify store now to enjoy Shopify with the cost of $1 per month for the first 3 months.

Shopify Card Readers: Features

Shopify offers several types of card readers, designed to cater to various business needs, each with its supported devices and usage specifics.

• Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader: Compatible with iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android devices, this reader supports tap (contactless), chip (EMV), and swipe payments. It connects via Bluetooth and is ideal for merchants who have a mobile setup or a physical store.
• Shopify Chip & Swipe Reader: A more portable option, this reader works with iOS and Android devices as well. It accepts chip and swipe card payments and connects via Bluetooth. Its compact design suits merchants on the go.
• Shopify Dock for Tap & Chip Reader: While not a reader on its own, the dock is designed to hold and charge the Tap & Chip Card Reader. It is best for stationary checkout setups.
• Shopify Swipe (audio-jack) card reader: The Shopify Swipe card reader transforms any smartphone or tablet into a mobile point of sale. Plugging directly into the audio jack, it allows for instantaneous, secure credit card transactions through the Shopify POS app, ideal for small businesses and pop-up shops seeking flexibility and ease of use.
• Shopify Swipe (30 pin) card reader: The Shopify Swipe (30 pin) card reader epitomizes convenience for small business owners, integrating seamlessly with iOS devices to facilitate quick and secure payment processing. Its compact design ensures portability, while the 30-pin connection provides a reliable link for transactional operations.
• Shopify Swipe (Lightning) card: This card reader is a portable, user-friendly device that allows merchants to accept payments on the go. Connecting directly to iOS devices, the reader processes transactions swiftly, empowering businesses with the flexibility to make sales anywhere, anytime.
• Shopify Moneris Card Reader: simplifies transactions, offering seamless integration for in-person payments. It’s user-friendly, and secure, and allows merchants to accept a variety of payment methods, enhancing the customer checkout experience.

To use these readers, first, ensure that you have the Shopify POS app installed on your compatible device. Pair the reader with your device via Bluetooth, then, when a customer is ready to pay, enter the amount in the Shopify POS and follow the prompts to process the payment through the connected card reader. The exact steps can vary slightly depending on the type of reader and the device being used.

Step 1: Set Up Your Shopify Card Reader

Firstly, ensure your Shopify Card Reader is fully charged. Connect it to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. Open the Shopify POS app on your device, go to the ‘Store’ tab, and then to ‘Hardware’ to select and pair your card reader.

Step 2: Configure Your POS Settings

Customize your POS settings in your Shopify admin to suit your business needs. You can set up things like taxes, receipts, and store locations. Make sure that all your products are updated and correctly priced in the Shopify admin.

Step 3: Making a Sale

When you’re ready to sell, open your Shopify POS app and add products to the cart. Once the items are added, proceed to checkout. Here, you’ll have the option to accept payment. Tap on ‘Credit’ when you choose a payment method.

Step 4: Process the Payment

Have your customer insert or tap their card on the Shopify Card Reader. Wait for the confirmation of payment. If required, you can also capture the customer’s signature on your device’s screen.

Step 5: Receipts and Post-Sale

Upon a successful transaction, you can offer the customer a digital receipt sent via email or text, or if you have a compatible printer, print it out directly. In the POS app, you will see the sale reflected immediately, which helps in maintaining up-to-date inventory levels.

Create a specific payment provider within your Shopify server, as the billing process is handled externally.

How Much Does The Shopify Card Reader Cost?

The Shopify Chip & Swipe Reader is priced competitively, making it an accessible option for small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to accept payments on the go. As of my last update, the cost for the Shopify Card Reader is approximately $29 if purchased directly through Shopify’s hardware store, but prices may vary based on location and promotions; thus, it is always best to check the latest pricing directly on Shopify’s website for the most accurate information.

Final Thoughts

The Shopify Card Reader is a game-changer for businesses that want to make sales in person and manage their inventory in real time. With these simple steps, you’re now ready to take your business anywhere, ensuring a smooth and efficient customer experience.

Remember to stay updated with Shopify’s guidelines and support in case of any updates or changes to the card reader’s functionalities. Happy selling!

Note: The steps mentioned above may vary slightly based on the specific model of the Shopify Card Reader and updates to the Shopify POS app

FAQs on Shopify Card Reader

How does Shopify card reader work?

The Shopify card reader is designed for seamless operation with Shopify POS (Point of Sale) systems. When you make a sale, the card reader interfaces with the Shopify POS app to process payments. Customers can pay by swiping, inserting, or tapping their credit or debit card, depending on the reader model you have. The transaction is processed securely, and funds are deposited into your account.

How do I work my card reader?

Working with your Shopify card reader is straightforward:

1. Connect the card reader to your device (tablet, smartphone) via Bluetooth or a physical connection, depending on your model.
2. Open the Shopify POS app and ensure it recognizes the card reader.
3. When making a sale, select the card payment option within the app.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transaction, which may involve swiping, inserting, or tapping the card on the reader.

Does Shopify send you a free card reader?

Shopify sometimes offers promotional deals where you can receive a free card reader when you sign up for a Shopify POS subscription. However, these promotions can vary by region and time. It’s recommended to check the current Shopify offerings or contact Shopify support directly for information on any ongoing promotions.

What card reader can I use with Shopify POS?

Shopify supports a variety of card readers, which can differ based on your location and the type of Shopify plan you have. The most commonly used are the Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader, the Chip & Swipe Reader, and the Shopify Retail Kit for more advanced needs. It’s important to select a reader that is compatible with your device and meets your business’s specific requirements. For the most updated list of supported readers and to find the best option for your store, refer to Shopify’s official website or contact their support team.