POS TERMINALS
POS Terminals for Small Businesses
POS terminals for small businesses range from countertop card terminals to portable handheld devices for accepting in-person payments. This guide compares popular terminal options and explains what to consider before choosing the right setup for your business.
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POS Terminal Options
Here are four terminal options connected with processors included in the Premier Processors comparison process. The illustrations are generic and are not intended to depict the manufacturers’ actual devices. Hardware pricing is shown where the provider publishes a current price; processing costs are described separately because rates and plans can change. Updated September 2026.
Square Terminal
Best for
Small retail and service businesses that want a simple all-in-one terminal.
- Built-in receipt printer
- Accepts tap, chip and swipe
- Works with Square POS software
Hardware: $299
Transaction Fees: Square’s current in-person rates apply.
Good to know: Square Terminal works within the Square payment ecosystem.
Helcim Smart Terminal
Best for
Businesses wanting a standalone terminal with built-in POS tools and receipt printing.
- Built-in POS software
- Built-in receipt printer
- Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity
Hardware: $349
Transaction Fees: Interchange-plus pricing.
Good to know: Helcim also advertises a 12-month hardware installment option.
Dejavoo QD4 Countertop Terminal
Best for
Businesses looking for a traditional countertop credit-card terminal.
- Countertop design
- Chip, swipe and contactless payments
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
Hardware: Check current price on Amazon
Transaction Fees: Vary by payment processor and merchant account.
Good to know: Payment terminals generally must be configured for a compatible payment processor before they can process transactions.
Stripe Reader S700
Best for
Businesses using Stripe or a custom or integrated point-of-sale setup.
- 5.5-inch touchscreen
- Accepts tap, chip and swipe
- Designed for integrated POS setups
Hardware: $299
Transaction Fees: Stripe Terminal’s current rates apply.
Good to know: The S700 is more integration-focused than a traditional plug-and-play small-business terminal.
Pricing note: Hardware prices shown were checked in September 2026. Processing rates, promotions, installment offers and equipment availability can change. Confirm current pricing with the provider before purchasing. Amazon availability can also vary. Verify that any terminal is compatible with your chosen processor and merchant account before purchasing.
5 Things to Consider Before Choosing a POS Terminal
You do not need to compare dozens of features. Start with these five questions.
1
Decide whether the terminal stays in one place or needs to move with you.
2
Some terminals include one. Others require a separate printer.
3
Consider inventory, customer management, invoicing and reporting needs.
4
Your sales volume can affect which processor and pricing model makes sense.
5
Make sure the hardware works with the payment processor you choose.
What About Clover?
Clover is a broader POS hardware and software ecosystem rather than a single terminal. The right setup depends on the device, software plan, processor and contract terms, so compare the complete package rather than the hardware price alone.
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