There is high value in portability when it comes to certain types of businesses. If you are ready to implement portable credit card processing services, you can accept payment wherever you or your clients are. But how to accept credit card payments on my phone?
If you want to take credit card payments on phone and make purchases easier towards your customers, you will need a mobile device, specialized software, and a reader. To get started, you will need to use a mobile processing app. It allows you to easily and securely process a transaction using your phone’s camera or a reader add-on. Simply download the app, create an account, and connect it to your bank account. Once you’re set up, you can begin accepting installments on the go, making it easier for customers to pay you anytime, anywhere.
Why Should You Consider It
We’ll start by explaining the most obvious benefits of adding portable transaction options to your usual merchant services. The first is that you can utilize one of the most common pieces of hardware – a smartphone or a tablet, and turn it into a terminal without any need to buy expensive equipment. The second is that mobile devices are portable and easy to carry with you. This is especially convenient when you are required to conduct business nowhere near your POS installations.
Furthermore, it gives you improved security than traditional payment methods, because they typically use encryption and other security features to protect sensitive information. This can help to reduce the risk of fraud and data breaches. Additionally, this type of processing often comes with a lower fee attached compared to traditional methods. This can result in cost savings for businesses, particularly for smaller transactions.
The Pros and Cons of Installing Apps to Accept Credit Card Payments on Android
While there are numerous advantages when you accept credit card on Android or any other type of mobile devices, such as increased convenience, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. The table below lists the pros and cons of accepting a non-cash installment on your smartphone or tablet, from convenience to different disputes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You can process non-cash purchases without using expensive and bulky equipment | Since most payment interfaces use Bluetooth, it may drain your battery too quickly |
| You can increase your sales by offering this convenience | Apps for mobile transactions are usually more limited than a terminal |
| Added security, as it's safer than to carry large amounts of cash if your business is on the go | Potentially, you'll experience wear and tear on your multipurpose device much quicker |
| Much simpler record keeping | A POS terminal might be much more time efficient |
| Simple to set up and use | You might experience technical issues due to connectivity or software glitches |
| Offers competitive advantage | It can be difficult to provide documentation in case of disputes |
Mobile Card Reader
This type of reader is a small device that can easily be attached to a tablet or a smartphone so your business can accept non-cash options on the go. It allows small business owners, freelancers, and anyone who needs to process payments outside of a traditional retail setting to process purchases easily and securely, even without a regular payment gateway.
It typically connects to a smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth or a headphone jack, and it reads the information stored on the magnetic stripe or chip of a customer’s plastic. Once it’s swiped or inserted, the payment information is transmitted to the credit card processing companies, and the transaction is processed.
Can I Accept a Non-Cash Payment Without a Mobile Reader?
If you don’t want to invest in a reader, you can process non-cash purchases through the phone in other ways. You can do it in some of the following ways:
- Use a virtual terminal – some merchant services credit card processing companies offer this type of terminal where you can process non-cash payments through a web browser. You can simply log in to your account, enter the customer’s personal information, and process the transaction.
- Use a link – some processors allow you to generate a link that you can send to customers via email or text message. The customer can click on the link and enter the information off of cards to complete the purchase. This method is also called card-not-present (CNP).
- Use a mobile app – some processors allow accepting non-cash purchases through an application that is installed on the device. You can enter the customer’s personal information, and the installment will be processed.
Credit Card Processing for Android vs. Credit Card Processing iPhone App
Before you choose and purchase a reader, one of the most important things to do is to check whether it’s compatible and if it easily integrates with the device you own. Most of the best add-on hardware for accepting mobile transactions is compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, but there are readers which are only suitable for one operating system. If you’re not sure how to accept card payments on iPhone or on Android, make sure you inform yourself and contact your chosen processor.
How Accepting Mobile Transactions Can Help Your Business
Accepting and processing purchases with your smartphone or a tablet can help a business in several ways. It provides a convenient way for customers to pay easily and quickly, which can lead to greater satisfaction and loyalty, and in the end – increased sales. Additionally, there is less need for handling cash, which saves time and reduces the risk of errors and theft. On top of it, you can reach more new consumers as these types of transactions are gaining popularity.
If you are an entrepreneur on the go, and your small business gains more benefits when you present yourself at events and shows, this is a great solution. Artists, craft businesses, food trucks, farmers’ markets, restaurants and retailers, and other types of businesses can benefit greatly from this type of processing.
Most consumers prefer to use non-cash purchasing options. If we look at some credit cards statistics from 2019 published by Statista, 82% of online shoppers living in the Americas prefer paying with cards. That’s why it’s important to embrace as many processing options available because people are looking for convenience.
Top Benefits
This is the world where convenience is valued more and more. Consumers are getting used to fast shipping, delivery, and the best options for online shopping they can find with each passing day. Down the line, they might love what you offer in terms of products and services, but do they like your payment options? By now, if you haven’t considered implementing this method, you realize you’re missing out on bigger sales. But let us first consider some other top benefits it offers, especially compared to POS terminals.
It’s the Best Way for Viewing Financial Progress
If you are using the tools for mobile transaction processing, it makes it easier to view the financial progress you’re making. It takes just a moment to view the amount of revenue generated on that day, or any other date, quicker than it takes you to get a merchant statement. You can also view the revenue for a certain week or a month. The information is at your fingertips wherever you may be, as long as your smartphone or tablet is with you.
It’s the Best Option to Avoid Late Payments
Worrying about late installments has never been fun, especially if you’re waiting for your customer to log on to process a transaction or mail you a check. If you have a business that offers home services or something similar, the best option is to get paid before you part ways with your customers. There is something comforting in the knowledge that you’ve already collected your money so you can move on to the next client.
The Flexibility of Accepting Transactions With a Mobile Payment App
Is your work taking you beyond the office? Are you on the road, traveling, or heading to a client’s home? Then you are probably in dire need of a flexible payment method. There is no accepting purchases on the go without some form of portable technology you can carry with you at all times. That’s why mobile processing makes it easier to conduct work on the go, which in turn can lead to more new satisfied customers.
Knowing How to Accept Credit Cards on Your Phone Means You’re Collecting Deposits on the Go
Those who own a company or do any kind of work that includes persuading clients know that they can have a change of heart. Mobile processing is a great way to secure future business at the right moment and collect a deposit while in the field. That is a guarantee for a pending sale or a service.
How to Accept Credit Card Payments on My Phone
If you’ve opted to invest in add-on hardware, there are two options available, and you should choose the one that’s right for you. You can choose between the following options:
- EMV readers – they consist of a pin device and a chip. They are considered to be much more secure than the older types of magstripe readers.
- Contactless option – we are already familiar with machines that process contactless transactions, where a customer can complete the purchase by simply tapping with their plastic. When it comes to smartphones or tablets, this technology is called near field communication or simply – NFC.
Accepting Through an App
However, if you’ve decided to use an application instead, the majority of these apps work in a similar way – you sign up, enter the total of what your client should pay, and enter the information or scan the plastic. But if you need a step-by-step, here is how you should do it:
- There are several mobile processing services available, so choose a service that suits your needs and requirements.
- Once you have selected a processing service, create an account with them by following their instructions. You will need to provide basic information such as your name, business name, and contact details.
- After creating an account, download the processing app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Log in to your account and follow the instructions to set up your account. You will need to link your bank account, add your products or services, and customize your settings.
- Once your account is set up and the application is ready, you can start accepting installments on your smartphone or tablet.
- After the transaction is processed, the funds will be transferred to your linked bank account. The processing time can vary depending on the processing service you are using.
Remember to always keep your smartphone, tablet, and app secure and to follow all applicable laws and regulations when accepting credit non-cash installments.
Find the Best Credit Card Processing Company
If you’re a successful small business owner looking to process purchases through your phone, it’s important to find a good and reliable merchant company, such as Merchant Chimp, that offers a reliable and secure mobile payment solution. When evaluating different providers, consider factors such as pricing, different discounts, security features, customer support, and ease of use. By doing your research and choosing a reputable provider, you can streamline your transaction process and make it easier for your customers to pay you on the go.
