Ways To Get A Shopify Card Reader Free

Want to get a free Shopify card reader? You’ve come to the right place. This post covers all you need to know about Shopify card readers, including their features and how you may get one for free. By the end, you'll be able to choose the perfect reader that allows your company to take payments anywhere.

What Is Shopify Card Reader?

The Shopify card reader connects smoothly to your Shopify POS system. That means you receive real-time inventory updates, complete sales statistics, and valuable insights to help you operate your company like a pro.

So, how do these payments go through your reader? Customers may use contactless cards, insert chip cards, swipe traditional cards, or manually input their card information. It's all relatively safe and easy, making you and your customers happy.

Shopify Card Reader

This small device is a game-changer for any company, whether you're a booming brick-and-mortar shop, a fashionable food truck, or a mobile retail wiz. No more scurrying for cash or losing purchases.

Read more: 10 Steps for Setting Up Shopify POS System.

3 Ways To Get A Shopify Card Reader Free

Shopify provides many options for getting a free card reader that transforms your phone or tablet into a formidable sales machine. 

Excited? Let's look at three easy ways to get this useful tool and start collecting payments like a pro:

Option 1: Check Your Eligibility

Although Shopify offers a variety of card readers in Shopify Hardware Stores, certain lucky businesses may qualify for a free one. 

See if your business qualifies for Shopify's free card reader service by following this information:

First, your store in the United States. 

Also, you use Shopify Payments (which ensures a seamless checkout experience). Check it by following these steps: Settings > Billing > Payment Methods.

Check your Shopify Payments option

If you see that  "Shopify Payments" is listed as a payment option, congratulations! You are eligible for a free card reader. 

However, if your store is in the US but does not have Shopify Payments, do not worry. In the next part, we’ll provide two other ways to get a free card reader.

Option 2: Free Trial Of POS App (Without Shopify Payments)

Shopify POS app

The Shopify POS App comes with a 14-day free trial with a card reader, an excellent opportunity to test before committing.

Go to the Shopify POS app page and select "Start free trial."

Shopify POS’s homepage website

Remember, free trials are fantastic, but watch for hidden expenses. Some consumers have reported monthly costs of up to $89 after signing up for a "free" card reader. 

So, always read the tiny print before agreeing to a Shopify promotion.

Option 3: Change Your Shopify Plan (Without Shopify Payments)

Each Basic Shopify and Shopify plan includes a free card reader. Visit the Shopify price page to determine which plan suits your company's requirements.

Specifically, all Shopify Plus plans cover the first 20 POS Pro locations.

Shopify plan pricing

Read more: 

2 Best Options Shopify Card Readers

We understand you hear about the reliable Shopify Chip & Swipe Reader, Swipe (Lightning), or Swipe (audio-jack). These were excellent alternatives in the past, but Shopify no longer supports them.

If you continue to use it, an unsupported reader may result in restricted functioning or full payment blocking.

So, here are some suggested options that work with Shopify POS:

Read more: 10+ Best Shopify POS Apps

1. Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader

Accept payments with a simple touch or swipe with the Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader, a convenient mobile device that works with the Shopify POS software. 

Pricing: $49.

Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader

Key Features:

• Accepts all major cards: Process Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
• Simple Setup: Connect the reader to your iOS or Android phone over Bluetooth and download the free Shopify POS software.
• Flexible Usage: Carry the reader or use the countertop charging station (available separately).
• Long-lasting battery: Get a full week of sales on a single charge. S
• Seamless Integration: The reader integrates with Shopify POS, providing a unified sales experience.

However, considering the optional Dock. The reader is movable, but the dock, which is sold separately, keeps the reader charged and provides a safe place to put it on a desk.

2. Shopify POS Go (With Shopify Payments)

Shopify POS Go is a mobile point-of-sale system built for Shopify users that sell both online and in-person. It allows you to collect payments from anywhere using your phone or tablet, making it ideal for pop-up stores, marketplaces, and in-person purchases.

Pricing: $299.

To get started, you will need the following:

• Sell in: Australia, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
• Shopify Payments Required: You must use Shopify Payments to complete transactions with POS Go.
• Locations match: Keep your shop and physical sites in the same nation for easier administration.
• Secure connection: A WPA2 Wi-Fi network keeps your transactions safe.

Shopify POS Go

Here's what Shopify POS Go offers:

• Portable & Compact: This lightweight, portable technology allows you to do business anywhere.
• Built-in Scanner & Card Reader: Scan items and receive payments fast and with a single device.
• Secure Transactions: Shopify Payments provides a secure and trustworthy environment for you and your customers.
• Data-Driven Insights: With access to significant information, you can track sales, manage inventory, and make better-informed decisions.
• Quick-Charging Battery & Powerful Processor: Maintain your productivity with a long-lasting battery and a smooth user interface.

However, Shopify POS has limited hardware compatibility. It may not function with all Bluetooth devices.

2.1. POS Terminal - Countertop Mode For POS GO (With Shopify Payments)

When paired with POS Go Dock, POS Go transforms from a mobile POS to a dedicated countertop payment terminal called POS Terminal. These terminals often have features like EMV compliance, PCI compliance, and fraud protection.

Requirements:

• POS Go device.
• POS Go Dock.
• Shopify Payments activated.
• Same country for store location and physical locations.
• WPA2 Wi-Fi network or Ethernet cable.
• iOS device running POS app version 8.16 or later (both POS Go and device must be logged into the same location and network).

Shopify POS Terminal

Here's what the POS Go Dock offers:

• Customer Display: Shows cart items and payment status for clear checkout.
• Secure Payments: Accepts all major credit, debit, tap, and digital wallets using Shopify Payments.
• Wired or Wireless: For stable connectivity, use Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

However, there are network requirements for POS terminals. Ensure your network matches the Shopify POS app's unique needs, such as local network connection, internet access, peer-to-peer communication allowance, open ports, and regional network authorization.

Choosing The Best Shopify Card Reader Option For You

Shopify provides a range of card reader options to meet various company requirements. Here's a breakdown to help you choose the best one:

Understanding your company's requirements and these options lets you choose the Shopify card reader that best fulfills your payment processing goals.

FAQs

1. What If I Don't Qualify For The Free Shopify Card Reader?

You may buy a card reader directly from the Shopify Hardware Store if you do not satisfy the specifications listed here. 

Remember that card readers may only be bought by merchants in the United States, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

2. What If I Lose Or Damage My Free Shopify Card Reader?

Unfortunately, Shopify does not specify what happens if you lose or damage a free Shopify card reader (assuming they provide one).

Here are some such circumstances and actions you may take:

• Limited warranty: Some gadgets have a limited warranty on manufacturing flaws. Check the warranty on your free Shopify card reader. If the warranty covers the damage, you may request a free replacement.
• Purchase a new reader: If the alternatives listed above are not accessible, you may need to buy a new card reader. Shopify's POS hardware page lists compatible card reader alternatives and their prices.

Search Shopify's Help Center for information about missing or broken hardware. They may have a special policy for such instances.

3. Are Any Additional Costs Associated With Using A Shopify Card Reader?

Yes, even if you get a free Shopify card reader, there may be other expenses related to utilizing it.

Transaction fees: 

Every time you use your card reader to complete a payment, Shopify Payments (or your preferred payment gateway) will incur a transaction fee. These costs vary according to your Shopify plan and the kind of card used.

Monthly plan fees: 

Depending on your Shopify plan, there may be a monthly membership fee. This fee applies to using the Shopify platform and its capabilities, not the card reader.

Conclusion

So you've looked into the many options for getting a free Shopify card reader, and hopefully, you've selected the one that works best for your company. However, whether you get a free reader or buy one, the main point is that a Shopify card reader is a game changer.

But wait, there's more! Want to take your Shopify store to the next level? Consider using a drag-and-drop page builder app like EComposer Builder Page to enhance customer experience alongside a seamless payment process facilitated by a card reader. With it, you can create stunning and high-converting landing pages, product pages, and more.

This Shopify drag-and-drop tool’s intuitive interface and built-in features let you easily customize your store's look and feel without coding.

EComposer Builder Page drag-and-drop design

Try this #1 Shopify Builder Page for free now!