Best credit card reader terminals for in-person payments – Verifone picks under $200
A common mis-buy is choosing a credit card reader terminal without EMV and contactless or the right connectivity. Before purchasing, confirm EMV chip and NFC tap-to-pay, then match Wi‑Fi or Ethernet to how you take payments. Also verify your processor supports the exact Verifone model and will handle key injection. These quick checks align the device with in‑person workflows—tableside, curbside, or countertop—so you pay only for capabilities you’ll actually use.
Generated 09/17/2025
Recommendation
This Verifone VX 680 WiFi EMV Contactless terminal directly matches your stated needs: it’s a Verifone model (your preferred brand) and the listed price of $199 is well within your budget of $400, so it meets both brand and budget criteria with room for accessories or service fees. Why this is a strong choice - Verifone is a trusted vendor for payment terminals; the VX 680 supports EMV chip transactions and contactless/NFC payments (as the title indicates), which reduces fraud risk and covers major card and mobile-wallet payment methods. - The unit’s WiFi capability makes it convenient for countertop or mobile environments where you don’t want to rely solely on wired connections. The combination of EMV + contactless + WiFi is a solid balance of modern features at a competitive price point. Budget fit - At $199 the terminal is comfortably under your $400 budget, leaving roughly $200 of headroom for accessories (charging cradle, spare battery), activation fees, or processor setup costs. This is cost-efficient while keeping you on a reputable platform. Things to consider: - Confirm compatibility with your payment processor/merchant account and whether National Bankcard locks the device to their gateway or allows other processors. - Verify exact connectivity options — some VX 680 variants also offer cellular or dial; ensure the WiFi-only model fits your needs or whether you need cellular backup. - Check what’s included (power adapter, charging cradle, spare battery) and warranty / technical support terms. - Ensure the unit will receive firmware/security updates and is PCI-compliant. - Note the product page shows a 5-star rating but only one review—consider asking the seller for references or more details if you want broader user feedback.
Recommendation criteria
The recommendation is based on these requirements:
Our recommendation – Verifone VX 680 WiFi EMV Contactless
The Verifone VX 680 WiFi EMV Contactless is a handheld terminal designed for line‑busting and tableside checkout. Built‑in Wi‑Fi removes cable clutter and lets staff take payments wherever customers are. EMV chip and contactless support cover current card methods and help keep acceptance up to date. Its compact, portable design suits curbside, delivery, and pop‑up setups while remaining simple for staff to learn. For merchants standardizing on Verifone, it aligns with common processor configurations when properly provisioned. At $199, it delivers secure, mobile acceptance without overspending.
- EMV chip and contactless support for secure tap‑and‑chip payments
- Wi‑Fi connectivity for cable‑free checkout and line‑busting
- Portable form factor for tableside, curbside, and pop‑up sales
- Stays with the Verifone brand you prefer while coming in under $200
Other products analyzed at the time
Verifone P400 Plus Card Reader Terminal
$40.00 - eBay - barramerkur
(3 reviews)Our evaluationCountertopVerifone P400 Plus Card Reader Terminal – Compact countertop PIN padA small, customer‑facing device that supports modern card methods and connects to compatible POS systems. Good for merchants who want a tethered checkout without moving the terminal.
Verifone MX 880 Series POS Payment Terminal
$18.00 - itcreations.com
(1 reviews)Budget alternativeOur evaluationLarge displayVerifone MX 880 Series POS Payment Terminal – Lane-ready terminalBuilt for busy checkout lanes with a larger screen and tethered setup. Suits multi‑lane retail where a durable, customer‑facing device is preferred.
VeriFone MX 915 Payment Terminal
$34.65 - Bonanza - Mac Master's Store
(5 reviews)PremiumOur evaluationPremium pickVeriFone MX 915 Payment Terminal – Enterprise lane deviceA sleek, customer‑facing countertop terminal intended for integrated POS lanes. Requires compatible processor configuration and is usually higher‑priced.
VeriFone MX915 Payment Terminal
$274.18 - Radwell.com
(2 reviews)Our evaluationHigh-endVeriFone MX915 Payment Terminal – Countertop multimedia terminalA model in the MX 915 family designed for integrated, customer‑facing checkout with a slim footprint and multimedia display.
FAQ
What matters most when choosing a credit card reader terminal?
Focus on payment methods (EMV chip and NFC tap are essential; magstripe optional), connectivity (Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, or both), and processor/POS compatibility with proper key injection. Check power and charging needs, screen size, and whether you want a handheld or customer‑facing countertop unit. As a decision tip: match the device to where the card is presented—at the table, curbside, or a fixed checkout.
How much should I spend, and is a sub‑$200 terminal good value?
Under $200 is reasonable for entry‑level or refurbished hardware that supports EMV and contactless; ensure it can be reprogrammed for your processor. New countertop lane devices often cost more. Consider total ownership: setup and reprogramming fees, stands and cables, warranties, and replacement batteries. If your use is mobile or pop‑up, a capable handheld at this price may deliver better value than an oversized lane terminal.
Which is better: a mobile handheld or a countertop terminal?
Handhelds suit tableside, curbside, delivery, and line‑busting. They favor Wi‑Fi and long battery life, with smaller footprints. Countertop units fit fixed lanes where a customer‑facing screen, PIN entry, and peripherals matter. Choose handheld if staff move to the customer; choose countertop if customers reliably come to a designated checkout and you need a tethered, always‑powered setup.
What should I know about processor compatibility, returns, and warranties?
Before buying, confirm your payment processor supports the exact model and will perform key injection or remote provisioning. Ask about return windows, restocking fees, and any reprogramming charges. For refurbished units, look for a clear condition grade and at least a short warranty. Keep documentation of the device’s serial/part numbers so your processor can verify compatibility quickly.
How do I fix chip or tap read errors on a terminal?
Restart the terminal and test with a known‑good card. Clean the chip slot and swipe path using a card‑safe cleaning kit. Ensure Wi‑Fi or Ethernet is stable and retry closer to the router for NFC interference checks. Verify date/time and application settings, then re‑download parameters or updates through your processor if available. Persistent failures merit contacting your provider to inspect reader hardware or re‑provision credentials.
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