Payment Terminals for Small Business | Free Credit Card Machines
Get a free payment terminal and start accepting credit cards with $0 processing fees through our dual pricing program. Clover, Dejavoo, Ingenico, and PAX terminals installed and supported by Merchant Solutions Corp.
Fast approval. No hard credit pull. Next-day funding available.
What Is a Payment Terminal?
A payment terminal (also called a credit card machine or card reader) is a device that allows businesses to securely accept credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallet payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Payment terminals for small business are essential for any store, restaurant, or service provider that wants to accept card payments in person.
Modern credit card machines support multiple payment types:
Payment terminals can operate as standalone credit card machines or integrate with full POS systems like Clover to manage orders, inventory, and reporting from one device.
Types of Payment Terminals
Choose the right credit card machine for your business based on how and where you accept payments.
Countertop Terminals
Fixed credit card machines that sit at your checkout counter. Built-in receipt printers, PIN pads, and high-speed processing. Best for retail stores, grocery, and service counters.
Examples: Clover Station, Clover Mini, Dejavoo QD4
Wireless Terminals
Portable card readers with WiFi or 4G cellular connectivity. Accept payments anywhere in your business or on the go. Best for restaurants (tableside), delivery, and mobile services.
Examples: Clover Flex, Dejavoo QD2, Ingenico Move 5000
Mobile Tap-to-Pay
Turn your smartphone into a credit card terminal. Accept contactless payments with no additional hardware. Best for pop-up shops, market vendors, and sole proprietors.
Examples: Clover Go, Square Reader, XerochargeGO
Smart POS Devices
Android-based touchscreen terminals that combine payment processing with full POS software — inventory, reporting, and employee management. Best for businesses that need an all-in-one solution.
Examples: Clover Station Duo, Dejavoo P18, PAX A920
Best Payment Terminals by Industry
Different businesses need different credit card machines. Here's what works best for each industry.
Restaurants
Full-service restaurants need wireless terminals for tableside payments and tipping. Quick-service needs fast countertop checkout.
Recommended: Clover Flex (tableside), Clover Station Duo (counter)
Restaurant POS solutionsRetail Stores
Retail needs countertop terminals with barcode scanning, receipt printing, and inventory tracking built in.
Recommended: Clover Station Solo, Clover Mini, Exatouch
Retail payment solutionsSalons & Spas
Salons need terminals with appointment integration, client profiles, and tip management.
Recommended: Clover Mini, Square Terminal
Salon POS solutionsFood Trucks
Food trucks need compact, wireless terminals with cellular connectivity that work anywhere.
Recommended: Clover Go, Clover Flex, Dejavoo QD2
Food truck POS solutionsProfessional Services
Service businesses need mobile payment capability for on-site work plus invoicing tools.
Recommended: Clover Flex, Clover Go, PayAnywhere
Service business solutionsGas Stations & Auto
Gas stations need EMV-compliant terminals with fuel pump integration and c-store POS.
Recommended: Ingenico Tetra, PAX Terminals
Gas station processingGet Your Credit Card Machine Free — No Upfront Cost
Most payment terminal providers charge $300–$1,000+ for hardware. Through our free terminal placement program, qualified businesses receive their credit card machine at $0 upfront cost.
Here's how it works:
Apply Online
Quick application — no hard credit pull. Most businesses approved in 24–48 hours.
Choose Your Terminal
Pick from Clover, Dejavoo, or PayAnywhere based on your business needs.
Start Accepting Payments
Terminal arrives pre-programmed and ready to process. We handle setup and training.
What's Included — Free
36-month agreement required. $5K minimum monthly volume. Terms apply.
Payment Terminal Pricing
Two ways to process — choose the model that fits your business.
Compare Top Payment Terminals
Side-by-side comparison of the most popular credit card machines from Clover, Dejavoo, and PayAnywhere.
| Device | Type | Wireless | Printer | Buy Price | Subscribe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clover Station Solo | Countertop | — | $2,055 | $139/mo | High-volume retail & restaurants | |
| Clover Mini | Compact POS | — | $990 | $69/mo | Small counters & QSR | |
| Clover Flex | Handheld | $860 | $59/mo | Tableside & mobile | ||
| Clover Go | Mobile Reader | — | $179 | $10/mo | On-the-go payments | |
| Dejavoo QD4 | Countertop | — | Free* | $49+/mo | Retail & service | |
| Dejavoo QD2 | Wireless | Free* | $49+/mo | Restaurants & mobile | ||
| PayAnywhere Smart | Smart Terminal | Free* | $49+/mo | Multi-purpose |
*Free with dual pricing program. 36-month agreement required.
Leading Payment Terminal Brands
Clover Payment Terminals
Clover offers smart payment terminals that combine credit card processing with full POS functionality — inventory, reporting, and employee management. The most popular choice for restaurants and retail stores.
Why Get Your Terminal Through Merchant Solutions Corp
Free Terminal Program
Qualified businesses receive their credit card machine at $0 upfront cost through our placement program.
Professional Installation
Our certified technicians install and configure your terminal onsite, nationwide.
Staff Training
Hands-on training for your team so they are confident processing payments from day one.
Competitive Rates
Custom interchange-plus and flat-rate pricing. Dual pricing program eliminates fees entirely.
Dedicated Support
Local support from a real team, not a call center. Phone, email, and onsite support available.
Fast Approval
Most businesses approved within 24–48 hours. Terminal arrives pre-programmed and ready to process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Payment Terminals
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