By buycardmachines June 12, 2025
Selecting the proper POS system is a business-critical choice, and Clover remains at the forefront with its versatile, intuitive, and powerful solutions. If you have a busy restaurant, a small café, a hectic retail shop, or a mobile business on the move, there’s a Clover device designed specifically to fit your needs.
In 2025, Clover’s offers cutting-edge capabilities, elegant designs, and integrations that enable companies to save time and run more smoothly. In this guide, we’ll cut through the best Clover POS machines out there this year and how Clover POS can benefit your business, so you know how to choose the right one for you.
Types of Card Machines and Who They're Best For
Getting the right card machine can be a huge difference in how smooth, professional your payment experience is, for both you and customers. Depending on where and how you do business, there’s a machine that fits perfectly. Below is an overview of the most popular types:
Portable Card Machines – Perfect for Tableside or On-the-Floor Payments
If you work in the hospitality industry—such as a restaurant, café, or pub—a portable card machine gives you freedom and flexibility. Portable machines plug in through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so you can take the payment terminal to your customers.
- Ideal for:
- Reduces queue times and wait
- Gives a more relaxed, customer-oriented experience
- Ideal for use in situations where service occurs away from the counter
Countertop Card Machines – Designed for Stability and Speed
Perfect for venues such as salons, clinics, and retail outlets, countertop card machines remain in position and are regarded as reliable. They connect via Wi-Fi, internet, or over the phone to make for quick, safe payments at your counter.
- Ideal for:
- A fixed point for customer payments
- Constant connection for continuous transactions
- A common system that’s easy to train staff in
Mobile Card Machines – For Taking Payments Anywhere
Got a delivery business, a pop-up shop, or a tradeshow stand? Your mobile card machine is your new best friend. They connect via 4G, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth to accept payments anywhere you happen to be—even in your car.
- Ideal for:
- Remote and traveling business owners
- Speedy on-site transactions for professionals who offer services
- Evolving to meet customer demands for convenience and speed
Tip: As payment trends change and contactless spending keeps on rising, accepting flexible payment options is no longer a perk—it’s the norm. Getting the right card machine to suit your business style enables you to serve quicker, smarter, and more efficiently.
Top Card Payment Machines for Different Types of Businesses
Whether you own a café, a hectic retail store, or a mobile business, selecting the appropriate card payment terminal matters. It’s not only about processing payments—it’s about speed, adaptability, and providing your customers with a seamless checkout. To make an informed choice, it’s worthwhile to know your business requirements and look at the tools that suit them. Here’s a glimpse of some of the top card machines that are suited for various types of businesses:
Clover Flex – Ideal for Businesses on the Move
If you’re always mobile—such as a food delivery business, pop-up seller, or mobile hair salon—Clover Flex is an intelligent decision. It’s wireless, tiny, and designed for movement.
Features
- Easily fits in one hand
- Accepts chip, swipe, and contactless payments
- 8-hour battery enables you to serve customers throughout the day
- Comes equipped with a built-in printer and barcode scanner
Pricing Structure
Plan | Basic | Essentials | Services Growth |
Monthly Payment Option | $40/month for 36 months | $70/month for 36 months | $125/month for 36 months |
One-Time Payment Option | $749 (device only) | $749 + $29.95/month (software fee) | $749 + $84.95/month (software fee) |
Card Tapped/Swiped/Inserted | 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction | 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction | 2.5% + $0.10 per transaction |
Card Information Typed In | 3.5% + $0.10 per transaction | 3.5% + $0.10 per transaction | 3.5% + $0.10 per transaction |
Clover Mini – Perfect for Countertop Convenience
For physical stores such as boutiques, barbershops, or cafes, Clover Mini provides high-performance capabilities in a compact space.
Features
- Slim 8″ touchscreen that’s intuitive
- Built-in receipt printer for speedy service
- Streams Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and LTE so you’ll always be online
Pricing Structure
Plan | Payments | Essentials | Services Growth |
Monthly Payment Option | $45/month for 36 months | $75/month for 36 months | $130/month for 36 months |
One-Time Payment Option | $849 (device only) | $849 + $29.95/month (software fee) | $849 + $84.95/month (software fee) |
Card Tapped/Swiped/Inserted | 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction | 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction | 2.5% + $0.10 per transaction |
Card Information Typed In | 3.5% + $0.10 per transaction | 3.5% + $0.10 per transaction | 3.5% + $0.10 per transaction |
Clover Station Duo – Designed for High-Traffic Establishments
Running a high-volume store or quick-service restaurant? Clover Station Duo is designed for speed and customer interaction.
Features
- Dual screens—one for you, one for your customer
- Handles transactions quickly, even during peak hours
- Secured with advanced encryption to keep data safe
Pricing Structure
Plan | Retail Growth | Restaurant Growth |
Monthly Payment Option | $180/month for 36 months | $185/month for 36 months |
One-Time Payment Option | $1,899 + $84.95/month software fee | $1,899 + $89.95/month software fee |
Card Tapped/Swiped/Inserted | 2.5% + $0.10 per transaction | 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction |
Card Information Typed In | 3.5% + $0.10 per transaction | 3.5% + $0.10 per transaction |
Clover eCommerce Solutions – For Selling Online
Selling through your website or over the phone? Clover’s eCommerce solutions make it easy to get paid wherever your customers shop.
Features
- Accepting payments from your website, phone, or social media channels
- Integration with large platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento
- Online order and inventory management in one location
Pricing Structure
Feature | Cost |
Monthly Software Fee | $14.95 |
Virtual Terminal (Card-Not-Present) | 3.5% + $0.10 per transaction |
In-Person Payments | 2.3% – 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction |
Hardware Cost (One-Time) | Varies by device (not included in monthly fee) |
How To Choose The Right POS System
1. Payment Types Accepted
A good card machine will be able to process a large number of payment types, from old-school debit and credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express to mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. As contactless payments remain popular, supporting multiple methods of payment means that your customers will always be able to pay their preferred way—increasing satisfaction and minimizing the likelihood of missed sales.
2. Speed of Transactions
Speed of transaction can make or break the checkout process. New machines can process a payment in 2–3 seconds, but older machines take more than 5 seconds. That 2–3 second difference might not sound like much, but during peak hours, those additional seconds add up—creating longer lines and annoyed customers. A speedy machine keeps your business humming and your customers satisfied.
3. Connection Capabilities
Trustworthy connectivity is a must for smooth payment processing. Based on your configuration, you can use a device that can connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G, or internet. Mobile businesses need the most flexible connection options, with retail stores preferring reliability. Selecting the appropriate connection type keeps your device running smoothly wherever you work.
4. In-Built Security Features
With online fraud increasing, having a machine with high-security features is a must. Consider options such as end-to-end encryption, tokenisation, and fraud detection technology. These resources safeguard your business and your customers against data breaches, keeping sensitive information private and establishing confidence in your payment process.
5. Portability and Battery Life
For companies that run from a non-traditional location, like food trucks, delivery services, or pop-up stores, portability is essential. A compact, lightweight device with extended battery life—such as the Clover Flex—means you can take payments throughout the day without interruption. While the use of cash continues to dwindle, a trusty mobile card machine allows you to go wherever the customer does.
Conclusion
Clover offers a range of POS machines designed to meet the unique needs of businesses in 2025—from mobile vendors to high-volume retailers. Whether you prioritize portability, countertop efficiency, or advanced features for busy environments, there’s a Clover system that fits seamlessly into your operations.
Choosing the right machine can enhance customer service, speed up transactions, and simplify your day-to-day processes. Take the time to evaluate your business needs, payment volume, and work environment—then pair them with a Clover solution that brings both performance and reliability. The appropriate POS system isn’t a tool, it is an investment in your business success.
FAQs
1. What is the best Clover POS machine for small businesses?
The Clover Mini is perfect for small businesses and has full POS functionality with a compact design. It’s great for retail, salons, and coffee shops.
2. Can Clover POS devices take contactless payments?
Yes, all Clover hardware will accept contactless payments such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and tap-to-pay cards.
3. Is the internet necessary to operate a Clover POS system?
Clover devices perform optimally in the presence of internet connectivity through Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or 4G. Offline features might be restricted.
4. Can Clover POS be used for mobile businesses?
Yes. The Clover Flex is mobility-friendly and best suited for delivery businesses, markets, and mobile sales.
5. Are Clover POS systems equipped with receipt printers?
Yes, most Clover devices such as Mini and Station have built-in printers, while Flex has a small version for on-the-go receipts.