Say Goodbye to Cash: Top 5 Credit Card Machines for Phone in South Africa

Credit Card Machine for Phone in South Africa

Nowadays, most South African retail shoppers prefer to use cards over cash.

According to a recent survey conducted by Statista, about 56% of South Africans prefer to use cards, while only 35% still prefer to use cash.

With this trend on the rise, it makes sense to have a mobile credit card machine solution for your business.

The good news is, card machines that also work with your smartphone are not that expensive. These days, you can get one for as little as R399 once-off. Jump to the list↓

Plus, the companies supplying these don’t ask for hefty entry requirements – Just your ID and proof of banking details are required.

Therefore, In this article, we’ll discuss the 5 best credit card machines for phone in South Africa. How you can buy one from the supplier, and most importantly, have it setup before delivery.

Best Card Machines of 2024 that also Pair with a Phone

iKhokha Mover
Best for Small & Medium sized Businesses. Pair with your phone/tablet via Bluetooth & Free iKhokha App.
Price:
Avail. Discount:
Yoco Go
Best for Small & Medium sized Businesses. Pair with your phone/tablet via Bluetooth & Free Yoco App.
Price:
Avail. Discount:
iKhokha Shaker Solo
Standalone, One 4G SIM card with Unlimited data at R49/month. Connects to any WiFi. Built-in Printer.
Price:
Avail. Discount:
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Table of Contents

List of Credit Card Machines for Phone

Here is a list of credit card machines for phone in South Africa

To make things easier, I have listed them from the lowest price. I also provide links to register and order one right away.

Here is a list of Yoco card machines available ✅. Click to read about the individual card reader machine.

How it works:

The iK Mover pairs with your smartphone/tablet using Bluetooth and the free iKhokha App. 

The phone must have mobile data or an active WiFi connection for the card machine to be able to process transactions online.

And the best part? The iKhokha Mover Pro can be connected to multiple phone/tablet devices at a time.

Show All iKhokha Mover Features

iKhokha Mover Features

  • Simple, modern charismatic design
  • Always paired to the phone or tablet via Bluetooth
  • Sell Prepaid Products and Bills with iK Vend (Airtime, DStv, Telkom, Water, EasyPay, Prepaid Gas, Pay@ Bills, Traffic Fines and more)
  • Offers the option to add a receipt printer, barcode scanner, and other POS hardware
  • Sends digital receipts via SMS or email for free
  • Seamlessly pairs with iKhokha Mobile App
  • Payment: Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay via Card Insert, Swipe and Tap

iKhokha Mover Additional Features

  • Accept Tips: Yes
  • Process Refunds: Yes
  • Fast Charging: Yes
  • Digital Receipts: Yes (send receipts via SMS or email for free)
  • Paper Receipts: No
  • Packaging: iKhokha Mover Pro card machine, iKhokha Merchant Pack and Charging cable
Show iKhokha Mover Pros and Cons

iKhokha Mover Pros

  • Easy to setup and start using
  • Pairs with iKhokha’s Point of Sale (POS)
  • Sell Prepaid services with iK Vend (Free tool)
  • Ultra fast payment processing speeds (under 3 seconds)
  • Bluetooth connection is always on/ automatic
  • All-day battery life

iKhokha Mover Cons

  • No trade-in option
  • No rental option (this can also be seen as an advantage)

 

Who is it for:

The iKhokha Mover Pro is tailor-made for small businesses such as home-based businesses and most smaller joints in towns, suburbs, and townships. It is best for solo entrepreneurs, or those on a budget.

Though it is small and phone-reliant…

Larger businesses can also use it without any issues when connected to the iKhokha Point of Sale system, or a proper setup with a dedicated phone/tablet device.

Of all the suppliers listed in this review, iKhokha is the only one that supplies all additional Point Of Sale (POS) accessories for their all their card machines, allowing you to expand your setup without necessarily upgrading the card machine itself.

iKhokha Mover Pro and iK POS system demo | Src: https://ikhokha.com

But that’s not all, the iK Mover Pro has even more benefits when compared to other smaller Bluetooth card machines on the market.

1. Unbeatable Pricing: The iKhokha Mover Pro is the cheapest card reader machine in South Africa.

Its competitors, often come with slightly higher price tags for practically the same levels of functionality.

2. Pairs with iKhokha Point of Sale: This remarkable device seamlessly integrates with iKhokha’s comprehensive Point of Sale (POS) system, allowing you to expand your setup with other POS peripherals.

3. Sell Prepaid Services: The iKhokha Mover Pro is also a gateway card machine to sell prepaid services to your walk-in clients. 

These include water and electricity bill payments, Telkom bills, DStv subscriptions, airtime, data, and more.

From what we know, with the iKhokha Mover Pro, there are no letdowns – only smooth sailing for a small budget!

Price & Ordering:

How to order: iKhokha offers Free Setup Help to make sure your card machine comes already working upon delivery.

So to order, Simply fill in this quick order form, Thereafter, a sales representative iKhokha will contact you back to help you with setting up the account and completing your purchase.

Deliveries from iKhokha are Free and are within 2-3 business days depending on your address. The machine will come already activated/working if you Ordered it Online or with help from iKhokha’s sales team↗︎.

Approx. Regular Price: R499.
Available Discount: 10% Discount with Free Delivery and Free Setup Assistance by iKhokha’s Team.
How to Order: Visit iKhokha Registration Page↗︎ (The Discount is Automatically added upon Checkout).

Final Thoughts on iKhokha Mover

Overall, if you run a small or growing business, the iKhokha Mover Pro will definitely be a game changer. 

It is reliable, affordable, and can do everything that any other card reader machine of today can do!

Its affordability, expandability, and revenue-boosting capabilities make it an indispensable tool in your entrepreneurial journey.

If you’d like to try the iKhokha Mover Pro, begin your registration online and a sales rep from iKhokha will contact you back to help you with setting up your profile, answer all your questions, and complete your purchase.

How it works:

The Yoco Go card reader pairs with your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth and using the free Yoco App.

Likewise, the paired phone must have mobile data or active WiFi connection for the card machine to be able to process transactions online.

Show Yoco Go Features

Yoco Go Features

  • Simple, modern classic design
  • Always paired to the phone or tablet via Bluetooth
  • Sends digital receipts via SMS or email for free
  • Seamlessly pairs with Yoco mobile App
  • Card Payments: Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay via Card Insert, Swipe and Tap

Yoco Go Additional Features

  • Accept Tips: Yes
  • Process Refunds: Yes
  • Fast Charging: Yes
  • Digital Receipts: Yes (send receipts via SMS or email for free)
  • Paper Receipts: No
  • Packaging: Yoco Go card machine, Charging cable, Lanyard, User manual, Yoco tabletop tent banner, Yoco stickers
Show Yoco Go Pros and Cons

Yoco Go Pros

  • Easy to setup and start using
  • Can be linked to more than one phone/tablet
  • Can be used by Registered and Unregistered businesses
  • Can be used on Business and Personal bank accounts
  • Ultra fast payment processing speeds (under 3 seconds)
  • Bluetooth connection is always on/ automatic
  • All-day battery life

Yoco Go Cons

  • No rental option

Who is it for:

The Yoco Go is specifically designed for small businesses, solo entrepreneurs, and budget-conscious individuals.

It is the cheapest card reader machine from Yoco and doesn’t really go that far off from contenders. For less than R600, it offers an incredibly competitive price point.

Yoco go card machine 1
Yoco Go card machine | Src: https://yoco.com

Plus, Yoco gives a 10% – 35% Discount to those ordering the Yoco Go for the first time, making it an enticing option if you’d still like to have this card machine at a similar price point to the iKhokha Mover Pro↑.

Yoco sets itself apart with its superior POS software, which allows you to do more compared to its alternatives.

Yoco’s POS software as whole, allows you to transact in more digital ways with clients, expanding your capabilities beyond traditional card payments.

In most scenarios, the POS software that the Yoco Go uses will be adequate as it is for now and for the long run, meaning you might not need any additional peripherals to enhance your card machine.

What’s more, all the software features provided by Yoco are entirely free, saving you additional costs. Unlike its competitors, Yoco doesn’t charge for basic features that are included with their POS software.

Price & Ordering:

Ordering the Yoco Go card reader is simple, plus you will get up to 35% Off if you order this card machine directly from Yoco’s website when using this Referral Discount Link:

Another benefit? Yoco also gives you the option to pay for this card machine directly online or to pay with your card to the courier upon delivery.

Last, Yoco also offers Free and Fast Delivery of about 2-3 business days, depending on your address.

When you order it online↗︎, your Yoco Go machine will arrive activated and ready to use.

Final Thoughts on the Yoco Go

In conclusion, the Yoco Go card reader machine is a no-brainer choice for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs looking for reliable performance in a card machine, it works without any letdowns or any annoying glitches.

Priced under R500 plus an additional discount, it offers excellent value for money.

Its sleek design, user-friendly interface, and powerful Yoco software eliminate the need for expensive and bulky card-swiping machines.

Therefore, feel free to give the Yoco Go a try. Order today and enjoy an additional R100 discount, plus free delivery from Yoco.

How it works:

It is both a standalone and POS card machine, with a classic card machine design.

In terms of phone connectivity, it works with or without the need to be paired to a phone.

The iKhokha Shaker Solo boasts an ultra-fast Universal 4G SIM card, WiFi compatibility, and a built-in printer. This powerful combination ensures seamless transactions and efficient connectivity.

Show iKhokha Shaker Solo Features

iKhokha Shaker Solo Features

  • Simple, modern design
  • One 4G Sim Card with unlimited data for transactions at R49/month
  • Sell Prepaid Products and Bills with iK Vend (Airtime, DStv, Telkom, Water, EasyPay, Prepaid Gas, Pay@ Bills, Traffic Fines and more)
  • Has a built-in paper receipts printer
  • Seamlessly pairs with iKhokha Mobile App
  • Payment: Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay via Card Insert, Swipe and Tap

iKhokha Shaker Solo Features

  • Accept Tips: Yes
  • Process Refunds: Yes
  • Fast Charging: Yes
  • Digital Receipts: Yes (send receipts via SMS or email for free)
  • Paper Receipts: No
  • Packaging: iKhokha Shaker Solo card machine, iKhokha Merchant Pack, Wall Charger, 1x 57mm Thermal Till Roll/Receipt Paper, Sim Card
Show iKhokha Shaker Solo Pros and Cons

iKhokha Shaker Solo Pros

  • Easy to setup and start using
  • Pairs with iKhokha’s Point of Sale (POS)
  • Sell Prepaid services with iK Vend (Free tool)
  • Ultra-fast payment processing speeds (under 3 seconds)
  • All-day battery life

iKhokha Shaker Solo Cons

  • No trade-in option
  • No rental option (this can also be seen as an advantage)

 

Who is it for:

The iKhokha Shaker is ideal for any small businesses and fast-paced businesses like retail stores or larger restaurants,

It also pairs with iKhokha’s POS system (additional hardware peripherals to build a full cashier’s till), which further enhances its value and makes it a smart investment for the future.

In terms of phone pairing capabilities, the iK Shaker Solo basically hits two birds with one stone. i.e You can choose to use it independently or connect it to your smartphone if you need.

Either way. it provides the convenience and capabilities you need.

iKhokha shaker solo machine
iKhokha Shaker Solo and iK POS system demo | Src: https://ikhokha.com

Plus, it packs in all the features you’ll ever need from any traditional card machine. But most other traditional card machines do not even pair to a real modern POS.

They just collect payments and always need a supervisor or manager to deal with simple things like refunds. Of which, with the iK Shaker, you can easily handle that from just an App on your phone.

But that’s not all, you can also use this card machine to sell prepaid services, making it more justifiable to rather choose the iK Shaker over the entry-level iK Mover↑, particularly if you are a larger business.

So to sum it up, the iKhokha Shaker Solo is the ultimate budget-friendly choice for any bustling business scenario,

Price & Ordering:

How to order: iKhokha offers Free Setup Help to make sure your card machine comes already working upon delivery.

So to order, Simply fill in this quick order form, Thereafter, a sales representative iKhokha will contact you back to help you with setting up the account and completing your purchase.

Deliveries from iKhokha are Free and are within 2-3 business days depending on your address. The machine will come already activated/working if you Ordered it Online or with help from iKhokha’s sales team↗︎.

Approx. Regular Price: R999.
Available Discount: 10% Discount with Free Delivery and Free Setup Assistance by iKhokha’s Team.
How to Order: Visit iKhokha Registration Page↗︎ (The Discount is Automatically added upon Checkout).

Final Thoughts on iKhokha Mover

In summary, the iKhokha Shaker Solo adds another sense of fulfillment by being both a modern standalone and POS card machine altogether.

This card machine is a game-changer for businesses that are looking for a seamless integration between their card machine and a modern POS system.

So why not give the iKhokha Shaker Solo a try today? – both your customers and your wallet will thank you!

How it works:

The Yoco Neo is also both a smart standalone card machine, that pairs with Yoco POS.

It uses a built-in Ultrafast 4G SIM card, with free Unlimited data from Yoco.

Show Yoco Go Features

Yoco Go Features

  • Simple, modern classic design
  • Always paired to the phone or tablet via Bluetooth
  • Sends digital receipts via SMS or email for free
  • Seamlessly pairs with Yoco mobile App
  • Card Payments: Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay via Card Insert, Swipe and Tap

Yoco Go Additional Features

  • Accept Tips: Yes
  • Process Refunds: Yes
  • Fast Charging: Yes
  • Digital Receipts: Yes (send receipts via SMS or email for free)
  • Paper Receipts: No
  • Packaging: Yoco Go card machine, Charging cable, Lanyard, User manual, Yoco tabletop tent banner, Yoco stickers
Show Yoco Go Pros and Cons

Yoco Go Pros

  • Easy to setup and start using
  • Can be linked to more than one phone/tablet
  • Can be used by Registered and Unregistered businesses
  • Can be used on Business and Personal bank accounts
  • Ultra fast payment processing speeds (under 3 seconds)
  • Bluetooth connection is always on/ automatic
  • All-day battery life

Yoco Go Cons

  • No rental option

Who is it for:

The Yoco Neo is the ultimate solution for any small and large business looking for a standalone card machine that delivers a comprehensive payment solution by having the capability to be paired with Yoco’s POS (or supported POS).

Yoco-POS-with-Yoco-Neo-card-machine-
Yoco Neo card machine and Yoco POS demo | Src: https://yoco.com

The Yoco Neo stands out for its sleek portable design and compact size, it is less bulky and very charismatic in design when compared to its counterparts.

The larger HD display covers almost 40% of the front of the machine, giving you a crystal-clear view of your transactions, settings, and more.

This enhanced screen size allows you to effortlessly view and manage transactions for up to three days, and to navigate through settings with ease.

Free to mobile data: The Yoco Neo comes with free unlimited 4G data from Yoco, the mobile data provided by Yoco is totally free and for the lifetime.

This reduces a significant operational cost that most startups might see as an inconvenience.

Remember, Yoco’s competitors charge around R49/mo and above to keep the SIM cards recharged with unlimited data.

Price & Ordering:

The Yoco Neo falls within a price range of R699 to R1499, depending on when you make your purchase.

But fear not! You can snag an exclusive R100-R500 signup discount by ordering directly from Yoco’s website using our special Discount Referral Link.

Another benefit? Yoco also gives you the option to pay for this card machine directly online or to pay with your card to the courier upon delivery.

Last, Yoco also offers Free and Fast Delivery of about 2-3 business days, depending on your address. When you order online, your Yoco Neo machine will arrive activated and ready to use.

Final Thoughts on the Yoco Neo

In my humble opinion, the Yoco Neo is a no-brainer for businesses that crave innovation, efficiency, and style.

It’s a modern-day superhero, ready to tackle all your payment processing needs. With its standout features, seamless integration, and attractive pricing, the Yoco Neo deserves a spot on your must-have list.

That said, here is a link to order the Yoco Neo at approx R100-R500 Discount and Free Delivery!

5. WAPPoint Pocket Pro

How it works:

The PocketPOS is a compact and portable solution that pairs with your phone using Bluetooth and the Free WAPPOint POS App.

Likewise, the phone or tablet used to operate this card machine must have an active data connection or be connected to WiFi.

Show WAPPoint Pocket Pro Features

WAPPoint Pocket Pro (Once-Off Purchase Option) Features

  • Simple, modern classic design
  • Always paired to the phone or tablet via Bluetooth
  • Sends digital receipts via SMS or email for free
  • Seamlessly pairs with WAPPoint mobile App
  • All day battery life
  • Payment: Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay via Card Insert, Swipe and Tap

WAPPoint Pocket Pro (Once-Off Purchase Option) Additional Features

  • Accept Tips: Yes
  • Process Refunds: Yes
  • Fast Charging: Yes
  • Digital Receipts: Yes (send receipts via SMS or email for free)
  • Paper Receipts: No
  • Packaging: 1x WAPPoint card machine device, 1x Free Back-Up Snap and Pay QR Code Sign, 1x USB Charger, User Guide, 1x Card Acceptance Display Decal
Show WAPPoint Pocket Pro Pros and Cons

WAPPoint Pocket Pro (Once-Off Purchase Option) Pros

  • 24/7/365 customer support including weekends and public holidays.
  • Transaction fees can be negotiated to beat any current competition.
  • No additional hidden costs such as payout fees, minimum swipe fees, or daily settlement fees.
  • Rental Options are available on monthly basis and short-term lease (e.g for Expo or Event).
  • Dedicated account managers for customer support.
  • They will provide you with a backup card machine when your current card machine has a problem.
  • Your card machine be repaired on ongoing basis.

WAPPoint Pocket Pro (Once-Off Purchase Option) Cons

  • No trade-in option.
  • One user per machine. i.e. cannot be used by multiple users or multiple cashiers.

Who is it for:

Perfect for any business size. But mostly small businesses, solo entrepreneurs, or those on a budget.

The reason I say it is perfect for any business size is that this card machine can be rented out for short-term or long-term or can be purchased as a once-off purchase.

The PocketPOS can also be rented out for just R79/month (or R79/day or expo) and is free for the first month when your income exceeds R5000/mo.

 

pocket pro card machine in use
WAPPoint Pocket Pro card machine | Src: https://wappoint.co.za

In terms of card machine rentals: WAPPoint is the only company that offers card machine rentals at highly competitive rates in South Africa, allowing you to save on costs without compromising on quality.

When it comes to performance, the WAPPoint Pocket Pro delivers as promised. It offers a reliable connection and works without any lag or glitches. 

In practice, it basically works exactly like its counterparts and without any tradeoffs (Yoco Go↑ and iKhokha Mover↑).

Even more, WAPPoint as a company stands out for being the only card machine company that provides unlimited swap outs as well as backup solutions for all their card machine options↗︎.

Hence you can trust this card machine for the level of convenience it provides, even in the face of South Africa’s challenging environment, where power outages and load shedding are all too common.

Price & Ordering:

Approx. Rental Price: R79/month or per expo.
Rent to Own Option: Yes, it becomes Free when your turnover exceeds R5000/month.
Available Discount: Determined Upon Purchase.
How to Rent: Click Here to Begin

Final Thoughts on the WAPPoint Pocket Pro

To sum it up, the WAPPoint Pocket Pro is an outstanding choice for any business size since it provides the flexibility of short or long-term rentals.

Its affordability, reliability, and user-friendly design make it the ideal companion for your business ventures.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your business to new heights of success. Get your hands on this incredible card machine today and watch your business flourish.

What are the best credit card machines for phones in South Africa?

The best POS Bluetooth Card Machines for phones (always require to be paired to a phone to work) are:

  1. iKhokha Mover Pro – Best for price. | Buy Link↗︎
  2. Yoco Go – Best POS software. | Buy Link↗︎
  3. WAPPoint Pocket Pro – Best for rentals. | Buy Link↗︎

The best Standalone POS Card Machines for phones (works with or without the need to be paired with a phone) are:

  1. iKhokha Shaker Solo – Best for a budget. | Buy Link↗︎
  2. Yoco Neo – Best POS software. | Buy Link↗︎

What is Mobile credit card processing and How it works?

Mobile credit card processing is a way for businesses to accept credit card payments using a mobile credit card machine device and an assisting smartphone or tablet.

The process involves connecting the wireless credit card machine to your phone via Bluetooth and using a mobile app provided by the supplier of the card machine to process the payment.

Once the payment is processed, the funds are deposited into your business account within a 2-3 business days.

What is a Credit card reader for a phone?

A credit card machine for phone, also known as a mobile credit card reader, is a type of speed point card machine that allows you to accept and manage card payments with the help of the Point Of Sale App (POS App) on your smartphone or tablet.

The POS App is typically provided for free by the card machine company you choose.

The POS Apps provided typically allow you to charge clients, monitor real-time transactions, issue refunds, accept tips, sell products through pay links, etc.

However, Not all phone-compatible machines always need phone pairing to work.

Some of them are standalone card machines that work entirely on their own, such that the option to be paired with a phone is optional.

Therefore, in general, credit card readers for phone are the best types of card machines you can buy today, even for owners of larger business owners who like to keep things flexible.

FAQs on Mobile credit card machines

How to get a credit card machine for my phone?

These days, getting a credit card machine for your phone is very easy.

You can buy a credit card machine for cell phone online by registering with the suppliers recommended in this article.

Unlike banks, the main requirements for a portable card reader for phone are generally a copy of your RSA ID or foreign passport and proof of banking details.

The banking details can be for a personal or business bank account.

Meaning you can own a phone credit card payment solution with either an informal or a formally registered business.

That said, the best credit card machine options for phones are from these suppliers: 

  1. Yoco – Offering R100 – R500 Discount on new purchases by new clients. Here is the discount link you can use to get started with Yoco.
  2. iKhokha – Offering free setup assistance and free nationwide delivery. Here is the registration link you can use to get started with iKhokha.
  3. WAPPoint – Offers both rentals and once off purchase options. Here is the registration link you can use to get started with WAPPoint.

Can I use a credit card machine for a phone with any type of phone?

Credit card machines for phones are designed to work with various modern smartphones and tablets.

All card machines for phones will work with any version of iOS (iPhones and iPads). And all Android devices running Android 4.4. or higher.

Since the phone is mainly used as a source of network for non-standalone card machines, I recommend always making sure your phone always has good network coverage and the battery is always sufficiently charged.

Is it safe to use a credit card machine for a phone?

Yes, using a credit card machine for a phone is equally safe as using any other card reader machine from a reputable financial or credit card machine provider.

These phone credit card terminal machines are equipped with encryption and other security features to protect sensitive customer information during transactions.

Plus, the card reader machines suppliers in this list are generally operational from 08:00 until 20:00 during weekdays, or offer 24/7 support through individual customer support channels.

This gives you even more hours of consultation than other financial institutions such as banks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, As you can see, card machines that work with a phone are now a thing in South Africa. 

They actually make modern card acceptance a lot easier compared to most traditional card machine options.

They are cheap, with once-off payment options and reasonably low fee structures. Plus, they are equally secure and reliable, even for fast-paced retail environments.

I would argue over and over again that these phone-based credit card processing machines are way better than bank options.

As for choosing, I’d say go with your budget and preference on what else the supplier is offering in the card machine’s software and additional hardware to pair with.

As for fees, the effect isn’t that different.

Remember, a credit card swiper for smartphones can help you streamline your payment process, increase sales, and improve your customer experience.

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Lucky Mashudu
Lucky is an editor, researcher, and product reviews expert at mashjoy.com. I publish helpful content mainly related to Online Marketing and Software As a Service (or SaaS)

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