Do I need a separate PIN pad?

Only if you want customers to enter a PIN for debit at your counter. The Ingenico Desk 1500 is a PIN pad that pairs with the Desk 3500 to add secure PIN debit. We confirm PIN debit support for the setup you choose.

Should I rent or buy a card reader?

Both are available. Renting puts the device on a monthly charge, and if a rented device breaks, we replace it. Buying means no monthly hardware charge and nothing to return if you leave. Either way, equipment is quoted separately from your processing rate.

Can I keep my current POS system?

It depends on the system. Many POS platforms are processor-agnostic and work with our terminals, and others are tied to a specific processor. We tell you whether your setup is compatible before anything changes.

Guides

How to choose a credit card reader for your business

Q: Can I use my existing Clover device with a new account?

No. Existing Clover devices cannot be transferred to a new account. Switching means new Clover hardware, and your apps, inventory, and settings may need to be configured again.

Start with where your customer pays, then pick the connection, then decide whether to rent or buy. Here is how the main options compare.

By Azaan and Aarish, co-founders of Crane Processing · Updated October 8, 2026

Short answer: match the device to where your customer pays. A countertop terminal fits a checkout counter. A mobile terminal or your phone fits work away from a counter. A full POS fits a business that also needs inventory and staff tools at the register. Then choose the connection, and rent or buy.

Start with where the customer pays

At a counter. A countertop terminal with tap, chip, and phone payments and a printed receipt. Add a PIN pad if customers enter a PIN for debit.
Away from a counter. Tableside, on a job, or at a market. A mobile terminal, a pocket reader paired to your phone, or your phone on its own.
At a full register. If you also want inventory and staff tools in the same place, a full POS combines them with payments.

The options compared

Card readers, terminals, and POS systems we set up
Device	Type	Best for	Connection
Ingenico Desk 3500 Wi-Fi	Standard countertop	Retail, salons, c-stores, and auto shops	Wi-Fi built in, no ethernet drop needed
Ingenico Desk 5000	High-volume countertop with a color touchscreen	Liquor stores, restaurant counters, and busy salons	Confirmed on your quote
Ingenico Desk 1500	PIN-pad companion	Adding secure PIN debit alongside a countertop terminal	Pairs with the Desk 3500
Ingenico Move 5000	Mobile terminal	Pay-at-table and field work	Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi plus 4G LTE cellular
Link/2500 Mobile Reader	Compact reader	Service businesses, pop-ups, and phones without Tap to Pay	Bluetooth to your phone
iPhone with Tap to Pay	Your phone, with the Elavon Mobile app	Occasional payments with no extra hardware	Your phone’s Wi-Fi or cellular data
Elavon POS (talech) Retail	Full POS with tablet, printer, scanner, and cash drawer	Retail stores and salons that want a complete register	Confirmed on your quote
Elavon POS (talech) Restaurant	Full POS with tablet, printer, and kitchen printer	Restaurants, front of house and kitchen	Confirmed on your quote
Clover Mini	Compact counter system	Full Clover software on the counter for checkout, inventory, and apps	Confirmed on your quote
Clover Flex	Handheld system	A full register in your hand for tableside and on-the-go	Confirmed on your quote

Equipment is configured for your business before it ships. We confirm the card brands and payment methods available for your setup.

Pick the connection

Wi-Fi. Fine at a counter or a regular site where the Wi-Fi is yours to trust.
Wi-Fi plus 4G LTE. For jobs where the Wi-Fi is someone else’s. The Move 5000 switches to cellular on a data line.
Bluetooth to your phone. The Link/2500 reader uses your phone’s own connection.
Your phone’s own data. Tap to Pay on a recent iPhone runs on the signal you already pay for. More on taking cards with your phone.

What the customer can pay with

Tap, chip, swipe, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PIN debit are supported on compatible equipment. Tap to Pay on an iPhone takes contactless cards and phone wallets only, so pair a reader or use a terminal if your customers pay by chip or swipe. For PIN debit at a counter, add the Desk 1500 PIN pad.

Rent or buy

Terminals are available for purchase or rental, and equipment is quoted separately from your processing rate.

Renting puts the device on a monthly charge. If a rented device breaks, we replace it as part of the rental.
Buying means you own the device, with no monthly hardware charge and nothing to return if you leave. If a device you bought has a problem, we help you get it resolved through our processor’s support line.

Equipment terms are confirmed on your quote before you agree to anything. See the full equipment lineup.

If you want Clover

We supply and configure new Clover systems for businesses that want Clover. They run on Clover’s own platform, separate from the Ingenico terminals and Elavon POS registers above. The Mini and Flex are featured, and we also set up the Station Duo, Station Solo, Compact, Kiosk, kitchen displays, and printers. Clover equipment is quoted for your business.

One thing to know up front: existing Clover devices cannot be transferred to a new account. Switching means new Clover hardware, and your apps, inventory, and settings may need to be configured again.

How to get set up

Tell us how you sell: at a counter, at tables, on jobs, or a mix. We recommend a setup, quote the equipment separately from processing, and fill out the merchant application with you. Equipment ships after approval, configured for your business. Not sure where to begin? How to start accepting cards, or see setups by industry.