Apex Reader vs Paid for Stripe

Apex Reader is a pocket-sized Bluetooth card reader for in-person payments away from a counter. It pairs with an iPhone or Android phone and accepts NFC contactless payments, EMV chip cards, and magnetic-stripe swipes, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. Bluetooth LE connectivity requires iOS 14 or later or Android 10 or later, and no separate data plan is required. The reader provides up to 12 hours of active use and charges through micro-USB. The Apexonepayments app can start a sale or retrieve one from an invoice, process refunds and voids, and add optional tax and tips. It sends branded receipts by SMS or email, while sales synchronize to the dashboard in real time. Reader transactions share a ledger with Apex Flex and Mini. Account activation takes under two minutes, with no setup fees or monthly minimums. Pricing is on request.

Paid for Stripe turns an Android or iOS phone into a card terminal for payments that go to a connected Stripe account. Tap to Pay supports contactless cards and digital wallets without a separate reader, and users may also connect a Bluetooth card reader. Checkout can draw from a reusable product catalog, accept tips, add tax, pass processing fees to customers, or collect payment through links and QR codes; recurring payments are also listed. Account owners can add team members, assign roles, and manage permissions. Stripe pays funds to the user's bank on its regular payout schedule, with instant payouts available in supported regions. The app is presented for mobile and service businesses such as beauticians, drivers, musicians, stallholders, food vans, cleaners, and tradespeople. The listed plan is free, with no monthly or setup fees and no hidden fees; the app charges 0.99% per transaction in addition to Stripe's standard fees. The site says card data is encrypted end-to-end and not stored on the device.