Apex Reader vs Zeller

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.

Zeller combines business payments, accounts, cards, invoicing, and financial reporting in a platform for businesses. Its POS includes item and inventory management, receipt and kitchen docket printing, discounts, refunds, and real-time sales reporting. Businesses can create and send unlimited online invoices without a monthly subscription fee, or use a browser-based virtual terminal to key in card payments and create free payment links. Listed in-person rates are 1.3% for Visa and Mastercard and 1.99% for other cards. The POS software and Business Account, app, and dashboard are each listed at free; POS use requires a Zeller Terminal and transaction fees apply. Zeller also lists Expense Cards at £5 a month (first card free) and a terminal at £99, paid once, excluding VAT. Kitchen display, tabs, table mapping, inventory tracking, and complex order routing are marked as coming soon. The service is available on Android, iOS, and web, with 24/7 phone, email, and SMS support.