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How can I take card payments in person without buying a terminal?

Updated 1 October 2026 · Pludor team · 2 sources

Use your phone or tablet instead of dedicated hardware: Pludor POS runs in a browser, the Smart Terminal app turns an NFC Android phone into a Tap-to-Pay terminal, and QR instant-pay links let customers pay from their own phone. Connect Stripe for card processing, open POS on a tablet, and you can take cards at a market stall or counter with no terminal to buy.

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Common questions

How can I accept card payments at a market stall without buying a card machine?

You can use a phone or tablet you already own. With Pludor, the Smart Terminal app turns an NFC Android phone into a Tap-to-Pay terminal, and QR instant-pay links let customers pay from their own phone - no hardware purchase needed.

Can I turn my Android phone into a tap-to-pay card terminal?

Yes, if your phone has NFC. Install the Pludor Smart Terminal app on the phone and it works as a Tap-to-Pay terminal for contactless cards and wallets. Connect Stripe for card processing and you're ready to take payments.

What's the cheapest way for a small pop-up shop to take card payments?

The cheapest route is using devices you already have rather than buying a reader. Pludor's POS and Smart Terminal are included on the Free $0 plan with a free amount each month, so you only pay card processing fees from Stripe, plus Pludor's platform fee on paid online orders.

How do QR code payments work for in-person selling?

You show the customer a QR pay link and they complete the payment on their own phone - no card reader or NFC needed. Pludor Checkout & Payments supports QR instant-pay links alongside card, Apple Pay, Google Pay and wallet payments, with payouts to your bank.

Does taking payments on my phone cost more than a normal card terminal?

It depends on the provider's fees, not the device. With Pludor there's no hardware cost and the POS and terminal features are on the Free plan, but card processing is handled by Stripe and charged separately, plus a platform fee of 4.99% + $0.90 per paid online order. Cash sales recorded in POS carry no platform fee.

Can my in-person sales and online store share the same stock?

Yes, and that's a common reason terminals fall short - they usually don't sync with an online store. Pludor POS is a web point of sale that shares stock with your Pludor online store, so a sale at the counter updates your online inventory automatically.

How do I set up in-person card payments with Pludor?

Four steps: connect Stripe for card processing, open POS on a tablet, install Smart Terminal on an NFC phone or use QR pay, then close each day with the end-of-day report. Everything runs from your browser, so there's no hardware to buy.

Is it safe to take card payments through an app on my phone?

Yes, when the card details are handled by a licensed processor rather than stored on your phone. With Pludor, card processing runs through Stripe, and the phone only acts as the tap-to-pay terminal. Payouts go to your bank account.

Pludor vs Square or SumUp - what's the difference for in-person selling?

Square, SumUp and Stripe Terminal readers are alternatives that typically involve a card reader device. Pludor instead uses your existing devices - browser-based POS, a phone as a Tap-to-Pay terminal, or QR links - and bundles it with an online store, so in-person and online stock stay in sync. Note that Pludor doesn't eliminate Stripe's card processing fees.

Do I have to pay a monthly subscription to take in-person card payments?

No. Pludor's Free plan is $0 and includes POS, Smart Terminal and Checkout & Payments, with a free amount of usage each month; beyond that you pay only for what you use in credits (1 credit = 1 cent). Paid plans like Starter at $9/mo are optional bundles with bigger free amounts and a lower fee.

Doing this on Pludor

Pludor gives independent businesses and creators the tools the giants have - store, POS, AI receptionist, AI Studio, live selling and a marketplace.

Free to start - no card, no item limit. Pay only for what you use past the monthly free amounts.

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Sources

  1. Pludor facts
  2. Pludor pricing

Checked 1 October 2026. Fees and rules change; follow the links for the latest.

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