Small business owners, retailers, and crafters should take note -- a cash-only business may be limiting your potential for growth. More than half of consumers use cards such as credit or debit to purchase goods and services. They also tend to spend more when they can pay with their credit card. After all, there is only so much you can buy if you can only pay with a limited amount of cash available in your wallet.

Small businesses that don't accept card payments are potentially missing out on additional revenue. For many, the fears of card compliance, customer data protection, and expensive card processing fees are well-founded. Fortunately, there are a variety of best credit card readers for small business that are affordable, scalable, and simple to set up. They take care of most of the issues that may be holding you back from accepting credit and debit cards so you can focus on selling your product to the largest market possible. We've created a shortlist of four of the best card readers -- and the companies that offer them -- so you can start accepting card payments as soon as today.

The following picks areZDNet's best credit card readers for small businesses based on features, pricing, and more. Whether you're just getting started or in search of a fuller-featured card acceptance solution, one or more of the following readers may be a good option to consider.

Square card reader

Free, entry-level solution

Square's free, entry-level solution is the best option for small businesses that are just getting started with card-based sales.

• Hardware specifications: Android and iOS mobile devices
• Where to buy: Square
• Pricing: Reader is free, 2.6% + 10