Pocket-Sized Card Readers vs Smart Terminals: What Works Best in a Cab?
So, what is the right setup for the job? A tiny pocket reader that pairs with your phone, or a heavy-duty smart terminal that does it all? The right answer depends entirely on how you run your cab.
The pocket-sized powerhouse
If you want something that slips into your shirt pocket and weighs next to nothing, a Bluetooth reader like the WisePad is brilliant. It pairs directly with the Lopay app on your phone.
It is perfect for drivers who want to keep things incredibly simple. You use your phone's screen to punch in the fare, hand the little reader to the back seat, and they tap. Because it relies on your phone’s data connection, it’s highly reliable as long as your mobile has signal.
The standalone smart terminal
Working a 12-hour shift on a busy weekend rank is a different beast. Your phone is already working overtime running navigation and dispatch apps. The last thing you want is your card reader draining your phone battery even faster.
That is where standalone terminals like the 4G S710 and the V660 come into their own. They have their own SIM cards and connect directly to the mobile network. You don't need your phone at all to take a payment. For corporate airport runs, the V660 is the ultimate tool because of its built-in printer. Suited business fares love a physical receipt for their expense reports, and handing them a printed slip often guarantees a bigger tip.
Escaping the rental trap
Here is a counter-intuitive truth about upgrading to a smart terminal. A lot of drivers assume that putting a professional, standalone device with a built-in printer on their dash automatically means getting locked into a long contract and paying an expensive monthly rental fee.
But there is simply no need to pay a monthly subscription just for the privilege of taking a payment. With Lopay, you buy your hardware outright for a low, one-off cost. No contracts, no exit fees, and no monthly terminal rent eating into your hard-earned margins.
Even better, you are always completely in control of your costs. Whether you choose the pocket-sized WisePad or the heavy-duty V660, you secure our 0.79% transaction fee. And here is the sharpest trick of all: when you use the Lopay Zero card to pay for your cab's petrol and routine servicing, the rewards you earn actively buy down your processing rates. You can effectively wipe out your card fees entirely, turning your mandatory running costs into completely free card processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my phone to take a payment?
If you use the WisePad, yes, it connects to your phone via Bluetooth. If you use the S710 or V660 smart terminals, they are completely standalone and use their own built-in 4G connection.
What happens if my terminal runs out of battery mid-shift?
We never want you to lose a fare. If your hardware dies, you have Tap to Pay built directly into your Lopay app. You can instantly take contactless payments using just your smartphone as a free backup.
Are the transaction fees higher for the bigger terminals?
Absolutely not. Whether you use the pocket-sized WisePad or the heavy-duty V660, you always get our low, fixed 0.79% rate. We don't punish you for upgrading your gear.
How do I get my money at the weekend?
With Lopay, you never wait until Tuesday. Using our instant cash-out feature, you can tap a button and have your cleared funds in your bank account in five seconds, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Ready to sort your payments out?
Download the Lopay app, register your cab, and order the reader that fits your business. It takes just a few minutes, and you can start taking Tap to Pay fares on your phone today!
