How to take in-person payments – find the best method for your business.

Getting paid is fundamental to any business. Sure, making connections, growing your brand, and doing something with meaning are essential parts of a thriving journey—but having cash flow in the bank is what keeps everything moving forward.

These days, there are countless ways to get paid—cash, card, or even through your mobile (what once felt futuristic is now just part of the every day). Online payments are a win for ensuring attendance and making life easier for your customers. But let’s face it, being able to take payments in person is the backbone of any business. 

From Tap to Pay to terminal, let’s explore all the ways your business can get paid in 2025 and find the options that work best for you. Oh, and we’ll show you how Setmore can make it all a breeze.

1) Card

The little piece of plastic that changed everything. Cards quickly became a go-to way to pay for just about anything—bills, online shopping, or in-person services. Versatile and compact, they fit neatly into wallets and lifestyles alike.

Today, most transactions are card-based, and with tap-to-pay now everywhere, it’s never been easier to settle up in person. Whether you accept credit card payments in person or debit, they get a clear view of their spending. And for businesses, there’s no need to fuss over cash, coins, or counting a register late into the night. It’s payment, simplified.

From 2017 to 2023, U.S. consumers used debit or credit cards for an average of 71% of their purchases. While alternatives like digital wallets are becoming more popular, card payments continue to hold their place as a reliable go-to for shopping.

Pros:

• Incredibly convenient—no need to carry exact cash or wait for change.
• Large purchase amounts are easier.
• Enhanced security for your customers.
• Simplifies transactions.

Cons:

• Processing fees for every card payment.
• Relying on other networks.
• You may need a terminal or card reader.
• If your connection drops, payments may fail.

2) Digital wallet payments

Think of how many times customers come to their appointment, ready to pay, and realize their wallet’s sitting at home—fortunately, paying with your mobile is as common as cash. Digital wallets allow you to leave your physical one at home (whether that’s on purpose or by mistake!). Once a bank card is linked with a digital wallet, customers can just tap and pay with any near-field communication (NFC) device.

Whether it’s Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, having a Tap to Pay or a terminal means your customers can easily tap their mobile devices and, hey presto, the payment is made. This also simplifies things for you—shorter wait times and smoother transactions. Best of all, over 69% of the world’s population, or about 6.7 billion people, own a smartphone. Chances are, they’ll have it with them when it’s time to pay.

Digital wallet payments have skyrocketed—up 47% in the past five years—and there’s no slowing down. It’s especially popular with younger customers, who’ve embraced this way of paying with open arms. If that’s your audience, offering digital wallet payments isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a smart move.

Pros: 

• Super quick and hassle-free—no need for physical cards or cash.
• Cashless payments for customers who prefer it.
• Peace of mind knowing transactions are safe and secure.
• Convenient and efficient—all they need to do is tap.

Cons: 

• Requires compatible devices and infrastructure to work smoothly.
• Might not be as appealing to an older demographic.
• Relies on customers having a card linked to their phones.

3) Cash

Is cash still king? The answer depends on your business and customers. Whether you’re a personal trainer, mechanic, or salon owner, cash is likely to play a role in your day-to-day. You may find that your young clients may use cards or digital wallets more, but older customers still value the option to pay with cash.

While younger folks use cash for only 12% of their purchases, people over 55 use it for 22%. And for purchases under $25 or less, it’s used even more (The Federal Reserve). It’s about meeting your clients where they are and keeping your payment options as flexible as their needs.

For small transactions, cash can be a great fit—it’s instant, tangible, and easy to manage. But if you’re running, say, a law firm, those larger payments might not be quite as convenient in cash form. Plus, there’s the end-of-shift till count to think about. Counting can sometimes lead to error, which makes a closing shift slightly more stressful.

When it comes to pop-up stores, festivals, events, solopreneurs, private lessons, and mobile businesses, cash ensures you’re ready from the get-go without needing hardware. It keeps things quick and hassle-free—no need to rely on an internet connection or technology.

Pros:

• Instant access to funds or refunds.
• No processing fees (unless you’re factoring in the time it takes to count).
• Take your business virtually anywhere as it’s universally accepted.
• Not reliant on technology—always ready to go, no connection required.

Cons:

• Requires proper training to handle cash.
• Having cash on-site may prove a security risk. 
• Cash is declining in popularity.
• Doesn’t resonate with all demographics, particularly those favoring cashless transactions.

Booking and paying, together at last (How Setmore can facilitate in-person payments).

Combining appointments and payments makes your day-to-day that much easier. Not only can you accept online payments on your Booking Page, but your payment integrations also allow you to accept in-person payments and track them from your calendar. With everything in one place, it’s easy to manage your finances and ensure every appointment is covered.

Here are all the in-person payment methods with Setmore:

1) Tap to Pay

Turn your mobile device into a point-of-sale system with tap to pay. Whether it’s a card, or you accept digital wallet payments via smartphone or smartwatch, you’re ready to get paid with ease. No extra hardware required—just connect your Setmore account with Stripe, and you’re good to go.

Once you’re connected, head to the ‘Payment’ section in your app to find the Tap to Pay option. For more info, check out our illustrated support article for a step-by-step guide.

With your Square integration, you can accept Tap to Pay right from your mobile device. Just open your Setmore app, head to ‘Take Payment,’ and you’ll be directed to the Square app. From there, select Tap to Pay, and once the payment is processed, you’ll be sent back to Setmore where everything will be updated automatically.

For a visual demonstration watch the video below:

• Benefits:
  • Quick transactions that reduce wait times.
  • Completely contactless.
  • No additional hardware needed.
  • Works with NFC-enabled cards and popular digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
    
• How Setmore supports it: Stripe and Square integration.

2) Terminal payments

A must-have for every brick-and-mortar business! Whether you’re a seasoned barber or just opening the doors of your veterinary clinic, a terminal ensures you’ll never have to worry about how to accept credit card payments in person. Once connected, they let you take payments of any size—hassle-free and on the spot.

Showcase your professionalism, reach a wider audience, and streamline payments with ease. Connect your Square account to Setmore and set up your Square terminal in just a few steps. Once connected, you’ll have the option to accept terminal payments effortlessly.

From chip-and-pin to contactless and digital wallets, you can accept any type of non-cash payment. Simply open the booking on your calendar, send the payment to your terminal, and voilà—payment processed and recorded seamlessly.

For step-by-step instructions on how to get started, click here. 

• Benefits:
  • Professional setup for handling in-store payments.
  • Accepts chip, swipe, contactless card, and digital wallet payments.
  • Consistent connectivity ensures smooth operation during peak times.
    
• How Setmore supports it: Square integration.

3) Card reader 

Accept payments anywhere with a portable device that connects seamlessly to your phone or tablet. Ideal for service-focused businesses on the move—think salons, home repairs, or market stalls. Quick to set up and ready for various payment types, this lightweight, travel-friendly solution is designed to keep your business rolling.

Connect your card reader to your Setmore account seamlessly. Whether you’re at a pop-up event or meeting clients on the go, take payments effortlessly and keep every transaction in check through your Setmore calendar. Payments sync automatically, saving you time and cutting down on manual tracking.

Watch the video below to see how to connect your Square card reader with Setmore:

• Benefits:
  • Quicker payments.
  • Convenient for customers.
  • Increase your payment opportunities with contactless.
    
• How Setmore supports it: Square integration.

4) Calendar payments 

No hardware or mobile device? No worries. You can still accept payments directly from your calendar with your preferred payment integration. Simply enter your customer’s card details manually in the payment section to complete the transaction.

Getting started is a breeze. Just choose your go-to payment integration—Stripe, Square, PayPal, or LawPay—and connect it to your Setmore account. When it’s time to take a card payment, you’ll find the option to enter your customer’s details right there. 

For step by step instructions, read our support article here.

• Benefits:
  • No hardware needed.
  • Accept payments anytime with the Setmore app.
  • Track and monitor every transaction seamlessly.
    
• How Setmore supports it: Stripe, Square, PayPal, or LawPay integration.

5) Cash register

Last (but by no means least), your calendar can also act as a cash register. Easily record cash payments and create either a printable or digital receipt for your customers. To record a payment, open your calendar and click on an appointment with a payment attached to it. There you’ll have the option to confirm when a cash payment has been made.

Every transaction detail is saved for easy reference and can even be connected with your favorite accounting app. This keeps everything in sync and makes it easy to track, no matter what software you use.

To learn more about your cash register, read this support article. 

• Benefits:
  • No extra hardware or integration—just your Setmore app.
  • Allows your customers to pay in cash.
  • Every payment is tracked in your app.
    
• How Setmore supports it: Your calendar.

Accept payments in person for more cha-ching in your pocket.

Choosing the right payment integration is key to keeping your business running smoothly and ensuring you’re booked and paid. While in-person payments make it easy to handle walk-ins or those who prefer to pay on-site, online payments help secure attendance and streamline your operations. It’s all about offering flexibility while keeping things simple for you and your clients.

Whether it’s in-person or online, Setmore doesn’t charge any extra fees. Plus, we’re always working to improve integrations, so your systems stay seamless—from booking to service, and all the way to payment. 

Don’t have a Setmore account? Get started for FREE and see how you can combine your appointment booking with payments. 

by Lee

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