Ingenico RP350x Review

Ingenico’s RP350x mobile card reader when used with the ROAMpay app lets you accept magnetic stripe, EMV chip credit cards, and cash transactions.

Note that there are several Ingenico RP series card readers, with important differences. This review focuses on the Ingenico RP350x only. The chart below gives a quick overview of the main differences in the readers, but be sure to check out the full review for the reader you’re most interested in.

Ingenico RP350x

As noted in the chart above, the RP350x cannot process NFC (contactless) payments like Apple Pay, and cannot be used to take chip and PIN cards. Banks in the United States mostly issue chip and signature cards, but chip and PIN are common in other parts of the world.

Using the Ingenico RP350x

In order to use the card reader and mobile app, you need a merchant account and a compatible smartphone. The RP350x connects via headphone jack. Ingenico readers work with both Android and Apple devices, but make sure to check for your particular model.

Many processing companies offer Ingenico equipment; these companies are the ones that will set the pricing for using the reader. Get a quote now.

Features

The ROAMpay app includes a variety of features like on-screen signature capture, automatic tax calculations, refund capability, and tip acceptance for cash and credit card transactions. Additionally, if you lose a connection while on the go, you can use the offline mode to take the payment so you don’t miss a sale. Customizable receipts and basic inventory management options round out the app’s functions.

Hardware

The RP350x measures 2.6 x 1.9 x 0.7 inches and runs on a rechargeable lithium ion battery. (Battery can be connected to a power source through a USB cord.) The card reader accepts magnetic swipe and chip and signature credit cards and features an adjustable clamp that helps attach the reader snugly to your device to prevent jostling. The rugged design withstands more than 50,000 card swipes. It also includes LED lights to indicate battery status and device status.

The magnetic stripe reader is bidirectional, so you don’t have to worry about swiping a card the “wrong” way. The RP350x is longer than some other card readers, designed to help capture credit card data correctly the first time.

Ingenico claims that the RP350x can handle 50 transactions over three days before the card reader needs recharging. The RP350x has a lifetime of three years or 500 battery recharge cycles, during which it can handle a minimum of 50,000 swipes.

Security

The RP350x and ROAMpay app are PCI compliant. The mobile card reader is EMV Level 1 and Level 2 certified and features end-to-end encryption from the time of card swipe so your customers’ credit card data travels safely across networks without threat from unauthorized access. In addition, the RP350x is tamper-resistant, making it difficult for would-be fraudsters to manipulate transactions.

To further increase security, the ROAMpay app offers you the option to ask for more credit card information when you manually enter a customer’s payment data. You can set it to demand credit card and zip code verification.

Reporting

Mobile payment apps don’t necessarily have the same level of reporting options and business management functions as other types of credit card processing equipment, but the ROAMpay app does have basic reporting capabilities. A merchant portal allows you to view different reports, or transaction history can be viewed directly within the app.