Ingenico iCMP Review

It’s required if you want to use Elavon’s Converge Mobile app, but can also be used with other payment apps, including ROAM. Unlike many other smartphone card readers, the iCMP has a built-in PIN pad, and doesn’t connect via headphone jack. Instead, it connects via Bluetooth. Let’s check out what it can do.

Payment Types and Features

The iCMP takes all modern forms of payment, including magnetic stripe credit and debit cards, chip credit and debit cards, and contactless (NFC) payments like Apple Pay.

Features

The iCMP offers several features not normally found in smartphone readers. It has a 128 x 64 display screen, a 16-key built-in PIN pad with 4 function keys, and reading options for any type of payment your customers want to use, including EMV chip, magstripe, and contactless payment types. Additionally, it boasts a long battery life, with the company claiming it can accept 50 transactions over 3 days at minimum before recharging is required.

Even though it’s a full PIN pad, and multi-card reader, the iCMP is still light (weighing just 4 ounces) and compact at 4.6” x 2.7” x 5”.

Compatibility

The iCMP works with Android, Apple, and Windows operating systems, meaning that you can use it with a wide variety of smartphones and tablets. It connects through Bluetooth, with the 128-bit encryption preventing access by unauthorized devices.

To use the Ingenico iCMP to take cards, you’ll need an account with a compatible credit card processing company. The reader is not proprietary, meaning that many different companies may be able to support it.

Security

As an Ingenico product, the iCMP meets security standards including EMV level 1 and 2, PCI PTS 3.1, and card brand standards. The device connects to Bluetooth using 128-bit encryption for added security and is specially designed to prevent unauthorized devices from connecting.

How much does the Ingenico iCMP cost?

Because the iCMP is a more sophisticated device than most smartphone readers and includes a built-in PIN pad, it’s likely to be a little more expensive than other readers. The iCMP starts around $250, but the costs may be lower or higher depending on where you purchase it. Some processors may offer it for a lower cost.

The cost for the reader is in addition to the costs of accepting credit cards, which will be set by the processing company that you work with. You can read a full breakdown of credit card processing rates and fees, or simply use the CardFellow quote comparison tool to view pricing from processors that can support the iCMP.  

In some cases, debit transactions authorized with a PIN may cost less than transactions authorized with a signature. The iCMP lets you take advantage of this possible cost savings, as it’s one of the few smartphone card readers on the market that includes a full, secure PIN pad so your customers can enter their PINs when making purchases using their debit cards.