With the Big Cartel Android app, you can accept in-person card payments at markets, pop-ups, or events - right from your phone.
You can take card payments using:
- Tap to Pay on Android (no reader needed)
- Card reader payments (tap, chip, or swipe)
- Manual card entry (enter card details manually)
All payments are processed securely through Stripe and sync automatically with your orders and inventory.
Before you start
To accept card payments in person, you’ll need:
- The Big Cartel Android app installed
- A connected Stripe account
- A Google (Gmail) account
- In-person checkout enabled in the app
You may also be prompted to allow location access, which is required for processing payments.
Ways to accept card payments
You have three options for accepting card payments:
- Tap to Pay on Android
- Card reader payments
- Manual card entry
Option 1: Tap to Pay on Android
Tap to Pay lets you accept contactless payments directly on your Android device—no additional hardware required.
Customers can pay using:
- Contactless cards
- Digital wallets like Google Pay
How to enable Tap to Pay
- Open the app → go to Cash Register (Checkout tab)
- Tap Settings
- Select Connect Tap to Pay
- Follow the prompts to enable
Once enabled, you can select Tap to Pay during checkout.
How it works
- Add products to the cart
- Tap Continue to payment
- Select Tap to Pay
- Have your customer tap their card or device
Once approved:
- The order is created instantly
- Inventory updates automatically
Option 2: Use a card reader
You can also accept payments using a Bluetooth card reader for a more traditional checkout experience.
This is ideal if you:
- Want to accept chip or swipe payments
- Prefer a dedicated payment device
Big Cartel supports Stripe-compatible readers (powered by Stripe Terminal).
Set up your card reader
- Turn on and charge your reader
- Connect it to your device via Bluetooth
- Open the app → go to Cash Register (Checkout tab)
- Tap Settings → Connect card reader
- Select your reader
Once paired, you’re ready to accept payments.
Take a payment
- Add products to the cart
- Tap Continue to payment → select Card reader
- Have your customer:
- Tap
- Insert (chip)
- Swipe (if supported)
Option 3: Manual card entry
If you don’t have Tap to Pay or a reader available, you can enter card details manually.
How it works
- Add products in the Cash Register
- Tap Continue to payment → select Manual entry
- Enter:
- Card number
- Expiration date
- CVC
- ZIP/postal code (if required)
- Confirm the payment
When to use manual entry
- As a backup option
- If a card won’t tap or read
- When you don’t have a reader available
Keep in mind:
- Fees may be higher
- There’s a higher risk of declined or disputed payments
Availability
In-person card payments on Android are currently available in multiple countries, including:
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Many European countries
More regions are being added over time.
Important notes
- A stable internet connection is required to process payments
- Orders sync automatically once completed
- Inventory updates in real time
Tips for selling at events
- Test your setup before your event
- Enable your payment methods in advance
- Keep your device fully charged
- Bring a backup option (like manual entry)
- Use a mobile hotspot if Wi-Fi is unreliable
Need help?
If something isn’t working, reach out with:
- Your Android device model
- Which payment method you’re using (Tap to Pay, reader, or manual)
- A description of the issue
- Screenshots or a short video
We’ll help you get back to selling quickly.