Leading US payments processor First Data launched the Clover Mini, a seven-inch payment terminal designed to accept a variety of payment types, including old-school swiping, chip and PIN transactions and tap-and-go, NFC-based purchases.

Among its features, the tablet includes a front-facing camera that allows shopkeepers to accept physical cheques, read barcodes and scan QR codes (used for some payments).

First Data’s announcement about the device includes remarks from early adopters. Compliments include ease-of-use and improved efficiency in processing customers. The device is available to merchants in the US.

The Clover Mini is the firm’s third product offering, following the Clover Station, which was launched in 2013, and Clover Mobile (2014).

Its rivals include Square and other start-ups. All are eager to sign up small businesses which must upgrade their point-of-sale equipment to accept chip payment cards by October this year. Failure to do so could leave retailers liable for any fraud that occurs because chip-based cards are judged more secure than older cards.

Upgrading retail point-of-sale systems will likely benefit newer entrants, such as Apple Pay and Android Pay, since it means NFC-based payments are accepted at more outlets.