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Buying guide

Which smart card reader do I need?

Pick the situation that matches yours. Each product below links to its page with the live price, stock and full specifications.

CAC or PIV card on a computer with USB-C

For recent MacBooks, iMacs and laptops that only have USB-C ports. Plug in, insert the card, sign in.

All CAC and PIV readers →

CAC or PIV card on a computer with USB-A

For desktops and laptops with the classic rectangular USB port - most government workstations.

All CAC and PIV readers →

SIPRNet tokens and TWIC cards

Readers whose descriptions list SIPRNet tokens or TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) cards.

On an iPhone, iPad or Android device

USB-C readers for phones and tablets with a USB-C port, and MobileMate readers for devices with a headphone jack. Using a CAC or PIV card on a phone or tablet also needs an app that supports smart cards.

All iOS and Android readers →

Contactless cards: badges, NFC tags, transit cards

NFC (13.56 MHz) readers for contactless access badges, MIFARE and DESFire cards, NFC tags and FeliCa transit cards.

All NFC readers →

SIM cards

For reading and writing SIM-size (ID-000) cards.

Passwordless sign-in: FIDO2 security keys

A security key replaces or backs up passwords on websites and services that support FIDO2 / passkeys and FIDO U2F - no card needed.

All FIDO2 security keys →

Software: ActivClient middleware

Some organizations require ActivClient to use a CAC or PIV card with their applications. Download versions with Support & Maintenance.

ActivClient software →

Questions and answers

Do I need to install a driver?
Usually not. Most readers we sell follow the CCID standard, so Windows, macOS and Linux recognize them as soon as they are plugged in. On Linux, using a CAC or PIV card also needs the free pcsc-lite and OpenSC packages. If a reader is not recognized, each manufacturer’s driver page is listed on our Brands page.
Should I buy a USB-A or a USB-C reader?
Match the port on your computer. Recent Macs, iPads and many laptops only have USB-C; desktops and older laptops usually have USB-A. Several readers come in both versions.
Do I need ActivClient?
Windows and macOS include built-in smart card support that works with most CAC and PIV cards. Some organizations require ActivClient middleware for specific applications - check with your IT or security office. We sell ActivClient for Windows and for macOS.
What do "FIPS 201" and "TAA compliant" mean on a reader?
FIPS 201 is the federal standard behind PIV credentials (HSPD-12); federal agencies generally buy readers from the GSA FIPS 201 Approved Products List. TAA compliant means the product meets the Trade Agreements Act country-of-origin rules required for most federal purchases. We show these labels only where the product’s own description states them.
Can I buy on the GSA Schedule or with a GSA SmartPay card?
Yes. SCB Solutions, Inc. is a GSA Schedule contract holder (contract 47QTCA23D008Z). GSA SmartPay cards are accepted at checkout, and you can request a quote for larger orders.
Will a reader work with my iPhone or iPad?
iPhones and iPads with a USB-C port can use USB-C readers; devices with a headphone jack can use the MobileMate readers. Using a CAC or PIV card on a phone or tablet also needs an app that supports smart cards.

Request a quoteAsk us which reader fitsGSA Schedule