PhoneTransact has introduced Credit Card Reader for iPhone and iPod touch (http://www.phonetransact.com/credit-card-reader-for-the-iphone/), their plug-in hardware accessory that allows the user to swipe credit cards. Its sleeve design purportedly fits snugly and plugs in to the 30-pin charging connector of the iPhone or iPod touch, providing bi-directional card reading meeting ANSI/ISO standards.

When used with PhoneTransact’s iMerchant Pro app, the system works with any merchant account. To receive swipe discount rates the merchant account must be set up for “Card Present” transactions.

Credit Card Reader for iPhone and iPod touch sports an one-piece design with no parts or cables to lose or damage. It’s constructed of reinforced plastic and features magnetic fingerprint technology to confirm the credit card’s authenticity, a non-changeable serial number to track each Reader, and financial industry grade 3DES encryption.

Credit Card Reader for iPhone and iPod touch is available now directly from PhoneTransact. It’s regularly priced atUS $129.95, but is being offered for $99.95 through Aug. 20.