Small businesses are increasingly embracing mobile payments, with 40 percent in a recent survey saying they now accept payments at the point of sale with a mobile credit card reader attached to a smartphone or tablet, and another 16 percent saying they plan to add the capability within the next 12 months.

The findings come from the Local Commerce Monitor, an ongoing study conducted by advertising consultants BIA/Kelsey of the advertising behaviors of small and medium-sized businesses, also known as SMBs. The latest study was conducted in July and was completed by 568 respondents.

"Mobile continues to make impressive inroads into the SMB market, as both a marketing vehicle and as an element of the business infrastructure," said Steve Marshall, director of research, BIA/Kelsey. "A closer look at the data shows adoption of mobile and social varies across SMB industry sectors. The LCM data reveals professional and home and trade services are embracing mobile in a big way, with service providers essentially becoming walking POS terminals."

Learn more about mobile payments trends and statistics.