In some examples, a system and method for pairing a payment object reader with a point-of-sale (POS) terminal is described herein. The method includes determining, by a wireless transceiver, a first value of signal strength corresponding to a current position of the payment object reader and a second value of signal strength corresponding to a new position of the payment object reader. The POS terminal then identifies the first wireless device as an intended candidate for pairing with the second wireless device based on variation in signal strength from the first value of signal strength to the second value of signal strength. Accordingly, the POS terminal establishes a wireless communication channel between the POS terminal and the payment object reader device for exchange of information. Once paired, the payment object reader allows the POS terminal to accept payments from a customer.