Square Reader for magstripe
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Accept credit cards anywhere
Square’s free credit card reader works with the free Square Point of Sale app to let everyone accept swipe payments on their smartphone or tablet.
Fast setup, no commitments
Sign up for Square and we’ll drop your free card reader in the mail—no commitments or long-term contracts.
Works with iOS and Android
With two versions of Square Reader for magstripe—one for a headset jack, the other a Lightning connector—you’re covered. Just pick the credit card reader that works for you.
Get paid any way you like with the Square Point of Sale app.
Take payments at the counter or on the go, remotely through invoices, or by manually entering card numbers.
Run your business anywhere—all in one place.
Square Point of Sale is a free, easy-to-use app that gives you everything you need to manage your business.
- Get set up fast with no training required
- Sell smarter with real-time analytics
- Know what’s in stock with intuitive inventory management
Try it out
Serious security
Credit card information is encrypted at the moment of swipe. Square doesn’t store card data on your device after a payment has been processed.
Learn more about security
No charging necessary
Square Reader fits right in your pocket, and with no battery to keep charged, you’re ready to sell and process payments wherever business takes you.
Keep selling, even offline
Let customers pay even when you’re temporarily offline with offline payments² and pay the usual 2.6% + 10¢ per swipe. Additional terms apply.
Learn more about offline payments
Send receipts digitally, or print like usual
Send receipts via email or text message, or connect a receipt printer to a tablet. Your customers can even leave you private feedback directly through their digital receipt.
Pro tip: Improve your tips
Customers tip right on the device in one easy, math-free motion—easier for them and better for your business.
Accept chip cards and Apple Pay, too
With Square Reader for contactless and chip, you connect wirelessly to your device to accept contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and chip cards, too.
Square Reader for contactless and chip
(2nd generation) $59
Shop now
Take payments and print receipts, all in one
Square Terminal is a portable credit card machine that accepts every card payment — tap, dip, and swipe. Take payments, print receipts, get paid fast.
Square Terminal $299
Shop now
Pricing
Free
at sign-up for your first card reader¹
$10
for each additional reader
2.6% + 10 cents
per swipe.
Get a free reader
Already claimed your free reader? Order another →
Get updates and insights
Stay up to date on Square Reader for magstripe, new products, expert advice, and more.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Square Reader for magstripe?
Square Reader for magstripe works with the free Square Point of Sale app to let you accept swiped card payments on your phone or tablet.
How much does Square Reader for magstripe cost?
Your first Square Reader for magstripe is free. Additional readers are $10. Sign up for an account to receive your free Square Reader for magstripe.
Sign up now
What devices can you connect to Square Reader for magstripe?
You can connect your Square Reader for magstripe to a variety of Apple or Android phones and tablets. We offer two versions of Square Reader for magstripe depending on your device — one with a lightning connector and the other with a 3.5mm headset jack.
Explore our full list of compatible devices and software
How do you connect Square Reader for magstripe?
Square Reader for magstripe simply needs to be inserted into your compatible phone or tablet, allowing you to easily swipe payment cards.
Learn how to swipe card payments with Square Reader for magstripe
Does Square Reader for magstripe need Wi-Fi for connectivity?
Square Reader for magstripe does not need Wi-Fi to process payments. When you don’t have a Wi-Fi or internet connection, you can use Offline Mode in the Square Point of Sale app to take payments.
Learn more about Offline Mode
Does Square Reader for magstripe need to be charged?
Square Reader for magstripe does not need to be charged.
Does Square Reader for magstripe accept dip and tap payments?
No, Square Reader for magstripe only accepts swiped (magstripe card) payments. To accept dip (chip card) and tap (contactless) payments, try Square Reader for contactless and chip.
Available at local retailers
Other hardware options
Take contactless payments with just your phone — no hardware needed.
Discover Tap to Pay on iPhone
Discover Tap to Pay on Android
¹Offer is limited to one redemption per Square account holder.
²Offline payments are processed automatically when you reconnect your device to the internet and will be declined if you do not reconnect to the internet within 24 hours of taking your first offline payment. By enabling offline payments, you are responsible for any expired, declined, or disputed payments accepted while offline. Square is unable to provide customer contact information for payments declined while offline. Offline payments are not supported on older versions of Square Reader for contactless and chip (1st generation - v1 and v2). Click here for help identifying your contactless reader. Learn more about how to enable and use offline payments here.
