Hardware solution
Square Reader for contactless and chip
Square Reader for contactless and chip (2nd generation) gives mobile operators and small counters a compact way to accept EMV chip cards, contactless cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Afterpay through a compatible phone or tablet. It connects wirelessly over Bluetooth LE, can stay paired between sales, and includes a battery designed for all-day use.
Built for your day-to-day
That makes it a practical fit for a food truck serving a line, a caterer collecting deposits on site, or a service professional taking payment at the customer’s location. The tradeoff is that it is a reader, not a standalone register: you supply a compatible device, current Square POS software, power, and an internet connection.
Key capabilities
Accept EMV chip cards and contactless NFC cards, plus Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Afterpay. Square’s U.S. help guidance also says it works with any U.S.-issued and most internationally issued payment cards.
The reader connects wirelessly to a compatible iOS or Android device, so a mobile seller can bring the payment point to a customer or place it on a counter with an optional dock.
Square lists 2.6% + 15¢ per tap, dip, or swipe for the product page’s standard in-person rate, with no monthly fee or long-term commitment stated on the specifications page.
Bluetooth LE 5.3 and Stay Connected help a previously paired 2nd-generation reader remain available after idle periods. Square says the battery lasts all day once charged and the reader carries a one-year limited warranty.
The current 2nd-generation reader can continue taking payments offline for up to 24 hours, subject to Square’s terms. Payments must be uploaded after reconnection, and the seller remains responsible for expired, declined, or disputed offline payments.
Explore the details
Plan on a compatible mobile device with Bluetooth, the latest version of the Square point-of-sale app, a power source for charging, and a secure internet connection. Square’s specifications page lists Apple devices running iOS 17.1 or later and most Android devices running Android 7.0 or later; verify the exact model on Square’s compatibility page before buying. The reader is not a standalone POS screen.
The standard connection is Bluetooth, and Square’s setup guidance says the reader should remain within 10 feet of the mobile device. The 2nd-generation reader can also use a wired connection with an Android device and can connect by cable to a 1st- or 2nd-generation Square Stand. For a fixed checkout, Square lists the optional Bosstab Dock for Square Reader at $39; it is compatible with all reader generations and versions.
The product page is for the 2nd-generation reader. Square’s support article distinguishes older 1st-generation versions: v1 and v2 do not support offline payments, and 1st-generation hardware is no longer manufactured or sold by Square. The current reader uses USB-C; older generations may use Micro USB. Confirm the generation before relying on offline checkout or ordering cables and accessories.
Plan details
Square’s U.S. product page lists the 2nd-generation Square Reader for contactless and chip at $59 before applicable taxes or other checkout charges. Standard published in-person processing is 2.6% + 15¢ per tap, dip, or swipe. Square says there are no monthly fees or long-term commitments for this standard offer; businesses processing $250,000 or more in annual credit-card sales can ask Square about custom pricing. The optional Bosstab Dock is listed at $39.
Per tap, dip, or swipe on the product and specifications pages; actual eligibility and current account terms should be confirmed with Square.
Per Afterpay transaction as displayed on the U.S. product and specifications pages.
Optional transfer fee referenced by the product page; requires a linked bank account or supported debit card and is subject to Square’s transfer limits and terms.
Optional accessory listed on the U.S. specifications page; not required for mobile use.
The reader is not a standalone register; it depends on a compatible phone or tablet running Square POS software.
Offline payments are available on the 2nd-generation reader for up to 24 hours subject to additional terms. Payments must be uploaded after reconnection, and the seller bears responsibility for expired, declined, or disputed offline payments.
Offline payments are not supported on Square Reader for contactless and chip 1st-generation v1 and v2.
Bluetooth range is limited; Square’s setup and troubleshooting guidance says to keep the reader within 10 feet of the paired device.
Square says U.S.-intended hardware is approved for use in the country for which it is intended and is not approved for use outside that country.
Pricing, processing rates, plan availability, taxes, transfer eligibility, and account terms can change; show the verification date and link to Square before purchase.
Questions
Yes. Square lists EMV chip cards, NFC contactless cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay as supported payment types. Square’s U.S. help article also says Afterpay can be accepted with the reader.
The reader normally needs an internet connection through Wi-Fi, a hotspot, or cellular data. On the 2nd-generation reader, Square says offline payments can be used for up to 24 hours, subject to terms and the risk that expired, declined, or disputed offline payments remain the seller’s responsibility.
Square’s U.S. specifications page lists Apple devices on iOS 17.1 or later and most Android devices on Android 7.0 or later. Check Square’s device compatibility page for the exact phone or tablet, then use the latest Square POS app and Bluetooth.
Information as of 2026-10-27. Product details date: 2026-10-27.
Ready when you are
