Square payment card reader is now available at Best Buy

Square is one of the hottest tech companies going. By providing a plug-and-play credit card reader that lets anyone accept credit cards for payment by using their smartphone or tablet, Square is bringing sophisticated payment options to the masses. Perfect for small businesses, vendors at special events and anyone whose customers want to pay using a credit card —Square lets you run your business from anywhere. Square processed over $20 billion in transactions in 2013, proving just how popular this innovative approach is. Now you can pick up a Square credit card reader or tablet stand at Best Buy, starting at under $10.

What Is It?

The Square credit card reader is a tiny device that plugs into the headphone jack on an iOS or Android mobile device (iOS 4.0 or Android 2.1 are the minimum requirement). Install the free Square Register app, set up your Square account and you’re set to swipe credit cards. 

Customers can sign for a purchase on your device, add a gratuity, choose to receive an e-mail, text or printed receipts (you’ll need access to a printer for that) and then Square handles the processing using an encrypted transaction. The credit card data is securely stored on Square’s servers, not the mobile device.

The free Square Register app doesn’t just facilitate the credit card transaction, it also includes valuable tools for a small business, including the ability to track sales history and record cash or gift card transactions.

The Square credit card reader is perfect for small companies that want to get up and running quickly, anyone running their own business, vendors at arts and craft shows, school events and tradespeople who work at client sites (landscaping, fence building, etc…). Anywhere your device can get a connection (cellular or Wi-Fi), you can accept credit card payments!

The Details

When a customer pays you using a Square credit card reader, Square charges a flat fee of 2.75% of the swiped transaction. The money for the sale is deposited to your bank account within one to two business days.

Square currently supports, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and JCB.

Unlike other credit card processing systems, equipment costs are very low, there are no rental charges, no sign-up or activation fees, no monthly fees, no inactivity fees and no fee if you cancel the Square service.

The Stand

While the Square credit card reader is ideal for mobile use, Square also offers the Square Stand, a POS (point of sale) solution.


Designed specifically for the iPad 2 and iPad 3 (30 pin connector required), the Square Stand is an attractive, glossy white tablet holder with a built-in card scanner. It swivels so the display is facing the employee processing a sale, then the customer for confirmation of the transaction. The stand is powered and charges the iPad while it’s docked. 

It looks professional and can replace a much more expensive cash register system.

If you want additional capabilities, the Square Stand includes a USB hub and available add-on accessories include a receipt printer and a barcode scanner for a complete retail solution. 

Look for the innovative Square credit card reader and Square Stand at Best Buy, along with all the technology and software you need to run a small business.

Brad Moon
Editor Computing solutions
I’m a long-time electronics and gadget geek who’s been fortunate enough to enjoy a career that lets me indulge this interest. I have been writing about technology for several decades for a wide range of outlets including Wired, Gizmodo, Lifehacker, MSN, About.com, Kiplinger, and GeekDad. I’m in my 10th year as a senior contributor for Forbes with a focus on reviewing music-related tech, Apple gear, battery power stations and other consumer electronics. My day job is with the Malware Research Center at AI-native cybersecurity pioneer CrowdStrike.