Square Launches New Contactless and Chip Card Reader in Australia

Sep 27, 2016

MELBOURNE, 27 September 2016 — From today, businesses around Australia can access Square’s new contactless and chip card reader online for just $59. The innovative reader is designed for businesses of all types, from mobile sole traders to multi-location retailers. It enables sellers to quickly and securely accept tap-and-go cards, mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Android Pay and chip cards.

Square’s newest reader sends data with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to provide greater flexibility for businesses — whether they’re accepting payments at their countertop or on the go. To make a payment, a customer either holds their near field communication (NFC)-enabled card or device up to the reader, or inserts their chip card, and the entire transaction is completed in seconds.

“We know NFC is important to Australian businesses, both for providing fast and secure tap-and-go card payments, and future-proofing for the next wave of payment innovation like Apple Pay and Android Pay,” said Square’s Australian Country Manager, Ben Pfisterer.

“We’re delivering it in the most accessible, affordable and mobile way available anywhere in Australia.”

By adding new payments tools to its suite of business products, Square is making it possible for more small businesses to respond to their customers’ preferred method of payment. Based on recent company research, up to 80% of Square sellers from across Australia had not accepted credit or debit cards before using Square, highlighting that existing card payment solutions in market did not meet the needs of growing small business owners.

“We’re committed to bringing Australian business owners the best in payment innovation — whether it’s with our newest contactless and chip card reader, our original mobile chip card reader or online invoicing software like Square Invoices,” said Pfisterer. “Our tools are helping to rapidly grow the market for card acceptance in one of the world’s most innovative and increasingly cashless economies.”

Business owners can order the new Square contactless and chip card reader online today for $59, with free shipping nationally. The device will also be available in leading retailers including Officeworks, Apple, Optus and Harvey Norman in the near future.

About Square, Inc.

Square creates tools that help sellers of all sizes start, run, and grow their businesses. Square’s point-of-sale service offers tools for every part of running a business, from accepting credit cards and tracking inventory, to real-time analytics and invoicing. Square also offers sellers financial and marketing services, including small business financing and customer engagement tools. Businesses and individuals use Square Cash, an easy way to send and receive money, as well as Caviar, a food delivery service for popular restaurants. Square was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in the United States, Canada, Japan, and Australia.

Media Contact:

press-au@squareup.com