It’s time to meet the next generation of Square Reader: the tap-and-go card reader known and loved by countless businesses globally. At first glance, this new Square Reader looks pretty similar to its predecessor – it’s still a little white square that fits in your pocket and looks neat on the counter. But take a closer look and you’ll see the new model comes with smart improvements and new features to make taking payments even smoother than before.

What are the new features of Square Reader (2nd generation)?

Businesses will see that everything they have come to know and love about Square Reader is still a part of the 2nd generation design. The little white reader remains a simple way to take secure payments from just about anywhere. It lets you take card and mobile wallet payments with a quick tap and also allows customers to insert their chip and PIN cards for larger transactions.

Connect your Square Reader to the free Square Point of Sale app and you have a simple, integrated payments and point-of-sale system that can grow and adapt to your needs. Here are the updates and improvements you can expect from the 2nd generation of the popular card reader.

Longer battery life. The improved battery life of the new Square Reader allows you to take up to 20% more transactions on just a single charge.

Stronger connectivity and NFC performance. New BLE 5.3 capability (from BLE 4.2) provides better range, a more reliable connection and lower power consumption. The NFC antenna and circuitry were further optimised to take payments quickly and easily with the latest mobile payment solutions like smartwatches.

Enhanced security. Security is paramount to all Square hardware products and the new Square Reader is no different. Built-in security features help prevent fraud and ensure PCI compliance.

USB-C port. The micro-USB port has now been upgraded to a USB-C connector. Use Square Reader with the included USB cable or purchase an additional extended 2-metre cable from the Square Shop.

Why businesses love using Square Reader

Compact and portable, with a battery that keeps up. Square Reader packs a powerful battery in a pocket-sized POS, so you can take payments all day on a full charge anywhere your customers are.

A total business ecosystem. When you take payments with Square Reader you can choose to integrate with a range of Square business tools like analytics and invoices. Our ecosystem provides everything you need to run and grow your business.

Safe and secure. Square Reader is extra secure without any additional apps or web access to stress about.

Transparent pricing. Accept any card or mobile wallet payment on Square Reader at just 1.75% per contactless or chip and PIN transaction, with no hidden fees. And you get paid quickly with our next-business-day bank transfers.

Quick setup. Easy-to-set-up software and intuitive design make it fast and painless to get started with Square. Just power up and start selling.

Square Reader (2nd generation) pricing and availability

Square Reader (2nd generation) is available in the Square Shop for £19 + VAT.

You pay 1.75% per contactless or chip and PIN payment with Square Reader. Clearpay transactions are 6% + 30p. Custom pricing may be available to businesses processing over £200K+ annually. Find out more about the specifications and processing fees here.