Portable payments device avoids extra fees

Square Terminal is a new, portable, all-in-one payments device for Canadian restaurant operators to ring up sales, accept all forms of payment and print or email receipts.

Square stands apart from keypad card machines as a modern, elegant device, and a fairer way to take payments, the company said in a press release. Square Terminal allows businesses to avoid dealing with extra fees and long-term contracts.

Built in-house and in part by hardware engineers in Square’s Toronto office, Square Terminal is a dedicated payments device for businesses that don’t want to use a consumer device such as a smartphone or tablet as a business tool. With a battery that lasts all day, and a choice of Wi-Fi or Ethernet internet connections, the device allows operators to take payments at the counter, at the table in a restaurant or even when internet service is temporarily unavailable.

Features include a bright, 5.5-inch touchscreen display and a built-in thermal printer, and acceptance of all tap, insert or swipe payments, including major credit cards, Interac debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

The terminal can be plugged into a power source or used completely cordless with a battery designed to last all day. It connects to the internet via built-in Wi-Fi and via Ethernet using the optional hub (sold separately). Businesses can take payments even when internet service is temporarily unavailable with Offline Mode.

The service provides data security, dispute management and fraud prevention.

Businesses pay low, transparent and fair transaction rates of 2.65 per cent for credit cards and 10 cents for all debit transactions, and get funds in their bank account as fast as the next business day. They pay no extra fees such as set-up, account creation or installation fees; monthly account fees; authorization fees; statement fees; chargeback fees; reward card fees; or contract termination fees.

Square Terminal is priced at $299.

square.ca/shop