The Complete Guide To Getting A Free Square Card Reader For Your Business

Looking for an easy way to accept credit and debit card payments? Square has become synonymous with low-cost credit card processing, and is a very popular choice for small businesses.  With the free Square reader that’s included with every account, you’ll be able to start taking credit card payments right away.

However, with recent advancements in credit card processing technology, the magstripe-only free Square reader may no longer be the best choice for businesses looking for a mobile payments solution or those trying to avoid the expense of a dedicated countertop credit card terminal.

In this article, we’ll explore the current options available for merchants who need a way to accept in-person credit and debit card payments using their Square account. While the free Square reader for magstripe is a great entry-level option, we’ll explain why it shouldn’t be your primary method of accepting payments. We’ll also provide details on where you can obtain Square credit card readers and their associated costs.

Square Card Readers: Get To Know Your Options

When Square first launched in 2009, the free magstripe reader “dongle” that came with your account was your only option for swiping credit or debit cards. Today, however, merchants have a variety of card readers and terminals to choose from. For the purposes of this article, we’ll confine our discussion to only those devices that have a mobile payments capability.

Where To Get Your Free Square Card Reader

Are you intrigued by the offer of a free Square card reader? If so, you might wonder where you can get your free Square reader. As you might have guessed, it’s easiest to get your free swiper directly from Square when you sign up for an account. However, if you’re in a hurry, you can also purchase the Square reader through an approved vendor and get a credit for the purchase price directly from Square after you sign up for an account.

How To Get A Free Square Reader From Square Directly

Getting a free Square reader is very easy, as long as you don’t mind waiting a few days for it to be delivered through the mail. Here are step-by-step instructions to get your card reader:

Step 1 — Create A Square Account: Creating a Square account is very easy. Simply go to Square’s website, hit the “Get Started” button, and the process begins when you enter your email.

Step 2 — Create A Password: All you need to open an account is to enter your email address and create a password. At this step, you also agree to Square’s e-sign consent, terms, and privacy policy.

Step 3 — Answer Questions About Your Business: Next, Square asks you a few more questions about your business, including how you plan to take payments (e.g., online, invoices, brick-and-mortar, etc.). Don’t fret about this step too much, as you’ll still have access to all of the features that enable you to do these things with your Square account. At the same time, be completely honest and truthful about the nature of the products and services you’ll be selling. If your business violates Square’s Acceptable Use Policy, your account will quickly be shut down.

Step 4 — Verify Your Identity: Square does not perform a credit check, but you’ll need to provide your address so that Square can verify who you are. It only takes a few moments for Square to confirm you’re a real person. Then you’re ready to choose your Square reader!

Step 5 — Choose Your Square Reader: If you’re here for the free Square Reader, then go ahead and select the model with either the headset jack or the Lightning connector. As mentioned above, we encourage you to consider purchasing the Contactless and Chip Reader (which also comes with a magstripe reader) if your business sells higher-ticket items so that you’re better protected against fraudulent transactions.

Step 6 — Connect Your Square Reader For The First Time: Using the reader for the first time is easy. You simply plug it in, open the Square POS app on your device, log into your Square account, and you’re ready to make a sale. When it’s time to swipe, use a swift, smooth motion as you pull the card straight through. That’s all there is to it! You can email your customer a receipt and simultaneously build an email list that Square stores for you while you’re at it.

Check out everything you need to know about setting up your free Square account if you want the process to be completely demystified from start to finish.

Other Places To Get A Free Square Card Reader

If you’re a new Square seller and purchase a reader from a participating retailer, you’ll get a $10 redemption code. After you redeem the code with Square, they’ll credit your linked bank account. Where do you find a participating retailer? You can plug your zip code into Square’s list of authorized retailers and see what comes up. For US-based merchants, options include Target, Best Buy, Walmart, CVS, Office Depot, and Staples.

Square provides a 30-day risk-free return on hardware purchased in the Square Shop. If you do end up purchasing from another retailer, you’ll need to check with the store’s return policies. Square provides a six-month limited warranty on the reader, but you need to keep the box, cords, receipt, or packing slip.

Some of you may be wondering if you can purchase a Square reader used or even borrow one from a friend. And the answer to that question is yes! Square readers don’t hold any account data, so you can absolutely swipe with a used reader. However, the warranty only applies to the original purchaser.

Do You Need A Promo Code To Get A Free Square Reader?

Square offers a free Square reader promo code if you purchase from a participating retailer. It isn’t so much of a promo coupon code as it is an account credit. You’ll need to pay for the reader, and then Square credits your linked bank account $10. You shouldn’t be paying more than $10, but we have seen some readers on sale for less.

If you’re purchasing the reader directly from Square, you do not need a Square reader promo code, because the magstripe reader is free to all new Square sellers.

Can Your Business Get By With Just A Free Square Reader?

The free Square reader is admittedly a great offer, but don’t let the free deal sway you without digging into the overall processing costs, features, and, ultimately, what you’ll need over the long term to grow your business. Check out our full Square review to find out how we rate Square and what pros and cons to watch out for with this option.

Businesses that have higher-ticket sales should avoid using the Square free reader, except as a backup means of processing a transaction. We strongly suggest that businesses with higher risks of chargebacks and higher ticket prices go for an EMV-compliant reader, such as the Square Contactless + Chip Reader, so that you can get better protection from fraud and chargebacks. Although the Square Terminal is more expensive, it allows you to print paper receipts and integrates with other devices, such as a cash drawer or the Square Point of Sale system.

Low-volume, smaller-ticket businesses and those that only occasionally need to accept a credit/debit card payment are less likely to have any issues with the magstripe reader. However, we strongly suggest upgrading to the EMV chip reader to future-proof your payments setup and protect you from fraud. Overall, the free reader and the robust features that Square offers make them an excellent value for lower-volume small businesses.

To learn more about Square and the many features it offers, check out the following information:

• Complete Buyer’s Guide To Square POS Hardware In 2023
• How Much Does Square Cost For Payment Processing & Software?
• Is Square Right For Your Business?
• How To Use The Square Website Builder To Set Up Your Online Store

FAQs: Free Square Reader