Is the Square Contactless + Chip Reader better to use than the Magstripe?

[Allenriddell]

The title of this thread has been edited by a Square Moderator from the original: "Is it better to use the separate card reader?"

Im having trouble getting my small device to work, the one that plugs into an iphone. Would buying the separate card reader be better?

[Doran]

Depending on which phone you have you might want to look at this post.  It shows how to accept cards without any reader and just your phone! It is a game changer for sure.  

[Allenriddell]

I can't seem to figure out how to use the phone manually for a sale. 

[ryanwanner]

Hello @Allenriddell !

I definitely recommend picking up one of the contactless readers for your transactions.

First reason is that the bluetooth connectivity of that reader is usually pretty solid. I've only had my reader disconnect once in the many years I've used it. The second reason is the chip cards/tappable cards are a lot more secure than the mag stripe cards, and if you have a fraud payment with a mag stripe you're on the hook for the $. With chip/tap cards the liability shifts away from us merchants.

Also, Square just announced Apple's Tap to Pay integration into their software, so you can take tap payments directly from your phone, no reader of any type is needed.

Hope this helps!

[Allenriddell]

So , we are talking about the $40 reader versus the free card reader, right?

[ryanwanner]

@AllenriddellCorrect. The free reader will get you up and running--I still have mine by my Stand just in case. But the $40 reader is a better bet for security.

[Allenriddell]

$49