New contactless chip and card reader hits Aussie shores

A new contactless chip and card reader technology from Square allows Aussie small-business owners to complete payment transactions in seconds.

Global payments technology company Square has announced the launch of its new contactless and chip card reader online for Aussie businesses at square.com.au 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, Mr Ben Pfisterer.

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

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 payment solutions in market did not meet their business needs.

“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 our online invoicing software 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,” said Pfisterer.

Sellers can visit square.com.au today to order the new Square contactless and chip card reader 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.

Inside Small Business