Square Terminal

Square Terminal Review

Advertiser Disclosure: Our unbiased product reviews and content are supported in part by partnerships with our affiliates.

Our Square Terminal (T2) review will take a closer look at one of the industry’s latest credit card processing products. This unique terminal allows for seamless credit card transactions for businesses of any size. Is it the right choice for your small business? Let’s find out!

Overview of Square Terminal (T2)

Square Terminal is an all-in-one tool that allows business owners to process credit card transactions and print receipts. It consists of a single piece of hardware and Andriod software that includes a payment system and a paper printer.  At present, the Square Terminal (T2) accepts traditional magnetic-strip cards, NFC cards, EMV chip cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

While many Square Terminal (T2) owners use their device in a fixed location, the hardware is Wi-Fi enabled and can be operated without a cord by using an internal battery.

It’s important to note that Square Terminal’s features are not nearly as advanced as what you would find with Square Point of Sale (you can read our comprehensive Square POS review here). For instance, you won’t have access to seating settings, appointments, or other advanced elements.

Still, you can process transactions, create items, customize tipping, and more. Additionally, you’ll benefit from table-side ordering if you’re considering the Square for Restaurants platform (check out our in-depth review).

If you want even more capabilities, you will need to purchase the Hub for Square Terminal. This allows you to connect to popular accessories, such as cash drawers and other useful external hardware devices. The hub also allows for Ethernet-based internet connectivity.

Unlike other merchant services and payment processors, you won’t have to sign any long-term contracts to take advantage of Square Terminal (T2).

Lastly, users have access to 24/7 fraud prevention and customer support, which is perfect for businesses that operate outside of regular business hours.

Square Terminal Pricing

The Square Terminal boasts a straightforward pricing model that avoids hidden fees and charges. Unlike other firms, which often sting you with chargeback fees and other penalties, Square is upfront about all financial obligations. The hardware cost of the Square Terminal (T2) is $299. While shipping is free, you will need to pay extra if you want fast delivery.

Square’s credit card processing fees are competitive since they are the payment processor. For each transaction, users are charged 2.6% + 10¢. Unlike other credit card processing platforms, Square doesn’t charge different rates for different types of transactions — you benefit from the same flat fee for chip, swipe, and contactless payments.

For those who cannot afford to pay the full hardware cost upfront, Square also offers a financing option that starts at $27 per month. You can customize the terms of the payment plan to suit your financial capabilities.

Square Terminal Pricing Summary 

• Hardware Cost: $299 (Or Monthly Financing Option)
• Credit Card Processing Fees: 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction
• Additional Fees: None

How to Use Square Terminal

Key Features

Below, let’s take a closer look at all the core features associated with the Square Terminal (T2):

• Process swipe, chip, and contactless payments
• Create items within the Square Terminal (T2) system
• No hidden fees or charges
• Print receipts
• Flat rates for credit card processing
• Easy-to-use interface
• Sleek design with a modern appearance
• Wi-Fi capable
• Multiple terminals can be connected to a single cash drawer
• Compatible with Ethernet internet connections (add Hub for Square Terminal – $39.00).
• Financing options
• 24/7 phone support
• 24/7 fraud prevention

Square Terminal vs Square Register

What is the difference between Square Terminal and Square Register?  If you’re comparing Square Terminal vs. Square Register or even Square Stand, you’ll quickly discover that the Square Terminal is a cross between a mobile credit card reader and a POS system with a built-in printer.

The terminal is a wireless all-in-one device where you can accept payments anywhere you have a Wi-Fi connection.  Square Register is a fully integrated POS solution with hardware that turns your iPad into a complete counter-based POS system.

Verdict

Overall, it’s easy to see why Square Terminal (T2) is such a popular payment system with so many business owners. This modern credit card processing platform is easy to use and offers card processing for chip, swipe, and contactless payments. You can use it in a fixed location or carry it around your venue for table-side ordering.

You won’t be able to use cellular networks to connect to the device, but both Wi-Fi and Ethernet are suitable for this particular terminal. Still, this isn’t a terminal that can entirely replace a POS system if your business requires advanced features. I see this device as an expansion of Square’s products to incorporate many different types of sellers and service providers.

While it’s still important to shop around for the best credit card processing rates and niche-specific features, this is undoubtedly one of the industry’s top picks.

Frequently Asked Questions