Australian Merchants Can Access Square’s Reader Online

Square announced earlier this week that businesses around Australia can access Square’s new contactless and chip card reader online at square.com.au for just $59.

In a press release, the company said the 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, which it said provides greater flexibility for businesses when they are 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, Ben Pfisterer, in the press release. “We’re delivering it in the most accessible, affordable and mobile way, available anywhere in Australia.”

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 percent of Square sellers from across Australia had not accepted credit or debit cards before using Square. “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.” Pfisterer added. “Our tools are helping to rapidly grow the market for card acceptance in one of the world’s most innovative and increasingly cashless economies.”