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What is mPOS (mobile point of sale)?
An mPOS or mobile POS is a portable point-of-sale (POS) on a smartphone or tablet that functions as a register for taking payments. A mobile POS system is an ideal way for businesses such as food trucks, home and repair services, market stalls, etc. to take credit card payments on the go.
How Does mPOS Work?
By selecting mPOS software for your business, you can download the POS app, connect your reader to a mobile device and start taking payments instantly.
Choosing the right mobile POS system for your business
When shopping for the best mobile POS for your business, look for one that is secure, easy to use and affordable.
- Security
A secure mPOS is PCI compliant, lets you take encrypted payments like chip cards and contactless payments like Apple Pay and more. - Simplicity
Look for a mobile POS system that’s simple to use with an intuitive interface so it’s easy to get employees trained quickly. - Affordability
It’s important for your mobile POS to be affordable, so make sure you know what you’ll be paying. In addition to hardware costs and the processing fee for each credit card transaction, there could be other fees to be aware of. For example, some mPOS companies charge monthly fees as well as other costs. (Square doesn’t have any monthly fees or hidden costs.)
How Square revolutionised the mPOS industry
Square started with the simple idea that everyone should be able to accept credit cards. Even now, many mobile businesses remain “cash only” because standard EFTPOS terminals are clunky and certainly not portable. Plus, signing up with a traditional credit card payment processor can be prohibitively expensive, especially for seasonal or micro businesses. Square is here to provide an alternative option.
We make mobile POS software and compatible hardware that work together seamlessly, allowing sellers to take debit and credit card payments on the go.
Affordable mPOS solutions for any business
- Square Reader (2nd generation) – $65
The Square Reader fits in the palm of your hand and is a great mPOS because it connects wirelessly to let you take chip and PIN and NFC payments (like Apple Pay) anywhere. Make sure you’re set up to accept every payment method. The reader costs just $65, making this mobile POS affordable as well as portable. - Square Stand – $149
Square Stand lets you turn your iPad into an advanced point-of-sale. It’s everything you need to start taking payments, tracking sales and more.
Square charges just 1.6% on Square Terminal, Square Register, Square Reader, and Square Stand for every tap or insert. You can learn more about Square processing fees here.
Start accepting payments with your Square mPOS
- Sign up for your free account and then download our free POS app, a powerful point of sale that’s easy to use.
- For chip and PIN cards or contactless payments like Apple Pay, make sure your Square Reader is paired with your mobile device. Select an item from the item library, or key in an amount and tap Charge. Then insert the chip card in the slot or have your customer touch the device to the reader for an NFC payment.
A POS that plays nice with others
Square’s mobile POS system integrates beautifully with third-party apps to help you run your entire business on the go or in your back office. Simplify your accounting with Xero. E-commerce integrations are easy with Square Online. If you need a custom mPOS, you can work with developers to create a tailored solution for your business using our Point of Sale API.
Is a mobile POS the right solution for your business?
Mobile POS systems are ideal for businesses on the go that want to take credit card payments, such as food trucks, plumbers, landscape architects, mobile beauty businesses, electricians, movers and artisans at craft fairs, among others.
Now you know what you need to consider when choosing the right mPOS for your business.
1.6% card present rate applies for Square Sellers who sign up on or after 30 May 2024, or who signed up prior to this date and subscribed to a paid software plan. The rate of 1.9% will apply for all other Square Sellers who signed up prior to this date when using Square Reader, Square Stand or Tap to Pay, as listed in the Square Fee Schedule.
