New contactless payment technology, which launches in Australia today, enables small businesses to quickly and securely accept tap-and-go cards, mobile wallets such as Apply Pay and Android Pay, and chip cards.
Developed by global payments technology company Square, the contactless + chip card reader is available online at square.com.au for $59, with free shipping nationally. The device will also be available at Officeworks, Apple, Optus and Harvey Norman retail outlets in the near future. Australia is the second market outside of the US to access Square’s newest reader.
Square’s Australian country manager, Ben Pfisterer said the reader sends data with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to provide greater flexibility for businesses, meaning payments can be accepted at the 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,” he said.
“We know NFC is important to 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. We’re delivering it in the most accessible, affordable and mobile way, available anywhere in Australia.”
“By adding new payments tools to our suite of business products, we’re making it possible for more small businesses to respond to their customers’ preferred method of payment. Our tools are helping to rapidly grow the market for card acceptance in one of the world’s most innovative and increasingly cashless economies.”
