Square Stand is a cradle that turns a compatible iPad into a countertop point of sale, with contactless and chip card payments built in so you don't need a separate reader. Square's US page lists it at $149, or $14 a month for 12 months, as of October 2026, and it runs on the free Square Point of Sale app.
The catch is in what that $149 doesn't include: the iPad. Stand is only the cradle, so you need to own or buy a supported iPad, and Square's compatible list is all USB-C models. If your iPad isn't on that list, it won't fit. These are Square's US prices and terms; UK, Australian and Canadian readers will see other numbers on their local Square site.
Which iPads fit Square Stand
Square describes Stand as working with the 10.9-inch iPad and most 11-inch iPads, and lists these USB-C models by name:
- iPad (A16)
- iPad (10th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st to 4th generation)
- iPad Air (4th and 5th generation)
- iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3)
Check your model against that list before you order. It's the one thing that decides whether Stand is a cheap upgrade or the start of a bigger shopping list.
What's in the box and what you add
Square says no training or service visits are needed. You slide the iPad in and download the app. Out of the box, Stand gives you:
- A built-in card reader for contactless and chip payments, with guiding LED lights that show customers where to pay.
- A 180 degree swivel, so staff can add items and then turn the screen for the customer to confirm the total, add a tip, pay and claim loyalty points.
- Mounting hardware and a USB hub.
- A one-year limited warranty.
Alongside the iPad you'll need Wi-Fi or Ethernet and a power outlet. Swipes aren't built in, so if you still see magstripe cards, Square suggests adding Square Reader for magstripe. You can also pair Stand with Square Reader for contactless and chip, or with a Square Terminal as a dedicated customer display.
The four mounting options
This is where Stand differs most from Square's other countertop kit. Square lists four ways to fix it in place:
| Mount | What Square says about it |
|---|---|
| Countertop | Needs no mounting out of the box and can also serve as a customer-facing display |
| VESA | Fits any 100x100 mm VESA system, such as a floor stand or swing arm, sold separately |
| Angled wall mount | Fixes Stand to a wall at an angle |
| Flat wall mount | Fixes Stand flat against a wall |
If you're unsure, the countertop version is the easy start because there's nothing to install. The VESA option is the one to look at if you want the screen on a floor stand or an arm that swings between staff and customer.
Turning Stand into a self-service kiosk
Square also sells Stand as the base for a self-serve ordering point. You pair the Stand (Mount) with the Square Kiosk Lite app. Kiosk Lite is $50 per month per device with Square Plus, or $30 per month per device with Square Premium, on Square's US page as of October 2026.
That's a subscription on top of the hardware, so it's worth counting before you plan a row of them. Square also makes a separate device called Square Kiosk, which it describes as a premium, purpose-built kiosk for high-volume quick-service restaurants. Kiosk Lite on a Stand is the lighter route.
When the Wi-Fi or power drops
Stand keeps taking payments without Wi-Fi through offline payments. You need to reconnect within 24 hours so the transactions upload. And if the power goes, Square says Stand (2nd generation, USB-C) can run off the iPad's battery, so a tripped fuse doesn't stop the queue.
Fees and financing
The Stand page shows Square's in-person rate: 2.6% + 15 cents per tap, dip or swipe, and 6% + 30 cents per Afterpay transaction, as of October 2026. Square says some businesses that process $250K or more in credit card sales can get custom rates. The full picture is in this guide to Square fees.
If you'd rather spread the cost, Square's financing footnote says all credit sale plans are issued by Block, Inc., purchase amounts must be from $49 to $10,000, and the APR is 15%. Financing isn't available to merchants in Alabama, Delaware, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire or Tennessee.
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Stand against Square's pricier devices
Square puts its other devices on the same page, which makes the price gap plain. Each has its own explainer if you want the detail.
| Device | Price on Square's US page as of October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Square Stand | $149 or $14 a month for 12 months |
| Square Terminal | $299 or $27 a month for 12 months |
| Square Handheld | $399 or $37 a month for 12 months |
| Square Register | $899 or $44 a month over 24 months |
The difference is that the other three are complete devices, while Stand needs your iPad to work. If you're weighing the top of the range, start with the Square Register explainer.
Getting Stand up and running
- Check your iPad against Square's compatible list.
- Slide the iPad into the Stand.
- Download the free Square Point of Sale app and sign in.
- Pick your mount: countertop, VESA or wall.
- Take a tap or dip payment, then add a printer or cash drawer if you want one.
For a fuller counter, Square sells a barcode scanner, a receipt and ticket printer, a cash drawer, a Bosstab countertop mount and hardware kits that work with Stand.
My verdict
If you've already got a compatible iPad, Square Stand is the cheapest way into a real countertop setup Square sells. You get tap and chip built in, a screen that swivels to the customer, and four ways to mount it, for a fraction of the Register's price. If you don't own the right iPad, the sums change, so price the tablet before you decide. And if a self-serve kiosk is the plan, remember Kiosk Lite is a monthly subscription per device, not a one-off.
You may also want Square Gift Cards Explained.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Square Stand cost?
Square lists Square Stand at $149, or $14 a month for 12 months, on its US page as of October 2026. The iPad isn't included.
Which iPads work with Square Stand?
Square lists iPad (A16), iPad (10th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st to 4th generation), iPad Air (4th and 5th generation) and iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3).
Does Square Stand take card payments by itself?
Yes. Contactless and chip payments are built in, so you don't need an extra reader. Swipes need Square Reader for magstripe.
Does Square Stand work offline?
Yes. You can keep taking payments without Wi-Fi and reconnect within 24 hours to upload the transactions.
Can I use Square Stand as a self-service kiosk?
Yes. You pair the Stand (Mount) with the Square Kiosk Lite app, which is a monthly subscription per device.
What accessories work with Square Stand?
Square lists a barcode scanner, a receipt and ticket printer, a cash drawer, a Bosstab countertop mount and hardware kits.
