Square Terminal is Square's all-in-one card machine: it takes chip, contactless and swipe payments, prints receipts from a built-in printer and runs Square's free point of sale software. Square lists it at $299 before taxes and fees, or $27 a month for 12 months, as of October 2026.
The $299 isn't always the whole counter setup. Terminal needs Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and Ethernet, a cash drawer, a barcode scanner or extra printers all connect through a separate Hub for Square Terminal, which Square sells for $39. Offline mode exists, but it lasts 24 hours and the risk on declined offline cards sits with you. These are Square's US prices and terms; UK, Australian and Canadian readers will see other numbers on their local Square site.
What you get for the $299
Square's Terminal page lists four things in the headline: a built-in receipt printer, a space-saving design, a long-lasting battery and simple setup. In practice that means:
- One device that takes every card type. Customers can dip a chip card, tap a contactless card or device, or swipe a magstripe card.
- Receipts without a second box. The printer is built in.
- A battery that lasts all day, so you can carry it to a table or a customer and back.
- Free Square point of sale software, set up on the device itself. When it arrives you create an account or log in and start selling. Square says no downloads or training are needed.
The Hub and other extras that cost more
The Hub is the add-on people find out about after they've ordered. Square's FAQ says the optional Hub for Square Terminal, at $39, is how you connect Terminal to the internet by Ethernet, and how you connect accessories such as a cash drawer, a barcode scanner or additional printers. If your shop Wi-Fi is patchy or you want a cash drawer that pops open on a cash sale, plan for the Hub from day one.
Square also lists a countertop mount, to secure Terminal by the till, and a belt clip, so you can wear it on your belt, trousers or apron for orders on the go. You can buy Terminal and its accessories at the Square Shop or at retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy.
Paying monthly: the financing small print
The $27 a month option is a credit sale plan, and Square's footnote is clear about who's lending. The plans are issued by Block, Inc. with an APR of 15%. Purchase amounts must be from $49 to $10,000, plan lengths can be 3, 6, 12 or 24 months depending on the purchase amount, sales tax is due at checkout, and every plan is subject to credit approval. So the monthly route isn't interest-free: read the APR before you tick it.
How Square Terminal compares with Square's other devices
Square sells five main ways to take in-person payments, and these are the prices on its US pages as of October 2026:
| Device | Price on Square's page | Best known for |
|---|---|---|
| Square Reader for contactless and chip | $59 | Pocket reader that pairs to your phone or tablet |
| Square Stand | $149 or $14 a month for 12 months | iPad POS or self-service kiosk |
| Square Terminal | $299 or $27 a month for 12 months | Receipt-printing countertop POS |
| Square Handheld | $399 or $37 a month for 12 months | Built-in camera and barcode scanner, moves with you |
| Square Register | $899 or $44 a month for 24 months | Dual-screen system |
The closest choice is Terminal or Handheld. Square describes Terminal as a complete POS with a built-in receipt printer that works best from a countertop, while still being compact and easy to move. Handheld is a slim, portable device with a built-in camera and barcode scanner for taking payments, orders or stock counts on the move. Handheld takes tap and dip; Terminal takes tap, dip and swipe.
Internet, offline payments and who carries the risk
Terminal needs an internet connection, through Wi-Fi or Ethernet. If the connection drops, offline payments let you keep taking cards for up to 24 hours. Square's footnote sets out the terms:
- Offline payments are processed automatically when the device reconnects.
- They're declined if you don't reconnect within 24 hours of the first offline payment.
- By switching offline payments on, you're responsible for any expired, declined or disputed payments taken while offline.
- Square can't give you the customer's contact details for a payment that's declined while offline.
That last point is the one to remember on a busy market day with no signal. If a card fails later, you can't chase the buyer.
On the card fees, Square's Register page lists 2.6% + 15 cents per tap, dip or swipe on the Square Free plan, with lower rates on paid plans. For the full picture, see this guide to Square's fees.
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Setting up Square Terminal
- Buy Terminal at the Square Shop or a retailer.
- Create or log in to your Square account on the device.
- Connect to Wi-Fi, or plug in Ethernet through the Hub.
- Add your items and take a first tap, dip or swipe payment.
- Add a mount, belt clip, Hub, scanner or cash drawer if your counter needs them.
Square also offers 24/7 chat support and an AR viewer on its site so you can see how Terminal looks on your own counter before you buy.
My verdict
Square Terminal is a good fit if you want one box that takes cards and prints receipts without building a whole POS setup from an iPad and peripherals. I'd budget for the Hub straight away if you want a cash drawer, a scanner or a wired connection, so nobody's surprised. If you walk around to take payments rather than stand at a counter, look at Handheld or a reader instead. And if you're still choosing a system, my Square vs Clover comparison sets the two side by side.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Square Terminal cost?
Square lists Square Terminal at $299 before taxes and fees, or $27 a month for 12 months through a Block, Inc. credit sale plan with an APR of 15%, as of October 2026. The optional Hub is $39.
Does Square Terminal need Wi-Fi?
It needs an internet connection, either Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Ethernet connects through the optional Hub for Square Terminal.
Does Square Terminal print receipts?
Yes. It has a built-in receipt printer, and you can add extra printers through the Hub.
What's the difference between Square Terminal and Square Handheld?
Terminal is a countertop POS with a built-in receipt printer that takes tap, dip and swipe. Handheld is a slim portable device with a built-in camera and barcode scanner that takes tap and dip.
Can Square Terminal take payments offline?
Yes, for up to 24 hours. Offline payments are processed when you reconnect, are declined if you don't reconnect within 24 hours of the first one, and you're responsible for any that are declined or disputed.
What accessories work with Square Terminal?
Square lists a countertop mount and a belt clip, plus a barcode scanner, cash drawer or extra printers through the optional Hub for Square Terminal.
