Designing an Integration Beta
Learn about Terminal integration options to choose an SDK and reader combination that works best for you.
Before you place orders or begin integrating, it’s important to understand the big picture. Stripe Terminal supports a wide range of use cases. You can mix and match Terminal readers with point of sale software and SDKs to build a totally customized solution, or simply extend Stripe payments to your existing point of sale.
This document breaks the decision process into three major steps:
- Choose the SDK that works best with your existing software and desired reader.
- Compare readers to pick one that works for your integration and desired user experience.
- Plan your deployment.
Use this document to plan the best integration for you, with choices that complement each other.
Choosing your SDK
The Stripe Terminal SDK is available for JavaScript, iOS, and Android. If you already have an app in one of these programming languages, use the corresponding SDK. For new apps, use a language you’re comfortable in.
Choosing your reader
Terminal is designed to support a number of user experiences. Currently, Stripe Terminal offers two kinds of readers, the BBPOS Chipper 2X BT and the Verifone P400:
BBPOS Chipper™ 2X BT
- Create a roaming cashier experience, where customers can pay anywhere
- Works with iOS and Android SDKs
- Uses Bluetooth, optimized for mobile checkout experiences
- Accepts tap, swipe, and dip payment methods
Verifone® P400
- Create a countertop checkout, with customizable customer-facing display
- Works with JavaScript SDKs
Coming soon: iOS, Android - Requires internet connection, best for stationary counter checkout
- Accepts tap, swipe, and dip payment methods
Planning your deployment
After you choose an SDK and a reader, understand what’s required for your Terminal integration. The architecture, features, and physical deployment differ slightly by reader choice.
BBPOS Chipper 2X BT
If you use a BBPOS Chipper 2X BT, the integrated SDK facilitates all communication between Terminal components. This integration relies on your app, running on a mobile device or tablet, to display a checkout UI for both the customer and the person operating the reader.
Verifone P400
If you use a Verifone P400, the reader screen provides the customer-facing checkout experience. It runs Stripe reader software to connect to your app and to Stripe over the internet. It communicates payment activity directly to Stripe, and receives and displays information from your app, such as updated cart details.
Your app provides the UI for the employee using the reader. The Verifone P400 is compatible with JavaScript, iOS, and Android SDKs. If you integrate your app with the JavaScript SDK, you can run it in the browser on a mobile device or tablet, as long as the device is connected to the same local network as the reader.
Next steps
Now that you know what type of integration you'd like to build, start integrating the Stripe Terminal SDK.
The BBPOS and Chipper™ name and logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of BBPOS Limited in the United States and/or other countries. The Verifone® name and logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Verifone in the United States and/or other countries. Use of the trademarks does not imply any endorsement by BBPOS or Verifone.