Design an integration
M2 reader features
- Miniature reader
- Optional dock for countertop or mount for mobile roaming
- Contactless, chip, and swipe payments
Not a coder? Find a Stripe partner who supports Terminal.
Architecture
Write your application using the Terminal SDK. The application uses the SDK to communicate with the reader, your back end, and the Stripe API.
The structure of the integration looks like this:
You can build a working example of an integration like this using the Terminal Quickstart.
Organize readers and locations
Before you connect a reader to a Terminal integration, you must create one or more Locations, either in the Dashboard or using the API. Then, when you connect to your reader, specify one of those locations.
Locations represent physical places where your readers operate. Stripe needs location information to process payments correctly and keep your reader up to date. If your business requires you to move your readers frequently, your locations may use addresses that represent a primary place of business.
Prototyping
When you first begin writing your application, you can test it with a simulated reader and simulated cards. The Terminal Quickstart demonstrates an app at this stage of development.
When you’re ready to work with actual hardware, follow these steps:
- Order an M2 reader and physical test cards.
- Connect to the reader using Bluetooth or USB.
- Test your logic with physical test cards.
Next steps
- Set up your integration to start writing code.
- See Terminal Quickstart for a full code example.
- Order readers, accessories, and test cards when you’re ready to work with physical hardware.