Set up your reader
Stripe Terminal works only with our pre-certified card readers. This ensures secure transactions by our end-to-end encryption, by default, and up-to-date readers through our remote management tools.
Select your reader to learn how to set it up:
If you don’t have a reader, you can order readers from the Dashboard and have them shipped to a location of your choice. As a Connect platform, you can enable your connected accounts to receive readers and accessories at their business location.
Not sure which reader is right for you? Design your integration and choose a reader that works with your application and physical sales environment.
If you don’t have a physical reader, you can use the simulated reader to build and test your Terminal integration. The simulated reader doesn’t require any setup and you can start by setting up your integration.
Connection to Stripe
Before processing payments, you must connect a Terminal reader to your point of sale application using the Terminal SDK. Each reader can only connect to one instance of the SDK at a time. For example, if you want four mobile readers in your store and your app runs on iOS, you also need four iOS devices. Note that only one reader connects to the SDK at a time.
Pre-certification
In-person payments must follow strict rules to meet PCI compliance, PCI certifications, and EMV certifications.
Terminal offers pre-certified readers that accept payment details (EMV, contactless, and swiped), encrypt sensitive card information, and return a token to your application through the Stripe Terminal SDK so you can confirm payment.
Reader software updates
Stripe and our hardware partners periodically release reader software updates, which can include improvements and required security updates. Your application must include support for automatic updates. Failing to install a required update can prevent a reader from accepting payments. Smart readers update themselves automatically when powered on, sufficiently charged, and not in use. Bluetooth readers update themselves automatically upon connection to your point of sale.