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What credit card readers will work with ThunderTix? - Mon - Mar 28, 2011 - 12:22pm

  • We have several options for hardware that integrate with ThunderTix. The hardware you choose is wholly dependent on which payment gateway you use. Please see the list of readers by gateway below:

    Stripe Terminal


    If your business is based in the United States or Canada and you use Stripe as your payment gateway, you are eligible for the Stripe Terminal. The Stripe Terminal is a device sold by Stripe that allows patrons to insert their credit card into the Chip (EMV) reader rather than swiping. In addition, the Stripe Terminal allows for payments via "tapping" the card on the device. Stripe offers EMV Level 1, 2, 3 pre-certified Stripe card readers providing end-to-end encryption. These readers offer support for chip cards and contactless payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, and help protect you against liability for counterfeit fraud.

    When using the Stripe Terminal for in-person transactions, the rate will be decreased from 2.9% to 2.7% per transaction and from $0.30 to $0.05 per transaction. The Terminal (previously Verifone® P400, now BBPOS WisePOS E) can be purchased for $249-299 directly from Stripe (depending on your location).

    Connecting the Stripe Terminal
     

    Square Terminal


    If your business is in the United States or Canada and you use Square as your payment gateway, you may be eligible to use a Square Terminal. The Square Terminal is a device sold by Square and is a standalone device that accepts chip (EMV), tap (contactless), and swipe payments, helping streamline in-person sales.  These readers offer support for chip cards and contactless payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, and help protect you against liability for counterfeit fraud.

    Key Benefits & Rates (U.S.)

    • When using the Square Terminal (or other card-present hardware via Square), the processing rate starts at 2.6% + 15¢ for in-person transactions but can be as low as 2.4% + $0.15 depending on the monthly  Square plan
    • Square hardware like the Terminal usually retails for $299–$399, depending on your region and package.
    • To use it in ThunderTix: once your Terminal arrives, during checkout choose the “Terminal” tab. Register and connect the Terminal with your ThunderTix account to begin in-person processing.
    When using the Square Terminal for in-person transactions, the rate will be decreased from 2.9% to 2.6% per transaction and from $0.30 to $0.10 per transaction. The Terminal can be purchased for $299-399 (depending on your location) directly from Square.

    Notes & Considerations

    • These rates apply only to U.S. merchants using Square’s card-present infrastructure.
    • If you’re using Square plans (Free, Plus, Premium), those hardware rates remain consistent with their card-present rate structure.
    • Always confirm local hardware pricing and rate updates from Square — they sometimes adjust based on promotions or plan eligibility.
    Once the equipment is received, start the process of a new order. When you get to the final checkout page, choose the "Terminal" tab to connect and register your Terminal with your ThunderTix account.

    How do I integrate the Square payment gateway with ThunderTix?

    Bluetooth Readers for the ThunderTix iOS & Android Apps


    ThunderTix supports Bluetooth, card-present readers from both Stripe and Square for taking in-person payments through the mobile apps. These readers accept EMV chip and contactless (tap) payments (e.g., Apple Pay / Google Pay). Magstripe may be available as a fallback depending on the device and your region.

    Supported Gateways & Readers

    Stripe (for Stripe gateway users)

    • Stripe Reader M2 (Bluetooth) — current model

    • BBPOS Chipper 2X BT — legacy model still supported
    Where to buy: Purchase Stripe readers directly from your Stripe Dashboard / Stripe Shop.
    Notes: Works with ThunderTix iOS and Android apps. Use the latest ThunderTix app version and keep your reader firmware up to date via the app prompts.

    Square (for Square gateway users)

    • Square Reader for contactless and chip (Bluetooth) — mobile reader used with your phone/tablet

    • Square Terminal (Wi-Fi/Ethernet) — countertop device; pairs to ThunderTix at checkout via the Terminal option

    Where to buy: Purchase Square hardware directly from Square.
    Notes: Use the latest ThunderTix app version. Square Terminal connects from the ThunderTix checkout screen (choose the Terminal tab); the Bluetooth Square Reader pairs to your device and is discovered from within the app.

    Device & OS Compatibility

    • ThunderTix supports current iOS and Android versions.

    • Specific compatibility can vary by phone/tablet model and reader firmware. For the best results, keep your mobile OS, the ThunderTix app, and the reader firmware up to date.

    • If you’re evaluating a new device, check Stripe/Square’s published device compatibility pages for the most current lists.

    USB-enabled Credit Card readers


    We do not support USB credit card readers due to the lack of security features.