Accept Credit Cards on Your iPads, iPhones and Androids

Square is Foursquare with the ability to accept credit cards. The new app from the founder of Twitter lets you accept credit cards on your Android, iPhone or iPad. You can download the free app from the Android Market or iTunes App Store. Square currently accepts US issued Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards. Square does not yet accept HSA or flex spending accounts. It is only available in the 50 US states, including DC. It is not available outside the US or in territories, such as Puerto Rico or the Virgin islands. It is not available in Canada either.

The app comes with a free credit card reader for your phone or iPad. They charge 2.75% if you use the reader and 3.5% + 15¢ if you type in the card information manually.

In addition to being able to accept credit cards, Square can be used to track all your cash payments when your buyer pays with paper instead of plastic. There are no fees associated with a cash payment, as it simply exists to keep all your records in the same place to make bookkeeping easier.

To issue a receipt for the payment you input the buyer’s phone number or email address to deliver an electronic receipt.

You can Sign up for the service on their website.When you go to squareup.com you will be asked to enter in your information and set a password. From there, you’ll have the option for signing up as an individual or a business. Choose the relevant option and move on to the rest of the form.

Click “Continue” and you’ll be presented with a series of 3 questions to help them verify your identity. Answer all of them correctly and click “Continue.” You’re finished! After downloading the app, you can start accepting payments immediately via manual entry and your reader will be shipped in a few days. You can also sign up via the Square app.

To sign up you need a social security number, even if you live in the US and have a bank account here.

When you sign up you’ll need to create a unique 4 digit pin code that you’ll be asked to enter when you make large purchases. You’ll also need to upload a photo of yourself. This image will show up on the seller’s screen during checkout.

Square is supported on most of the popular Apple iOS devices running 4.0 and up and Google Android devices running 2.1 and up.

Card Case is a feature within Square’s app that allows customers to buy items from their favorite merchants without having to swipe their credit card. They simply open a tab through their mobile device, say their name during checkout, and they’re automatically sent a text message receipt.

As a customer when you visit a merchant for the first time and swipe your card you’ll then get a text message receipt asking if you’re interested in signing up for Card Case. Follow the link, and you’ll be able to create an account!

Card Case is supported on any iPhone (3G or later) or any iPod Touch (2nd Generation or later). Card Case is not currently available online and can only be activated by heading to a participating Square seller.

For businesses Card Case is only available to a select group of sellers. You can express your interest by signing in to your Square account (or signing up for one), however, and they will reach back out to you as they begin to expand.

The Card Case has a Directory, which is a a dynamic list of local sellers where buyers can purchase items using Card Case.

The Card Case has is location based and identifies sellers around your present location. Merchants can promote their business by listing daily specials. Simply tap on “Explore Places” to see which sellers nearby you accept Card Case. You can also view their menu and get directions.