Square Magstripe Reader - Plastic Card Swiper for iPhone/Android (3.5mm Jack)
Square Reader for Magstripe: The Complete Review for Small Businesses
Product Highlights
- Compatibility: Works with Apple and Android devices with 3.5mm headphone jack
- Cards Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express
- No Charging Needed: Powered through headphone jack
- Compact Design: Fits in your pocket (4.5 x 0.62 x 4.5 inches)
- Security: Encrypted transactions with live risk monitoring
- Transparent Pricing: One low rate per swipe with no monthly fees
- Offline Mode: Accept payments without internet connection
- Free POS App: Includes Square Point of Sale with sales tracking
Why Square Reader for Magstripe Stands Out
In today's mobile-first business environment, the Square Reader for magstripe (model A-SKU-0047) offers an affordable, reliable solution for small businesses and mobile vendors. This white, compact device weighs just 1.6 ounces but delivers serious payment processing power through your smartphone's headphone jack.
Advantages
- Simple plug-and-play setup with no contracts
- Competitive processing fees with transparent pricing
- Works reliably with most smartphones and tablets
- Includes free POS software with inventory management
- Made in USA with durable construction
Limitations
- Only reads magnetic stripes (not chip or contactless)
- Requires 3.5mm headphone jack (not compatible with newer phones without adapter)
- Some users report needing multiple swipes occasionally
Real Customer Experiences
"Works so well I love it!" - Chey Marie
"I had the one with the lightning connector, I finally upgraded and it works seamlessly! No issues with it at all. Plus if you didn't know, inside the manual is a promo code to get your $10 back."
"Perfect for iPhone 16e!" - KMAC
"Works perfectly with my new iPhone 16e. Great price! Fast shipping easy to use with squareup app."
"High fees but works well." - Logan
"Works well. Occasionally need to swipe card twice and the fees are kind of high - around 18%. But overall it's pretty decent for the price."
Who Should Buy the Square Magstripe Reader?
This reader is ideal for:
- Craft fair vendors and farmers market sellers
- Mobile service providers (tutors, cleaners, repair technicians)
- Small retail businesses needing an affordable backup system
- Startups testing card payments without large upfront investment
- Nonprofit organizations accepting donations
Final Verdict
The Square Reader for magstripe remains one of the most cost-effective ways for small businesses to accept credit card payments. While it lacks support for newer payment technologies like chip cards and contactless payments (which require Square's additional readers), its simplicity, reliability, and integration with Square's powerful POS system make it an excellent choice for businesses that primarily process magstripe cards.
With its compact size, no-charge operation, and transparent pricing structure, this reader continues to be a favorite among mobile businesses seven years after its initial release in 2013.
