thread Can we only display the checkout screen with a predetermined amount on Square Terminal? in Hardware Setup & Troubleshooting

Can we only display the checkout screen with a predetermined amount on Square Terminal?

Mikael_Mtl — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 12:00:32 GMT

We are launching new buses routes which are not equipped with validators and I would like to know if there is a way to configure the Square Terminals in a way that riders can tap themselves as they board (always the same amount – e.g. $5) without the need for the driver to manipulate the terminal. I would like to lock the screen on the checkout page so that one rider can tap after the other for quick validation and boarding. The terminal would be fixed on a mounting bracket close to the bus driver. The driver would monitor the process and make sure every rider tap their card.

I’ve tried a couple of configurations, but I haven’t been able to successfully configure it that way. Although, I’m certain I’ve seen the Square Terminal configured that way a few weeks ago: a musician was playing outside and asking for donations – the Square Terminal was set to $4 and every donator could tap after the other.

Please let me know if you know how to do this. Thanks!

Re: Can we only display the checkout screen with a predetermined amount on Square Terminal?

RobynR — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 14:38:33 GMT

Hey @Mikael_Mtl,

Thanks for joining us in the Community!

To clarify, are you looking to turn your Square Terminal into a self-serve kiosk?

When you mentioned seeing a musician doing something similar, were they accepting donations on the Square terminal or processing payments?

Re: Can we only display the checkout screen with a predetermined amount on Square Terminal?

Mikael_Mtl — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 21:45:15 GMT

Hi Robynr,

yes, we would like to turn our Square Terminal into a self-serve kiosk, but attended by the bus driver from a short distance to monitor the process and support clients if needed.

The musician I witnessed had his Square Terminal positioned on a camera tripod, a few feet away from him, and it was displaying the blue screen "Tap, insert or swipe card". After I tapped my card, it confirmed the payment (beep sound + green checkmark) and then went back to the blue screen again, ready for the next person to tap. A printed sign aside the terminal was displaying "Tap here to donate $4".