thread Re: Anyone had troubles in the request of the free card reader? in Payments Troubleshooting

Free reader isn't free at checkout

Funtsik — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 18:54:25 GMT

The title of this thread has been edited by a Square Moderator from the original: "Anyone had troubles in the request of the free card reader?"

Hello, I just register to have a square account and during the process of choosing the payment processor, I notice that there is a free card reader. This particular item could really help with the process of payment as my business is mobile and would be very accessible, but during the process of request it shows a $10 fee plus tax of course. Although I'm hesitant to purchase but do believe that square should not advertise something that may not be true or forget me if I may not be processing things right when requesting the reader. If someone can help, please do! All help is greatly appreciated

Re: Anyone had troubles in the request of the free card reader?

Twpchair — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 23:15:10 GMT

Was it one like this? The newer version or the old plugin to the bottom of your phone? I am not sure if they still do those or not? You can buy them for cheap just about anywhere. Amazon especially if you have Prime is usually the next day for a few bucks. A few years ago I needed an extra one in a pinch (outside event) and posted on Facebook and like 5 people said they had a draw full come grab a couple for free. I would do that first. The one I posted a good group of us got those over a year ago or so. Charge it blue tooth to your phone no need to connect they slide their card into the slot not touching or typing into your phone. Its awesome and holds an all-day charge. I'll ask and see if I can get a mod on here to help with one or both of these. Give me a couple of minutes.

Re: Anyone had troubles in the request of the free card reader?

RobynR — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 23:04:21 GMT

Hey @Funtsik, welcome to the Community!

Thank you for your suggestions @Twpchair! Yes, we still offer the Square magstripe reader for free in the US only.

@Funtsik, when you try to place an order for the free reader, are you logged into your Square account? Do you still see the $10 charge at the end of checkout?

Let me know so I can help troubleshoot further!

Re: Anyone had troubles in the request of the free card reader?

erod0521 — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 07:59:03 GMT

I am trying to get a free reader as well and when I get to check out it asks for my credit card info to pay the $10.83. Do I have to pay this fee or this no longer free? I am in the US

Re: Anyone had troubles in the request of the free card reader?

RebelStitches — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:03:06 GMT

Same here. Trying to order the free reader and asks for payment information for the $10.85 charge.

Re: Anyone had troubles in the request of the free card reader?

_Violet — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 21:27:33 GMT

Hi @Funtsik @erod0521 and @RebelStitches 👋 Happy to provide you with some more information on our free reader promotion.

If you are prompted to be charged $10.00 for your first reader, this can happen when someone has multiple Square accounts linked by the same SSN, which causes our system to not recognize you as a "new" Seller.

However, we can certainly help you with completing the order for your free Square Magstripe reader. Please send a DM to either myself or @RobynR and we'll assist you further from there 🙂 We'll just need to gather your info, so we can place the order for you.

I'll keep an eye out for your message.

Re: Free reader isn't free at checkout

Tylerm1993 — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:55:28 GMT

I’m also having trouble with getting a free reader so please get a hold of me please not helpful at all

Re: Free reader isn't free at checkout

2NestalLovebird — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 03:18:37 GMT

I have this same problem right now! But problem was not knowing which address the IRS had on file and needing to re-attempt about 4 times. It is NOT having an existing Square account already linked to my SSN. I have NEVER created a Square account before! Nonetheless, now that verification finally worked, the first one is $10 and is NOT FREE. Disappointed!

Re: Anyone had troubles in the request of the free card reader?

2NestalLovebird — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 03:19:14 GMT

Could you help me? I have this same problem right now! But problem was not knowing which address the IRS had on file and needing to re-attempt about 4 times. It is NOT having an existing Square account already linked to my SSN. I have NEVER created a Square account before! Nonetheless, now that verification finally worked, the first one is $10 and is NOT FREE. Disappointed!

Re: Free reader isn't free at checkout

RebelStitches — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 19:22:41 GMT

@2NestalLovebird

@Tylerm1993

Private message @_Violet and she will get you the help you need. She was amazing and I just received my free reader yesterday.

*Not associated with Square support*