Square today launched the Square Reader SDK, giving Android and iOS developers the ability to use Square hardware to accept in-person payments directly from within their own application, with no app-switch required. With only a few lines of code, developers can quickly add EMV- and PCI-compliant in-person payments to any Android or iOS app.
Reader SDK enables iOS and Android developers to easily build in-person payment solutions using Square’s platform and affordable, easy-to-get hardware. Developers can add the SDK to their project in the morning, purchase a Square reader after lunch, and take their first PCI- and EMV-compliant card payment in the afternoon.
At launch, Reader SDK is only available for accounts based in the United States.
Reader SDK supports in-person payments by embedding the Square checkout flow in mobile applications. Reader SDK works with the following key data structures:
- Mobile authorization code — requested from the Mobile Authorization API and used to authorize Reader SDK for payment processing.
- Checkout parameters — used to configure the tipping, signature, and receipt options shown in the checkout flow.
- Checkout result — provides transaction metadata for successful payments and troubleshooting metadata for failed payments.
- Reader settings — manages connection state and setting details for Square Readers.
Square helps independent traders take card payments and offers competitive and transparent rates, no monthly contracts or hidden fees, and next-day settlement on most transactions.
It takes minutes to get set up, and sellers can quickly and securely begin accepting payments from Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards. Square’s card reader pairs with the free Square Point of Sale software, which includes tools such as real-time sales data, invoicing and digital receipts, all in a single app.
Developers can learn more about Square’s developer tools here.
