Square launches Terminal API for contactless payments

By Pavithra R

Square, building simple tools to help people participate and thrive in the economy, at its fourth annual partner and developer conference, Square Unboxed, announced the launch and general availability of its newest developer tool: Terminal API.

Terminal API connects Square Terminal, an all-in-one credit card machine, to the point of sale systems (POS), ERP, or practice management system, regardless of the platform or operating systems (OS) they’re developed on. Irrespective of whether the developers are building on iOS, Android, web, or desktop, Terminal API helps them to build flexible business management software that adapts to new ways of running a business- whether that’s developing a custom-built kiosk for ordering and checkout, a socially distanced payments solution that accommodates the safety of sellers and buyers or a medical practice management system to synchronize patient data.

“Square’s continued investment in its developer platform and partner ecosystem have proven absolutely critical, especially as developers turn to Square to help sellers get their business to adapt in the wake of COVID-19,” said Pankaj Bengani, global head of partnerships at Square.

By developing an application or by using a platform that is integrated with Terminal API, sellers can use their Square Terminal hardware to accept payment quickly and securely, including contactless payments with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other NFC payment methods. Featuring a cordless design and Wi-Fi connectivity, Terminal devices can be placed away from the POS system to maintain a safe distance between employees and customers.

According to Mr Bengani, since 2018, the number of 90-day active developers building solutions for sellers on Square’s platform has grown nearly 80%. The firm has quadrupled its base of managed partners since 2018, more than doubled seller adoption of partner solutions, and is expected to reach 1 mn total partner-connected sellers in 2021. Terminal API is available today in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. 

Recently, Square invested $50 mn in Bitcoin as a step towards economic empowerment & inclusiveness.

Founded in 2009, San Francisco based Square builds tools to empower businesses and individuals to participate in the economy. The company has offices in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, Ireland, Spain, and the UK.