Amazon launches credit card reader
Amazon has launched a credit card reader that plugs into a smartphone or tablet to allow payments.
Aimed at small retailers, the Amazon Local Register device combines with a mobile app that also includes in-app tracking tools to enable businesses to check bottom line performance, sales trends, and peak sales times.
The service will compete with similar systems offered by the likes of PayPal and Square.
Customers who sign up before the end of October will receive a special promotional rate of 1.75% per card swipe. Once the promotional period ends, the rate will rise to 2.5%.
With the service currently only available to customers with a US billing address, the device will be sold on Amazon.com and in Staples stores across the US.
The $10 device is compatible with a range of smartphones and tablets, including Apple devices running iOS7, Kindle Fire tablets, and selected Android smartphones.
Matt Swann, vice president of Amazon Local Commerce, said: “From clothing stores to contractors, food trucks to accountants, businesses and organizations using Amazon Local Register will enjoy industry-leading low rates, trusted and secure payment processing, and access to award-winning customer support. We understand that every penny and every minute counts, so we want to make accepting payments so easy and inexpensive that it no longer gets in the way of a business owner doing what they love – serving their customers and growing their business.”
