How To Enable Manual Credit Card Entry On Square?

If you’re a business owner who uses Square to process payments, you may have found yourself in a situation where you needed to manually enter a customer’s credit card information. Although Square is designed to read the magnetic stripe or chip on a card, there are times when a card might not be readable. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to enable manual credit card entry on Square, so you can process payments in any situation.

Enabling manual credit card entry on Square is a quick and easy process that can save the day when technology fails. Whether you’re at a busy event with spotty Wi-Fi or dealing with a card that won’t read, having the ability to enter credit card information manually can make all the difference. So, let’s get started and learn how to enable manual credit card entry on Square!

How to Enable Manual Credit Card Entry on Square?

Enabling manual credit card entry on Square allows you to process transactions without the need for a card reader. This can be especially useful in situations where the card reader is not functioning properly or when you need to process a transaction quickly. In this article, we will guide you through the process of enabling manual credit card entry on Square.

Step 1: Log in to Your Square Account

To enable manual credit card entry, you must first log in to your Square account. Once you are logged in, navigate to the “Settings” menu and select “Checkout.”

Step 1.1: Create a New Checkout Option

Under the “Checkout” tab, you will see a list of checkout options. To enable manual credit card entry, you must create a new checkout option. To do this, click the “Create New Checkout Option” button.

Step 1.2: Name Your Checkout Option

In the pop-up window, you will be prompted to name your new checkout option. We recommend naming it something like “Manual Credit Card Entry” to make it easy to identify.

Step 1.3: Enable Manual Entry

Once you have named your checkout option, you will be taken to the settings page for that option. Here, you can enable manual credit card entry by toggling the “Allow manual entry” switch to the “On” position.

Step 2: Process a Transaction with Manual Credit Card Entry

Now that you have enabled manual credit card entry, you can process a transaction using this option.

Step 2.1: Select the Manual Credit Card Entry Option

When you are ready to process a transaction, go to the Square app on your device and select the “Manual Credit Card Entry” option from the list of available checkout options.

Step 2.2: Enter the Customer’s Card Information

Next, you will be prompted to enter the customer’s card information manually. This includes the card number, expiration date, and security code.

Step 2.3: Complete the Transaction

Once you have entered the customer’s card information, you can complete the transaction as you would with any other checkout option.

Benefits of Enabling Manual Credit Card Entry on Square

Enabling manual credit card entry on Square offers several benefits, including:

• Increased flexibility when processing transactions, as you can use manual entry when your card reader is not working


• Improved customer service, as you can quickly process transactions without the need for the customer to wait for a card reader to be fixed


• Reduced risk of theft or fraud, as manual entry ensures that the card information is entered directly by the merchant and not stored on the card reader

Manual Credit Card Entry vs. Other Checkout Options

While manual credit card entry offers many benefits, it is important to consider the other checkout options available through Square.

Manual Credit Card Entry vs. Magstripe Reader

The magstripe reader is the most commonly used checkout option with Square. It allows you to process transactions by swiping the customer’s card through the reader. While this option is convenient and easy to use, it is not always reliable, as the reader can sometimes malfunction.

Manual credit card entry offers a reliable alternative to the magstripe reader, especially in situations where the reader is not working.

Manual Credit Card Entry vs. Chip Reader

The chip reader is a newer checkout option that is designed to be more secure than the magstripe reader. It requires the customer to insert their card into the reader, and the transaction cannot be completed until the card is removed.

While the chip reader is more secure, it can also be slower and more cumbersome to use than manual credit card entry. Additionally, some older cards may not have chips and cannot be processed using the chip reader.

Conclusion

Enabling manual credit card entry on Square is a simple process that can offer increased flexibility and improved customer service when processing transactions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily enable this option and start processing transactions manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about enabling manual credit card entry on Square:

What is manual credit card entry on Square?

Manual credit card entry, also known as keyed entry, is a feature on Square that allows merchants to manually enter a customer’s credit card information instead of using a card reader. This can be useful if the card reader is not functioning properly or if a customer does not have their physical card with them.

To enable manual credit card entry, you will need to make sure that you have the correct permissions in your Square account and that you have the necessary information from your customer, including their card number, expiration date, and CVV code.

How do I enable manual credit card entry on Square?

To enable manual credit card entry on Square, you will need to log in to your Square account and go to the “Settings” section. From there, you can select “Checkout” and then “Card Readers.” Scroll down to the “Manual Card Entry” section and toggle the switch to turn it on.

Once you have enabled manual credit card entry, you will be able to manually enter a customer’s credit card information by selecting “Enter Card Details” on your Square Point of Sale app or by selecting “Manual Entry” on your Square Dashboard.

What are the requirements for enabling manual credit card entry on Square?

To enable manual credit card entry on Square, you will need to have a Square account with the correct permissions. You will also need to have a device that is compatible with Square, such as a smartphone or tablet. Additionally, you will need to have the necessary information from your customer, including their card number, expiration date, and CVV code.

It is important to note that manual credit card entry may come with higher transaction fees or increased risk of fraud, so it is important to use this feature only when necessary.

Are there any fees associated with manual credit card entry on Square?

Yes, there may be higher transaction fees associated with manual credit card entry on Square. Typically, if you manually enter a customer’s credit card information instead of using a card reader, you may be charged a higher transaction fee to cover the increased risk of fraud.

It is important to check your Square account for information on transaction fees and to make sure that you understand the costs associated with manual credit card entry before enabling this feature.

What are the risks of using manual credit card entry on Square?

Manual credit card entry on Square can come with increased risk of fraud or chargebacks, which can be costly for merchants. Additionally, if you manually enter a customer’s credit card information, you may be charged a higher transaction fee to cover the increased risk of fraud.

To minimize the risks associated with manual credit card entry, it is important to use this feature only when necessary and to make sure that you have the necessary information from your customer, including their card number, expiration date, and CVV code. You should also take steps to protect your customers’ information by using secure networks and following best practices for data security.

Manual Card Entry

In conclusion, enabling manual credit card entry on Square is a simple process that can save you and your customers time and hassle. With just a few clicks, you can activate this feature and start accepting credit card payments without a physical card reader.

Not only does manual entry offer convenience, but it also allows you to expand your customer base and increase sales. Whether you’re a small business owner or a freelancer, Square’s manual entry feature is a valuable tool that can help streamline your payment process.

So why wait? Follow our step-by-step guide and start accepting credit card payments through manual entry today. Your customers will thank you for the added convenience, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of a more efficient payment system.