Amazon Launches Mobile Card Reader for Retailers

Local Register is expected to compete with Square and PayPal.

August 14, 2014

SEATTLE – Amazon announced the introduction of Local Register, a card reader and mobile app that assists local businesses in accepting credit and debit cards from a smartphone or tablet. The new product is expected to compete with services such as Square and PayPal, offering retailers an introductory 1.75% card swipe rate on all credit and debit cards until Jan. 1, 2016.

"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," said Matt Swann, vice president of Amazon Local Commerce, in a press release. "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."

Retailers who sign up for Local Register must create an account on Amazon, download the free mobile app and purchase a $10 card reader from the website or any Staples location in the United States starting next week. The app will also provide business reporting on peak sales and overall performance.

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