Stripe Reader M2 review
Stripe Reader M2 is the smaller mobile reader in Stripe's in-person line-up, companion to the larger S700. Pairs with a phone, tablet or POS via Bluetooth and runs through the Stripe Terminal SDK. Stripe lists the Reader M2 as available in the US only; in the UK, Stripe's equivalent Bluetooth mobile reader is the BBPOS WisePad 3 at £49 excl. VAT.
At a glance
- Manufacturer
- Stripe (BBPOS hardware)
- Acquirer
- Stripe
- Form factor
- Compact Bluetooth-paired card reader (companion to Stripe Reader S700)
- Contract
- Stripe terms
How Stripe Reader M2 works
Stripe Reader M2 is a card terminal supplied through Stripe. Form factor: Compact Bluetooth-paired card reader (companion to Stripe Reader S700). Connectivity: Bluetooth (paired with phone, tablet or POS), USB charging.
Cards are read at the device, the transaction is authorised through Stripe, and funds settle to your nominated UK bank account on that provider's schedule. The pricing table below shows the rate and contract.
Stripe processes the card payments, but you are still the merchant. The contract sets your PCI DSS obligations and your liability for chargebacks, so read those terms before you sign. For the FCA chain, Companies House identifier and contract terms behind this acquirer, see the Stripe processor profile.
Pricing breakdown
| Cost component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Setup / hardware cost | Not on Stripe UK pricing (Stripe lists the Reader M2 as US only) |
| Transaction rate | Custom (Stripe pricing) |
| Monthly fee | Set by the acquirer; confirm in writing |
| Contract length | Stripe terms |
| Exit fee | Early-termination fee may apply; confirm in writing |
Verify pricing directly with Stripe before signing. UK card-acceptance pricing varies by sector, ticket size and processing volume. Source: Stripe Terminal reader availability, checked 2026-09-25. Full published price table: Stripe fees.
Hardware and software
- Form factor: Compact Bluetooth-paired card reader (companion to Stripe Reader S700).
- Connectivity: Bluetooth (paired with phone, tablet or POS), USB charging.
- Card schemes accepted depend on your acquirer.
- Contactless: cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay, up to the contactless limit.
- Receipts: digital receipts by SMS or email, with no built-in printer.
- POS integrations: ask the acquirer for its current list.
Contactless payments
Status: Accepts contactless cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay
This terminal has its own contactless reader. That is different from Tap to Pay on iPhone, which turns a phone into the reader: see our Tap to Pay on iPhone review for that product. Read the Tap to Pay on iPhone review
Settlement and funds
Settlement is set by the acquirer. Ask for the settlement time, and any same-day option, in writing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- + Pocket-sized Bluetooth reader that pairs with a phone, tablet or POS.
- + Tight Stripe online + in-person integration on one stack.
- + Stripe Terminal SDK supports custom checkout flows.
- + Same Stripe pricing across online and in-person.
Cons
- − Not standalone; needs a paired device running a Stripe Terminal app.
- − No receipt printer.
- − Stripe pricing not transparent for new merchants without negotiation.
- − Software customisation needs developer time.
- − Not sold by Stripe in the UK (US only); UK Stripe merchants use the BBPOS WisePad 3 instead.
Best for and avoid if
Best for
- · Existing Stripe online merchants
- · Tech-led businesses with developer resource
- · Hybrid online + in-person SMBs
Avoid if
- · Plug-and-play SMB without developer time
- · Standalone use
- · Merchants needing a built-in printer or screen
FAQs
Does Stripe Reader M2 require a contract?
It depends on the acquirer or provider you sign with, and there is no single published term. Confirm the contract length, exit fees, auto-renewal and minimum monthly fees in writing before signing.
What does Stripe Reader M2 cost in year 1?
Upfront hardware: Not on Stripe UK pricing (Stripe lists the Reader M2 as US only). Transaction rate: Custom (Stripe pricing). Contract: Stripe terms. First-year cost depends on your card volume; MerchantHQ's quote tool will model the effective cost against alternatives.
Can I integrate Stripe Reader M2 with my till or POS software?
Integration depends on the acquirer and the till software. Ask Stripe for its current list of supported integrations, and confirm your till software is on it before you buy hardware.
How fast does Stripe Reader M2 settle funds?
Settlement is set by the acquirer.
Can I cancel Stripe Reader M2 early?
Early termination is governed by the contract. Check it for an early-termination fee or a remaining-monthly-fees clause, and get the cancellation terms in writing before you sign.
Compare Stripe Reader M2
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Official site: Stripe (BBPOS hardware)
MerchantHQ is owned and operated by Best Business Loans Ltd, directed by Oliver Mackman. Last updated:
Payments review: Derren Powell, payments and fintech specialist, formerly Vice President, Business Development (Merchants) at Mastercard. Independent reviewer; the MerchantHQ editorial team retains control of the final content.