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. Cheapest Stripe-branded hardware option for SMBs already on Stripe.
At a glance
- Overall rating
- 3.9 / 5
- 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 compact bluetooth-paired card reader (companion to stripe reader s700) acquired through Stripe. Connectivity covers Bluetooth (paired with phone, tablet or POS), USB charging, which determines whether the device runs standalone or pairs with a phone, tablet or POS till.
Cards are read at the device, the transaction is authorised through the acquirer's payment gateway, and funds settle to the merchant's nominated UK bank account on the acquirer's settlement schedule. Pricing is Custom (Stripe pricing), with a contract length of stripe terms.
The merchant of record is Stripe. That means card-scheme compliance, PCI handling, dispute and chargeback flows all sit with the acquirer rather than with the merchant. The hardware is the user-facing surface; the underlying processing relationship is with the acquirer.
Pricing breakdown
| Cost component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Setup / hardware cost | £49 (Stripe UK pricing) |
| Transaction rate | Custom (Stripe pricing) |
| Monthly fee | Bundled with contract; confirm with acquirer |
| 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.
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: Visa, Mastercard, American Express (acquirer-dependent), Maestro.
- Contactless: contactless cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay accepted up to UK contactless limits.
- Software: managed by Stripe; firmware and security updates are pushed by the acquirer.
- Receipt handling: digital receipts by SMS or email; no built-in printer.
- POS app integrations: see acquirer's published list (varies by acquirer and country).
Tap to Pay support
Status: Yes (contactless / NFC)
Hardware accepts contactless cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), Apple Pay and Google Pay up to UK contactless limits.
Settlement and funds
Standard UK acquirer settlement is next business day. Speak to the acquirer for same-day options.
Pros and cons
Pros
- + Cheapest Stripe-branded hardware (£49).
- + 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.
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?
Yes. Contract length is Stripe terms. Terms vary by acquirer; confirm exit fees, auto-renewal and minimum monthly fees in writing before signing.
What does Stripe Reader M2 cost in year 1?
Upfront hardware: £49 (Stripe UK pricing). Transaction rate: Custom (Stripe pricing). Contract: Stripe terms. First-year cost depends on your card volume; AcceptCard's quote tool will model the effective cost against alternatives.
Can I integrate Stripe Reader M2 with common UK POS systems?
Integration depends on the underlying acquirer and the POS. Stripe publishes a list of supported integrations. Common UK POS systems with public integrations include Lightspeed, Epos Now, Square POS (own ecosystem) and Goodtill. Confirm directly before purchasing hardware.
How fast does Stripe Reader M2 settle funds?
Standard UK acquirer settlement is next business day. Speak to the acquirer for same-day options.
Can I cancel Stripe Reader M2 early?
Early termination is governed by the contract. Most UK card-acceptance contracts include an early-termination fee or remaining-monthly-fees clause. Get the cancellation terms in writing before you sign.
Reviewed by Oliver Mackman, Director. Last reviewed: 2026-05-10.