Stripe Reader S700 review
Stripe Reader S700 is the strongest UK terminal for businesses already running on Stripe online. Tight integration with Stripe Connect, Billing and Tax. Hardware is solid; the case for it is the developer ecosystem rather than the rate.
At a glance
- Overall rating
- 4.0 / 5
- Manufacturer
- Stripe (BBPOS hardware)
- Acquirer
- Stripe
- Form factor
- Touchscreen handheld terminal with built-in receipt printer
- Contract
- Stripe terms
How Stripe Reader S700 works
Stripe Reader S700 is a touchscreen handheld terminal with built-in receipt printer acquired through Stripe. Connectivity covers WiFi, 4G, Bluetooth, 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 | £329 |
| 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: Touchscreen handheld terminal with built-in receipt printer.
- Connectivity: WiFi, 4G, Bluetooth.
- 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: built-in receipt 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 Stripe schedule: 7-day rolling for new accounts, then 2-day or daily once the account is established.
Pros and cons
Pros
- + Tight Stripe integration (online + in-person on one stack).
- + Touchscreen UI with custom apps via Stripe Terminal SDK.
- + Strong hardware build.
Cons
- − Higher upfront cost.
- − Stripe rate negotiations not transparent for new merchants.
- − 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
Avoid if
- · Plug-and-play SMB without developer time
- · Cost-sensitive small retail
FAQs
Does Stripe Reader S700 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 S700 cost in year 1?
Upfront hardware: £329. 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 S700 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 S700 settle funds?
Standard Stripe schedule: 7-day rolling for new accounts, then 2-day or daily once the account is established.
Can I cancel Stripe Reader S700 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: 2026-04-26.