Connect your card reader

Overview

Optimize your payment experience! Follow the steps below to seamlessly set up your Card Reader to begin processing credit/debit transactions on Otter POS.

Connecting a Card Reader- Otter POS terminal

Stripe Setup Required
In order to connect a card reader to Otter POS to process transactions, the following must be completed, or else the card reader will not pair successfully:
• Stripe account connected in the Otter Dashboard: Otter POS: Guide to Connecting Stripe
• Card reader is fully charged before attempting to connect for the first time

Step	Process	Image
1	Plug in your card reader into the Otter POS terminal with the USB cable that came with the Stripe reader
2	Once the reader is plugged it, it will automatically start to connect NOTE: If this is the first time you're powering on the card reader, it will need to update (should only take a few minutes).
3	Reader connected Once a card reader is connected, the status icon will turn green!
4	For credit card payments, customers can tap, swipe, or scan the card reader as shown in the images.

Connecting a Card Reader- Otter Tablet

If you are using a tablet for your Otter POS hardware, follow the steps below to connect.

Step	Process	Image
1	Head to the profile icon on the top right corner of the screen and select [Settings] from the drop-down.
2	Select the [Hardware] tab on the left side of the screen, and then select [Add a card reader] to begin.
3	Similar to a printer, you can select to pair a card reader using Bluetooth Select [Set up with Bluetooth] to change your connection method. If you using a tablet, connect via Bluetooth. The default option is to set up with Bluetooth. Note: Otter terminals use a USB connection for pairing the card reader, while Otter Tablets use a bluetooth connection
4	Once you have chosen your connection method, your terminal will automatically begin scanning for a card reader. Make sure your card reader is turned on before connecting by tapping the button on the side and ensure it is on at least 75% charge (showing three green lights when the button is pressed).
5	For credit card payments, customers can tap, swipe, or scan the card reader as shown in the images.

Don’t see your Card Reader?

If you received the correct device but still don’t see a connection to your card reader, reference Otter POS: Card reader connection not working for troubleshooting steps.

Still need help? Reach out to our team: