Using Stripe Terminals gives you the power to handle in‑person payments directly through Launchpad by Swapcard — useful for on‑site registration fees, merchandise sales, or upgrade payments. Instead of redirecting users to external payment links, you can use a hardware card reader to collect payments instantly and securely. This integrates seamlessly with your Stripe account and keeps records consolidated.
What is Stripe Terminal & which readers are supported
Stripe Reader S700 is a modern, Android‑based smart reader for both countertop and handheld use. It supports EMV chip cards, contactless (NFC) and magstripe payments, and connects via Wi‑Fi or Ethernet. (Stripe)
Another compatible device is BBPOS WisePOS E, a countertop/handheld card reader supported by Stripe Terminal. (Stripe)
Stripe Terminal supports a variety of readers and connection types — countertop, mobile, self‑service devices, and more. (Stripe Docs)
These readers integrate with Stripe’s payment infrastructure, ensuring end‑to‑end encryption and compliance with security standards. (Stripe Docs)
Requirements before you add a reader
Before adding a reader in Launchpad, make sure:
Your Stripe account has at least one Location configured. Stripe devices must be assigned to a Location. If your account doesn’t have a Location yet, one must be created first.
You have correct permissions within Launchpad to access On-Site / Terminal Readers setup.
If no location exists, the setup flow will allow you to create one while adding your first terminal.
How to add and manage terminal readers from Launchpad
There are two main ways to manage terminal readers:
Method 1: Via Stripe Dashboard
You can add readers directly in your Stripe Dashboard — this registers the hardware to your account. Later, you just need to assign the reader to a device (computer/phone) via Launchpad.
Method 2: Via Launchpad Admin (recommended for integration)
Go to Setup → Registration → On‑site → Terminal Readers in Launchpad.
You’ll see a list of current readers pulled via the Stripe API, showing: label, location, status (online/offline), model (e.g. S700), and mode (Test or Live).
To add a new reader, click Add Reader.
If there are multiple locations, select which Location the reader belongs to.
If no location exists, you’ll be prompted to add one.
Enter the Registration Code shown on the reader’s screen, and provide an internal Device Label for easier identification.
Once added, the reader becomes available to be assigned to physical devices (laptops, tablets, etc.) you’ll use at check‑in/payment points.
Assigning a reader to a device
To use a reader with a specific computer or phone:
Navigate to Setup → Registration → On‑Site → Devices
Select “Setup this device” from the Actions menu, or use the device shortcut in the header (if enabled).
Choose the reader you wish to associate with that device.
This ensures payments initiated from that device are routed to the correct reader.
Processing payments using a terminal reader
Once a device is associated with a reader, admins can take payments directly through Launchpad:
Enter the payment amount in the admin portal and click Take Payment.
The payment request is sent to the assigned terminal reader. A loading screen appears, prompting the staff to ask the cardholder to tap/insert their card.
After a successful transaction, the admin portal shows confirmation, and payment is recorded in the system.
If payment must be cancelled (e.g. cardholder changes their mind), there is a Cancel Payment option — which sends a cancellation request to the reader.
Be sure that the reader and the device are on the same local network for communication to work properly.
Important technical considerations
The S700 requires Wi‑Fi (or optional Ethernet via a hub) to connect to Stripe servers and receive payment instructions. (Stripe Docs)
The reader must be registered to a single location at a time; if you need to move it to another location, you must de-register and re-register.
Readers set to Test mode cannot process live payments — to go live, you must remove the reader and re-add it in Live mode.
The reader’s hardware must be compliant with the country’s regulations — payment currency and card acceptance depend on the location and account setup.
Integrating Stripe Terminals with Launchpad by Swapcard gives event managers a powerful, unified way to handle both online and on‑site payments. By supporting devices such as Stripe Reader S700 or BBPOS WisePOS E, you enable seamless card payments directly through the admin interface. With proper setup your team can process payments securely, keep accurate transaction records, and provide a smoother experience for attendees.