Block Adds Bitcoin Payment Option to Square Register Terminals

Block, the payments company led by Jack Dorsey, has quietly expanded Bitcoin acceptance for merchants using its Square Register point-of-sale terminals. The company announced on X that customers can now select a Bitcoin payment button on the checkout screen, offering an alternative to paying in U.S. dollars. Merchants can enable the feature without additional training or hardware changes.

What the Bitcoin Payment Feature Means for Merchants

The new option appears directly on the Square Register interface, allowing customers to choose BTC as their payment method at the point of sale. For merchants, this eliminates the need for third-party crypto payment processors or separate hardware. Block confirmed that the feature is rolling out to eligible terminals and that activation requires no extra steps beyond a simple toggle in the merchant dashboard.

This move follows Block’s decision in March 2025 to automatically activate Bitcoin payments for small business owners using Square. The earlier update allowed merchants to receive Bitcoin payments without manually opting in. The latest announcement extends that capability to the physical point-of-sale environment, bridging the gap between online and in-store crypto transactions.

Why This Matters for Bitcoin Adoption

Integrating Bitcoin payments into widely used payment terminals is a significant step for cryptocurrency adoption. Square Register terminals are deployed in hundreds of thousands of small and medium-sized businesses across the United States and other markets. By adding a native Bitcoin option, Block reduces friction for both merchants and customers interested in using cryptocurrency for everyday purchases.

Industry observers note that the move could accelerate merchant interest in accepting Bitcoin, particularly among small business owners who already use Square for payment processing. The feature also positions Block to capture transaction volume from the growing number of consumers holding Bitcoin as a medium of exchange, not just as an investment asset.

Implications for Payment Infrastructure

Block’s approach differs from third-party crypto payment gateways, which often require merchants to integrate separate plugins or devices. By embedding Bitcoin acceptance directly into the Square Register operating system, Block reduces complexity and potential points of failure. This integration could serve as a model for other payment terminal manufacturers considering native cryptocurrency support.

However, Bitcoin’s price volatility remains a concern for merchants who may prefer to receive stable value. Block has not disclosed whether it will offer automatic conversion to fiat currency for Bitcoin transactions, a feature some competing payment processors provide. Merchants should evaluate their risk tolerance and consider whether they want to hold Bitcoin or convert it immediately to local currency.

Conclusion

Block’s addition of a Bitcoin payment button to Square Register terminals represents a practical step toward mainstream cryptocurrency use in retail. By lowering the technical barrier for merchants, the company is positioning itself at the intersection of traditional payment infrastructure and digital currency adoption. As more consumers and businesses explore Bitcoin for transactions, features like this could become standard across point-of-sale systems.

FAQs

Q1: How do merchants enable Bitcoin payments on Square Register?
Merchants can activate the Bitcoin payment option through their Square dashboard settings. No additional hardware or training is required. The feature appears as a toggle in the payment methods section.

Q2: Is Bitcoin payment available on all Square Register terminals?
Block is rolling out the feature gradually. Eligible terminals in supported regions will receive the update automatically. Merchants should check their Square dashboard for availability.

Q3: Do customers need a special wallet to pay with Bitcoin at Square Register?
Customers need a Bitcoin wallet that can generate a payment request or QR code. The Square Register terminal will display a QR code or payment address at checkout for the customer to scan and send Bitcoin from their wallet.