Simulate a Reader
Test your full payment flow before buying physical hardware.
Don’t have a card reader handy? You can Simulate a Reader (in Test Mode) to test the entire checkout experience right on your device.
Test Card Notes
• No Test Card is required when simulating a reader.
• When connected to a real, physical reader in Test Mode, you will want to use a Test Card.
What is a Simulated Reader?
A Simulated Reader behaves exactly like a physical Stripe Terminal reader but runs entirely in software. It allows you to:
- Test connectivity and device discovery
- Simulate card dips, swipes, and taps
- Verify payment flows including tipping and receipts
- Train staff on the checkout process without needing hardware
How to Use
- Ensure you are in Test Mode (Settings > Test Mode).
- Go to the Card Readers screen.
- Tap “Simulate a Reader”.
- Proceed with a charge as usual. When prompted to present a card, the simulator will appear, allowing you to choose a test card outcome (Attributes, Decline, etc.).
Always 100% Free
All Test Mode transactions are completely free to use. Simulating a reader is the simplest, most cost-effective way to ensure your Collect for Stripe integration is working perfectly before investing in hardware.
Start using Simulate a Reader today.
Explore More Features
Subscriptions
Recurring billing made simple.
Tap to Pay on iPhone
Use your iPhone as a card reader.
Tap to Pay on Android
Use your Android phone as a card reader.
Contactless Payments
Tap, dip, or swipe with supported Stripe readers.
Account Users
Secure access to Collect without sharing your Stripe login.
Multiple Stripe Accounts
Link unlimited Stripe accounts.
Test Mode
Practice without charging real money.
Dip, Swipe, Tap
Compatible with Stripe Terminal readers.