Last week when I hung out with my friend Tristan he gave me a couple of Squares. They’re these little white plastic doohickeys (see picture above) that allow you to take credit card payments. You just plug it into your smartphone and then swipe away.

Transaction fees do apply, but really… think of it. You’re at brunch with your friends. There’s always the one friend who doesn’t have cash, but will “get you back next time.” Wouldn’t it be so great to say “Oh no problem, I take cards!” Totally worth the 35 cents or what have you.

As you can see above, I have been putting my new Square reader to good use! I was able to pay Ryan back for groceries pretty much instantly (after he created an account of course).