You do NOT need a Square account to accept credit cards with the Trail's End App. The TE app was built with Square technology, so all you need is the TE app, a TE account, and a reader (optional) to get started. Credit transactions must be run through the TE app in order to receive free credit card processing. A card reader is not required to process transactions. You have the option of entering the card manually, and the processing fees are still covered!