Compare / Clover vs Square
Clover vs SquareClover or Square: which fits you?
Both are popular, both work well, and we help businesses with both. The biggest difference isn't the hardware. It's how you're charged for processing.
What to know first
Square sets one price
Square publishes its own flat rates. Everyone on the same plan pays the same rate for the same kind of payment.
Clover pricing varies
Clover is sold directly and through banks and independent agents. Your processing rate depends on who you sign with.
Fit matters most
Pick the system that matches how you sell, then compare the total cost using your own sales.
| Square | Clover | |
|---|---|---|
| Processing pricing | Published flat rates set by Square | Set by the provider you sign with, often interchange-plus or tiered |
| Monthly software | Free plan available, paid plans add features | Software plans by business type |
| Strong fit | New businesses, low or uneven volume, services and simple retail | Steady volume, retail, counter service and appointment businesses |
| Hardware | Readers, terminals and registers from Square | Go, Flex, Mini and Station devices |
| Can you shop the processing? | No, payments run through Square | Yes, through different Clover providers |
Feature summary checked October 2026. Clover plans and rates vary by provider, so we go over yours in writing during your review.
How to compare them fairly
Start with how you sell: counter, table, on the go, online or by invoice. Each system handles some of these better than others.
Then compare total monthly cost, not just the headline rate: processing on your real card mix, software plans, hardware and any add-ons.
Use a real month of your own sales. We'll put both side by side in writing during a free rate review.
When Square makes sense
- Square fits if you're new, your volume is low or uneven, or you want no monthly fees
- Square fits if you already use and like its appointment, online store or payroll tools
When Clover makes sense
- Clover fits if your volume is steady and you want processing priced for it
- Clover fits if you want an app market and devices for counter, table and on-the-go
Common questions
Is Clover cheaper than Square?
Can I use Clover hardware with any processor?
Do you work with both?
What do I need to compare?
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$500 guarantee: Requires a recent processing statement from your current provider. See guarantee terms.