Compare / Square alternatives
Square alternativesOutgrowing Square's flat rate?
Square is easy to start with, and for a lot of small businesses it's a fine choice. As your sales grow, a flat rate on every card can cost more than a pricing setup built for your volume. Here's how to tell.
What to know first
Square is simple
One flat rate per transaction type, no monthly fee on the free plan, and you can start the same day.
Flat isn't always cheap
You pay the same percentage on a debit card as on a premium rewards card, even though debit usually costs the processor much less.
Volume changes the math
Square itself offers custom pricing to larger businesses. That's a sign the flat rate isn't built for higher volume.
| Square flat rate | Merchant account | |
|---|---|---|
| How the rate is set | One rate per payment type, set by Square | What the card networks charge for each card, plus a set markup |
| Debit vs rewards cards | Same rate on both | Debit usually costs less than rewards cards |
| Keyed-in and online payments | Higher rate than tapped cards | Priced by card type and how it's taken |
| Best for | New or low-volume businesses | Steady or growing card sales |
Square publishes its current fees on its own fees page. Pricing changes, so we confirm current details during your review.
How to see what you really pay
Pull up last month's statement or sales report. Add up every fee you paid, including processing, software and any monthly charges.
Divide that total by your card sales for the month. That's your effective rate: what each dollar of card sales really costs you.
Whether another setup beats it depends on your card mix, ticket size and how you take payments. That's exactly what a rate review answers, using your own numbers.
When staying put makes sense
- You're just starting out or your card sales are small
- Your sales swing a lot month to month and you want no monthly fees
- You rely on Square's apps for appointments, online store or payroll and they fit well
When it's worth comparing
- Your card sales are steady and growing, especially above a few thousand dollars a month
- You take a lot of debit cards, where flat pricing tends to cost the most compared with the real cost
- You key in a lot of cards or take phone orders, which Square charges at a higher rate
- You want features built for your industry, like pay at the table for restaurants
What to compare
Clover
Counter service, retail and appointment businesses that want an all-in-one system with an app market.
Learn moreSkyTab
Restaurants and bars that want pay at the table, kitchen displays and online ordering on one system.
Learn moreDejavoo terminals
Businesses that just need a reliable card terminal, not a full POS.
Learn moreKeep Square, compare first
If Square is still the best fit, we can help with hardware and setup, and show you the numbers side by side.
Learn moreCommon questions
Is Square a bad choice?
Can I negotiate Square's rates?
What does a merchant account change?
Will I lose my item list and customer data?
What do I need for a comparison?
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