What it is
Square provides card readers and point-of-sale software for in-person sales, plus online store, invoicing and payment links, with pay-as-you-go pricing and no monthly fee on the core plan.
Who it suits
Shops, cafes, services and market traders taking payments in person and online.
How it charges
A flat percentage plus a small fixed fee per in-person or online transaction, with no monthly fee on the free plan. Hardware is purchased outright; advanced POS features for restaurants or retail are subscriptions.
Getting started
Create an account, order a reader and download the POS app. Most businesses take a first payment the day the reader arrives; the online store and invoices are included.
At a glance
- Pricing
- Per transaction
- In-person
- Yes
- Subscriptions
- Yes
- Marketplace payouts
- No
- Headquarters
- San Francisco
- Founded
- 2009
Strengths
- Simple flat pricing and free POS software
- Hardware for every counter size
- Fast setup
Watch for
- Flat rates cost more at high volume
- Account holds are a common complaint
Readers ask2 questions answered
Does Square charge a monthly fee?
The core plan has no monthly fee; you pay per transaction. Hardware is bought outright and some software add-ons are subscriptions.
Can I use Square online as well as in person?
Yes. Square includes an online store, invoices and payment links under the same account.
How it comparesIts standing in 1 comparison
Best for shops and in-person sales
- Pricing
- Per transaction 4 of them share this
- In-person
- Yes 3 of them share this
- Subscriptions
- Yes 4 of them share this
- Marketplace payouts
- No 3 of them share this
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