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Square

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Payment processing and POS systems

Payment ProcessingE-commerceFinance
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Reviews onCapterra
3010 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free plan available, paid tiers above

Biggest pro

Easy payment processing

Biggest con

Account holds possible

TL;DR - Square

  • Square is a payments and commerce platform for businesses
  • It provides payment processing, POS, and business management tools
  • 2.6% + 10¢ per tap, dip, or swipe transaction
Pricing: Free plan available
Best for: Growing teams
4.6/5 across review platforms

What is Square?

Editorial review
Square processes payments for businesses. The payment solution that started with a card reader-payments that work everywhere. The simplicity defined the category. The features have grown. The ecosystem is complete. Businesses accepting payments often consider Square for complete commerce solution.

Available on: Web, iOS, Android

how we evaluateSourcesquareup.com ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Easy payment processing
  • POS hardware
  • Good for small business
  • Fair pricing
  • Many features

Cons

  • Account holds possible
  • Not for high-risk
  • International limited
  • Support varies
  • Fees add up

Ratings Across the Web

4.6(3,010 reviews)
Capterra3,010 reviews
4.6/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

Payment processingPoint of saleOnline paymentsInvoicingBanking servicesInventory management

Pricing Plans

30-day Free Trial

Pricing checked Jul 10, 2026

Free

Free

  • 2.6% + 10¢ in-person
  • 2.9% + 30¢ online
  • Unlimited devices
  • Basic inventory
  • Free web store

Plus

$49/month

  • 2.5% + 15¢ in-person
  • Advanced POS features
  • Loyalty programs
  • Staff management

Premium

$149/month

  • 2.4% + 15¢ in-person
  • All software features
  • 24/7 phone support
  • Advanced reporting
Calculate your costView full pricing

Reviews

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4.6/5

Across 3,010 verified user reviews on Capterra

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Best Square Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

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ShopifyPaid

Launch and grow your online store with ease

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StripePaid

Payment infrastructure for the internet

4.5
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LightspeedPaid

Manage and operate every part of your business from one highly configurable system.

4.4
Clover logo
CloverFreemium

Organize your notes, tasks, and knowledge in one connected workspace.

4.0
Paddle logo
PaddlePaid

Payments infrastructure for SaaS

4.5
Gumroad logo
GumroadPaid

Sell digital products directly to fans, no upfront costs

4.2
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Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

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Square FAQ

How does Square facilitate payment processing for businesses?

Square processes payments for businesses, offering a solution that began with a card reader to enable transactions in various settings. It provides a complete commerce ecosystem for businesses accepting payments.

Which teams or businesses benefit most from using Square?

Square is particularly well-suited for small businesses seeking easy payment processing and POS hardware. Its comprehensive features and fair pricing model make it a strong option for these users.

How is Square's pricing structured for its services?

Square is available on a free tier, allowing businesses to start without upfront costs. Paid plans are also offered, which provide access to more extensive usage and additional features as a business grows.

Can Square be used for international transactions?

Square's international capabilities are limited, which means businesses operating globally or expecting a high volume of international transactions might face constraints. This is a key trade-off to consider.

How does Square compare to a competitor like Stripe for payment processing?

Square offers a complete commerce solution with an emphasis on easy payment processing and POS hardware, making it a strong choice for small businesses. Stripe also provides payment processing, but Square's integrated hardware and ecosystem are a distinct offering.

What kind of payments can Square process?

Square processes various types of payments, starting with its foundational card reader capability. It supports businesses in accepting payments across different channels, including e-commerce.

Does Square offer solutions beyond just payment processing?

Yes, Square provides a complete commerce solution that extends beyond just payment processing. Its ecosystem includes POS hardware and various features designed to support businesses comprehensively.

Source: squareup.com

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