Square vs. Stripe: Fees and Features for Small Businesses
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Choosing between Square and Stripe depends on how you take payments and what tools your business needs. Both can process online and in-person payments. Square pairs payments with point-of-sale tools, while Stripe offers a payments platform that businesses can connect to websites, apps and other software.
If you run a shop, restaurant, hotel or service business, the right choice comes down to your day-to-day setup. A food truck may need a simple way to accept payments at the counter. A tradesperson may need to take payment at a job site. An online business may care more about checkout options and integrations.
Square vs. Stripe at a glance
| Square | Stripe | |
|---|---|---|
| Best known for | An all-in-one payment and point-of-sale system | Online payments and flexible payment tools |
| In-person payments | Square Point of Sale app and compatible hardware | Stripe Terminal, compatible readers and supported mobile payment options |
| Online payments | Square Online, checkout and payment links | Checkout, payment links, APIs and integrations |
| Typical fit | Businesses that want payments and POS tools together | Businesses that want flexible online payments or already use Stripe |
| ChargeStripe | Not compatible | A separate mobile app that works with a Stripe account |
Fees and features depend on the country where the business is based, the payment type, the card’s country of issue and the plan. The examples below use public list pricing for the US and UK. They are not a guarantee of the rate for every account.
Square vs. Stripe fees in the US and UK
Compare the rate that matches how you accept payment. In-person, online and manually entered card payments can have different fees.
| Region and payment type | Square | Stripe |
|---|---|---|
| US, in person | Square Free: 2.6% + 15¢. Square Plus: 2.5% + 15¢. Square Premium: 2.4% + 15¢. | Stripe Terminal: 2.7% + 5¢ for domestic cards. Tap to Pay adds 10¢ per authorisation. |
| US, online | Square Free: 3.3% + 30¢. Square Plus and Premium: 2.9% + 30¢. | 2.9% + 30¢ for domestic cards. |
| UK, in person | 1.75% for UK cards. A 1.5% cross-border fee applies to cards issued outside the UK. | 1.4% + 10p for EEA cards, or 2.9% + 10p for non-EEA cards. Tap to Pay adds 10p per authorisation. |
| UK, online | 1.4% + 25p for UK cards, or 2.5% + 25p for non-UK cards. | 1.5% + 20p for standard UK cards, or 2.8% + 20p for premium UK cards. |
Square’s paid plans may have monthly software costs. Stripe may charge more for international cards, currency conversion or manually entered payments. UK Stripe pricing distinguishes EEA and non-EEA cards.
ChargeStripe adds a 1.3% app fee to Stripe processing fees. Include that fee when comparing ChargeStripe with Square. The total depends on the Stripe payment method and applicable processing rate.
For current rates, see the official pricing pages:
What does Square offer?
Square combines payment processing with point-of-sale tools. A business can use Square to take in-person payments, manage sales and connect other business tools through its platform.
This can suit a business that wants a ready-made POS system. For example, a café or small hotel may want a counter setup for staff. A market vendor may prefer a portable reader and an app for taking sales at different locations.
Square offers software and hardware options. Some plans include additional tools or different processing rates, so check the monthly cost as well as the transaction fees.
What does Stripe offer?
Stripe supports online payments, payment links, subscriptions, invoices and in-person payments through Stripe Terminal. It also offers integrations and developer tools for businesses that want to connect payments to their own website or software.
Stripe may suit a business that already uses Stripe online or needs more control over its payment setup. A service business could send an invoice or payment link. A company with a custom website may connect Stripe Checkout to its existing sales flow.
For in-person payments, Stripe Terminal supports compatible card readers. Stripe’s available devices and rates depend on the country.
Where does ChargeStripe fit?
ChargeStripe works with a Stripe account. It gives businesses another way to accept payments on a supported mobile device, including through Tap to Pay and other available payment methods.
It may be useful when you need to take payment away from a fixed checkout. A tradesperson can collect payment at a job site. Hotel staff can take payment at a service counter. A food truck can accept payment at the window.
ChargeStripe is a separate app and is not affiliated with Stripe, Inc. It is not a replacement for Square’s full POS system. It is an option for businesses that use Stripe and want mobile payment tools. Review the ChargeStripe app fee along with Stripe’s processing fees before deciding whether it fits your budget.
Which should your business choose?
Square may be a better fit if you want payments and POS tools in one system. It can work well for businesses that handle regular in-person sales and want a counter or mobile setup.
Stripe may be a better fit if your business relies on online payments, subscriptions, payment links or custom integrations. ChargeStripe may also be worth considering if you already use Stripe and need to accept payments in person with a mobile device.
Before you decide, compare:
- Your in-person and online payment volumes
- The payment methods your customers use
- Monthly software or hardware costs
- Fees for keyed-in, international and card-not-present payments
- How well the system fits your website, booking tools or accounting software
The best payment processor is the one that matches the way your business takes payment. Compare the current rates for your country and payment types, then test the workflow your staff will use most.
