PJ's Verdict
Square wins on simplicity, no contracts, and free tier. Clover wins if you need a more traditional POS hardware setup or are already in a First Data/Fiserv ecosystem.
| Feature | Square | Clover |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly software fee | $0 (free plan) to $60+/mo | $14.95–$94.85/mo |
| Processing rate | 2.6% + 10¢ (in-person) | 2.3% + 10¢ (varies by plan/processor) |
| Hardware cost | $0 (free reader) to $799 (Square Register) | $599–$1,649 per station (or leased) |
| Contract required | No contract — cancel anytime | Hardware leases often 3–4 years |
| Free tier | Yes — full POS features free | No — always a monthly fee |
| App marketplace | 200+ integrations, very open | Smaller, more closed ecosystem |
| Processing lock-in | Must use Square Payments | Must use Clover/Fiserv processors |
| Best for | New businesses, low-volume, simplicity | Businesses wanting traditional POS hardware |
Common Questions
Is Square or Clover better for a small business?
Square is better for most small businesses starting out — no monthly fee on the free plan, no contracts, and free card reader to get started. Clover makes more sense if you need specific hardware capabilities or are already in a Fiserv/First Data payment ecosystem through your bank.
Does Clover charge a monthly fee?
Yes — Clover always charges a monthly software fee ($14.95–$94.85/month depending on plan), unlike Square which has a free tier. Clover hardware is also often leased rather than purchased, which can add $30–$70/month to your total cost over a 3–4 year term.
What's the processing rate for Square vs Clover?
Square charges 2.6% + 10¢ for in-person card transactions on the free plan. Clover's rate is typically 2.3% + 10¢ but varies based on which processor (Clover/Fiserv or a third party) and which plan you're on. At lower volumes, the rate difference matters less than the monthly and hardware fees.
Can I switch from Clover to Square?
Yes — but check your hardware lease. If you leased Clover hardware, you may owe remaining payments even if you stop using it. Square hardware is purchased outright so there's no lock-in. Text PJ at 858-461-8054 if you want help evaluating your specific Clover contract situation.
Not sure which one fits your setup? Text PJ — same-day answer for your specific situation, no forms, no call required.
Text PJ · 858-461-8054
Serving North County