Square Payments, A Simple Review
So, you are considering Square Payments.
You’ll be wondering if it’s a good choice for you, if its feature set compares well to other options on the market, and if it is priced affordably enough for what you get.
This article will break all that down for you and more.
Plus, at the end of the article you’ll find links to alternatives to Square Payments as well as our top picks for the options in this category.
Or, just go straight to Our top picks for Best Payment Processing Companies
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Square Payments Features
Square Payments offers a robust, flexible solution for businesses of all sizes to accept and process payments seamlessly. With a variety of features designed to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction, Square Payments ensures that businesses can handle transactions smoothly, whether in-person, online, or remotely.
In-Person Payments
Square Payments makes it easy to accept payments at your counter or on the go. The Square POS app can be used on your phone, or you can choose from a range of hardware options. This includes contactless payments, mobile payments, and chip and PIN payments, providing versatility and convenience for businesses and their customers.
Square Reader for Contactless and Chip
The Square Reader is the gold standard for secure payments. It accepts chip cards, contactless cards, and digital wallets, providing a versatile solution for in-person transactions. Its portability ensures that businesses can take payments anywhere, offering flexibility and reliability.
Tap to Pay on Android and iPhone
Square’s innovative Tap to Pay feature allows businesses to accept contactless payments directly on their Android or iPhone, without the need for additional hardware. This feature is perfect for businesses looking to start quickly and sell on the go, making it easy to accept payments from contactless cards and digital wallets.
Square Terminal
The Square Terminal is a versatile payment terminal that can be used anywhere. It connects with existing POS systems and can print receipts on the spot, making it ideal for businesses that need a flexible, all-in-one solution for their payment processing needs.
Square Stand
Elevate your countertop setup with the Square Stand. This powerful iPad point of sale system is intuitive and integrated, eliminating the need for separate card readers. It’s designed to streamline the payment process and enhance the customer experience at the point of sale.
Square Register
The Square Register is built to be faster, more powerful, and more reliable. It features two displays and built-in payments, providing a complete point of sale solution. This ensures that transactions are processed quickly and efficiently, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Online Payments
Square Payments also excels in online payment processing. Businesses can integrate Square with their online store to accept payments through Square Online and online APIs, providing a seamless experience for their customers.
Remote Payments
For businesses that need to accept payments remotely, Square offers solutions that include keyed-in transactions, Card on File, and Square Virtual Terminal payments. This ensures that businesses can handle payments even when they’re not in person, offering flexibility and convenience.
Buy Now, Pay Later
Square integrates with Afterpay to offer a Buy Now, Pay Later option. This allows businesses to provide flexible payment options to their customers, increasing purchasing power and potentially boosting sales.
Instant Transfers
Square Payments offers Instant Transfers, allowing businesses to move money to their external bank account instantly. Alternatively, businesses can set up automatic transfers, ensuring that funds are available when needed without the wait.
Reporting and Analytics
Square provides comprehensive reporting and analytics tools. Businesses can track their performance in real-time, gaining insights that inform strategic decisions. This feature is a favorite among sellers, offering detailed data on sales, customer behavior, and more.
Security
Square takes security seriously, offering robust fraud protection, data security, and dispute management. Square supports PCI compliance, ensuring that businesses operate with confidence knowing their transactions are secure.
Banking Services
Square also provides integrated banking services, including checking and savings accounts. Businesses can open an account and personalize their debit card in minutes, with no credit checks necessary. Automated savings and small business loans are also available, helping businesses manage their finances more effectively.
Developer Platform
For businesses with custom needs, Square’s Developer Platform allows for the integration of Square payments with custom business software. This platform offers APIs and prebuilt integrations, enabling businesses to create tailored payment solutions that fit their specific requirements.
Square Payments offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to meet the diverse needs of modern businesses. Whether you’re accepting payments in-person, online, or remotely, Square provides the tools and support necessary to run your operations smoothly and efficiently.
Square Payments Pricing
Square Payments offers a range of pricing plans designed to cater to businesses of all sizes and types, ensuring that everyone can find a plan that fits their specific needs. With straightforward pricing and no hidden fees, Square helps businesses manage costs effectively.
Free Plan
The Free Plan allows businesses to start accepting payments without any setup or monthly fees. This plan is perfect for businesses that are just getting started or those with minimal payment processing needs. Businesses only pay the standard processing fees of 2.6% + 10 cents per in-person transaction, 2.9% + 30 cents for online transactions, and 3.5% + 15 cents for manually entered transactions.
Plus Plan
The Plus Plan, starting at $29 per month, is tailored for restaurants, retailers, and appointment-based businesses. It includes advanced features like detailed inventory management, custom online booking sites, and automated appointment reminders. This plan is ideal for growing businesses that need more robust tools to manage their operations.
Premium Plan
For larger businesses with more complex needs, the Premium Plan offers bespoke solutions. Pricing for this plan is custom and businesses can contact Square sales to create a package that fits their unique requirements. This plan may include custom processing rates based on eligibility, ensuring businesses get the best possible pricing for their high-volume transactions.
Processing Fees
Square’s transparent processing fees ensure businesses only pay for what they process, with rates set at 2.6% + 10 cents per in-person transaction, 2.9% + 30 cents for online transactions, and 3.5% + 15 cents for manually entered transactions. Additionally, Afterpay transactions incur a 6% + 30 cents fee per transaction, providing flexible payment options for customers while ensuring businesses are compensated in full.
Square Payments’ flexible pricing plans and clear fee structure make it easy for businesses to choose the right plan and manage their costs effectively, helping them grow and thrive.
Square Payments Discounts and Coupons
Square Payments does not offer specific discounts or coupons for its payment processing services. Instead, it provides clear, straightforward pricing with no hidden fees, ensuring businesses only pay for what they process. This transparent approach helps businesses manage their costs effectively without the need for additional discounts or promotions.
Square Payments Free Trial
Square Payments offers a free plan for its services, allowing businesses to start without any setup fees or monthly charges. Users can explore and utilize the platform’s comprehensive features, such as POS systems and online store capabilities, to see how Square can benefit their operations before committing to a paid plan.
Square Payments, A Short How-To Guide
Square Payments provides a user-friendly and efficient way to manage transactions for your business. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial to get you started:
Step 1: Sign Up and Create Your Account
Visit the Square website and sign up for a free account. Fill in the required details such as your business name, type, and contact information. Once registered, you’ll gain access to the Square Dashboard.
Step 2: Set Up Your Point of Sale (POS)
Download the Square POS app on your smartphone or tablet. Log in using your newly created account. Follow the prompts to set up your POS system, including adding your business details, sales tax information, and payment preferences.
Step 3: Add Your Products and Services
Navigate to the “Items” section on your Square Dashboard. Add your products or services by entering their names, descriptions, prices, and categories. You can also upload images to visually enhance your inventory.
Step 4: Customize Your Payment Methods
Square supports various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments. Connect your Square Reader to your device to start accepting in-person payments. For online transactions, set up your Square Online Store from the Dashboard.
Step 5: Set Up Online Payments
If you want to accept payments online, create an online store using Square’s tools. Customize your store layout, add products, and configure shipping options. You can also generate payment links or QR codes to share with customers via email or social media.
Step 6: Manage Your Transactions
Use the Square Dashboard to monitor sales, track inventory, and manage customer data. Access real-time reporting and analytics to gain insights into your business performance. Set up automatic transfers to your bank account for seamless fund management.
Step 7: Utilize Additional Features
Explore Square’s additional features like invoicing, appointment scheduling, and employee management. Customize these tools to fit your business needs and enhance your operational efficiency.
By following these steps, you can effectively set up and use Square Payments to streamline your business transactions and improve customer satisfaction.
What Payment Processing would you recommend?
In short, It’s Stax Payments.com
Stripe Payments is reliable and easy to use, with strong security and seamless integration across platforms. It’s ideal for global businesses, though slightly higher fees are offset by excellent features and customer support.
“🚀Try Stax Payments.com For Free, It’s my favorite payment processing to use and recommend.” -Scott Max
Stripe Payments is secure, user-friendly, and integrates seamlessly with various platforms. It supports multiple currencies for global transactions, offers a clear and intuitive dashboard, and features a developer-friendly API for easy customisation. While the fees are slightly higher, its robust features and excellent customer support make it a strong choice for businesses.
For more details, read our Stax Payments Review.