Last updated: October 2026 | Square prices from Square’s official pricing page; Clover figures from Clover bundle pricing reported by independent reviews (updated September 2026)
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Square and Clover are two of the most popular point-of-sale systems for small US businesses. Square sells software and hardware directly, publishes its processing rates and works month to month. Clover, owned by Fiserv, sells bundles of hardware, software and payment processing, which you can buy upfront or pay over time, and contracts are common.
Square vs Clover at a glance
| Square | Clover | |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Free plan; paid plans per location (e.g. $49 or $149 for restaurants) | Bundled plans, often $29.95–$109.90/mo software fee |
| In-person card rate | 2.6% + 15¢ (Free) down to 2.4% + 15¢ (restaurant Premium) | 2.3%–2.6% + 10¢ depending on plan (reported) |
| Keyed / card-not-present | 3.5% + 15¢ | 3.5% + 10¢ (reported) |
| Hardware | Reader from $59; registers and terminals sold separately | Go $199, Flex $749, Mini $849, Station Duo $1,899 (reported) |
| Processor | Square only | Fiserv only |
| Contract | Month to month | Commonly 36–48 months with early termination fees (reported) |
| Best for | New businesses, flexible terms, low upfront cost | Established shops wanting all-in-one hardware bundles |
Square pricing in 2026
Square’s core POS is free to use, and its industry plans add features for a monthly fee per location. For restaurants, Square lists:
| Square for Restaurants | Monthly | In-person | Online | Keyed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 2.6% + 15¢ | 3.3% + 30¢ | 3.5% + 15¢ |
| Plus | $49/location | 2.5% + 15¢ | 2.9% + 30¢ | 3.5% + 15¢ |
| Premium | $149/location | 2.4% + 15¢ | 2.9% + 30¢ | 3.5% + 15¢ |
Square hardware starts at $59 for a basic card reader, with terminals, registers and kitchen hardware sold separately.
Clover pricing in 2026
Clover’s pricing varies by industry bundle. Independent reviews updated in September 2026 report:
| Clover bundle (examples) | Hardware | Upfront + monthly software | Or monthly over 36 months | In-person rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Basic | Compact terminal | $349 | $16 | 2.6% + 10¢ |
| QSR Starter | Clover Mini | $849 + $89.95/mo | $135 | 2.3% + 10¢ |
| Retail Standard | Station Duo, printer, cash drawer | $1,899 + $89.95/mo | about $180 | 2.5% + 10¢ |
| Full Service Starter | Station Solo | $1,799 + $89.95/mo | $179 | 2.3% + 10¢ |
Card-not-present (keyed) transactions are reported at 3.5% + 10¢ across plans. Clover processes only through Fiserv, and contracts typically run around 36 or 48 months, with early cancellation fees.
Cost example: a shop doing $30,000 a month in card sales
Assume 1,000 in-person transactions averaging $30.
| Setup | Software | Processing | Monthly total (before hardware) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square (Free plan) | $0 | 2.6% × $30,000 + 15¢ × 1,000 = $930 | About $930 |
| Clover Retail Standard (upfront hardware) | $89.95 | 2.5% × $30,000 + 10¢ × 1,000 = $850 | About $940 + $1,899 hardware |
| Clover QSR Starter (upfront hardware) | $89.95 | 2.3% × $30,000 + 10¢ × 1,000 = $790 | About $880 + $849 hardware |
Clover’s lower per-transaction fee (10¢ vs 15¢) and lower restaurant rates can offset its monthly software fee at higher volumes, but you pay more upfront for hardware and usually sign a long contract. Square costs less to start and you can leave at any time.
Features compared
Software
Square’s free POS is surprisingly complete for many small retailers and cafés, with paid plans adding industry features. Clover’s software comes with its bundles and has an app market for add-ons, some of which cost extra.
Hardware
Clover’s hardware is a strength: the Station Duo, Mini and Flex are polished devices designed to work together. Square’s hardware is also well designed, generally cheaper, and sold without a contract.
Flexibility
Square lets you change plans or leave at will. Clover’s long contracts and Fiserv-only processing make it harder to switch if rates or service disappoint.
Online sales
Square includes online store tools and online payments at 2.9% + 30¢ on paid restaurant plans (3.3% + 30¢ on Free). Clover focuses on in-person sales and offers online options through its ecosystem.
Pros and cons
Square
Pros
- Free POS software and low-cost hardware
- Published rates, no long-term contract
- Easy setup
Cons
- 15¢ per in-person transaction
- Paid plans needed for advanced restaurant features
- Square-only processing
Clover
Pros
- Polished all-in-one hardware
- Lower fixed fee per transaction (10¢)
- Low restaurant card rates on some bundles
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware cost
- Multi-year contracts and termination fees are common
- Fiserv-only processing; some apps cost extra
Which should you choose?
Choose Square if you’re starting out, want to avoid contracts, or want to keep upfront costs low.
Choose Clover if you’re an established business that wants premium all-in-one hardware and can negotiate good rates on a contract you understand fully.
Three real-world scenarios
A new boutique with $8,000 a month in card sales. Low upfront cost and no contract matter most. Square’s free plan and a $59 reader or a countertop terminal get the shop running for little cash, and it can upgrade hardware later.
A busy deli doing $60,000 a month. At this volume, Clover’s restaurant rate of 2.3% + 10¢ against Square’s 2.6% + 15¢ on the Free plan could save hundreds of dollars a month in processing. If the owner is comfortable with a multi-year contract, Clover may come out ahead after hardware costs.
A salon that takes appointments and sells products. Square’s ecosystem includes appointments software and retail tools, all month to month. Clover offers services bundles too, with a contract.
Questions to ask before you sign up
- What will you pay per transaction, in person and keyed? Get Clover’s full rate sheet in writing.
- How long is the contract, and what’s the early termination fee? This is the biggest risk with Clover bundles.
- Do you own the hardware? Ask whether hardware financed over 36 months is yours at the end, and whether it works with other processors.
- Which apps cost extra? Some Clover App Market apps charge monthly fees.
- What support is included? Check hours and channels for both.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Clover hardware with Square?
No. Clover devices work with Clover’s software and Fiserv processing, and Square hardware works with Square.
Does Clover require a contract?
Many Clover bundles come with multi-year contracts and early termination fees, according to independent reviews. Ask for all terms in writing.
Is Square cheaper than Clover?
To start, yes, because Square’s software can be free and its hardware is cheaper. At higher volumes, Clover’s lower fixed fee can narrow or reverse the gap on processing.
Can I use my own processor with Clover?
No. Clover processes through Fiserv only.
Which is better for a restaurant?
Both work. Square suits counter-service and new restaurants that want flexibility. See also our Square vs Toast comparison.
The bottom line
Square is the flexible, low-commitment option and the safer choice for most new small businesses. Clover suits established shops that want premium hardware and are comfortable with a contract. Get Clover’s full rate sheet and contract terms in writing before you sign.
Related: Square vs Toast · Shopify vs WooCommerce