Clover vs Grasshopper: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of Clover and Grasshopper — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: Grasshopper wins on our scorecard (7.8/10 vs 7/10).
| Scored on | Clover | Grasshopper |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 7 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 7 | 7 |
| Fees & pricing | 6 | 9 |
| Customer support | 5 | 6 |
| Features | 9 | 8 |
| Card-Present Rate | 2.3% + $0.10 | — |
| Starter Plan | $14.95/mo | — |
| Standard Hardware Bundle | $799+ (Typical) | — |
| Early Termination Fee | Varies by contract (can be $500+) | — |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | — | $0 |
| Minimum Opening Deposit | — | $0 |
| Domestic Incoming Wires | — | $0 |
| International Outgoing Wire | — | $25 |
Clover in one paragraph
Clover is a powerhouse POS with top-tier hardware, but the complex bank-partner distribution model and rigid contracts make it better for established shops than risky startups.
Skip it if: Skip Clover if you are a seasonal business or a startup that might need to switch software in six months, as the hardware is locked to Fiserv and contracts are notoriously hard to break.
Grasshopper in one paragraph
Grasshopper is a top-tier choice for digital businesses that want to earn 1% back on debit spending without the headache of monthly maintenance fees.
Skip it if: Skip it if your business handles significant physical cash deposits or if you require 24/7 phone support.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Clover or Grasshopper?
On our five-axis scorecard, Grasshopper scores higher (7.8/10 vs 7/10). Grasshopper is a top-tier choice for digital businesses that want to earn 1% back on debit spending without the headache of monthly maintenance fees.
Who should skip Clover?
Skip Clover if you are a seasonal business or a startup that might need to switch software in six months, as the hardware is locked to Fiserv and contracts are notoriously hard to break.
Who should skip Grasshopper?
Skip it if your business handles significant physical cash deposits or if you require 24/7 phone support.