Clover vs Square Payments: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of Clover and Square Payments — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: Square Payments wins on our scorecard (7.8/10 vs 7/10).
| Scored on | Clover | Square Payments |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 7 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 7 | 9 |
| Fees & pricing | 6 | 7 |
| Customer support | 5 | 5 |
| Features | 9 | 9 |
| 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 Fee | — | $0 (Basic) |
| In-person Rate | — | 2.6% + 10¢ |
| Online/Keyed Rate | — | 2.9% - 3.5% + 15¢ |
| Instant Transfer Fee | — | 1.75% per transfer |
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.
Square Payments in one paragraph
Square is the gold standard for speed and simplicity, though you pay a premium in transaction fees for the convenience.
Skip it if: Skip it if your business processes more than $20,000 per month, as you'll save thousands elsewhere with interchange-plus pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Clover or Square Payments?
On our five-axis scorecard, Square Payments scores higher (7.8/10 vs 7/10). Square is the gold standard for speed and simplicity, though you pay a premium in transaction fees for the convenience.
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 Square Payments?
Skip it if your business processes more than $20,000 per month, as you'll save thousands elsewhere with interchange-plus pricing.