Fingercheck vs Square Payroll
Businesses often weigh Fingercheck's deep time management against Square Payroll's quick integration. Fingercheck targets complex crews seeking robust scheduling and clock-in security. Square Payroll wins if you already rely heavily on the existing Square ecosystem.
Integrated HR with serious reliability issues.
We recognize the comprehensive nature of Fingercheck’s integrated platform for payroll, time, and HR management, especially the unique Next-Day Pay feature. However, external feedback consistently highlights critical flaws related to pricing transparency, severe software instability, and alarming operational failures like incorrect tax documentation. Overall, we conclude that the reported reliability risks currently outweigh the platform's attractive feature set.
Pros
- All-in-one platform integrating time tracking, scheduling, and payroll.
- Flexible month-to-month billing with no long-term contracts.
- Introductory promotional pricing reduces cost significantly initially.
- Offers Pay On-Demand (Next-Day Pay) for employee morale boosting.
Cons
- Numerous reports of unexpected and hidden fees (e.g., wire and draft charges).
- Software is frequently buggy; the mobile app often logs users out.
- Several customers reported incorrect tax filings and late fee incidents.
- Some tools felt outdated and unnecessarily complicated for daily use.
Excellent payroll for Square ecosystem users.
We found Square Payroll offers robust, full-service compliance that perfectly complements the existing Square ecosystem. Its straightforward, usage-based pricing structure minimizes complexity for small businesses managing both W-2 employees and 1099 contractors. Overall, this is a highly reliable and efficient payroll solution, especially for companies already integrated with Square’s Point of Sale and payment tools.
Pros
- Automated federal and state tax payments and filings are included.
- Seamless integration with existing Square POS simplifies time tracking and data import.
- Clear pricing structure includes a budget-friendly Contractor-only option ($6 per person).
- No long-term commitment required, offering flexible usage terms.
Cons
- The Full-service plan requires a $35 base fee, even for one employee.
- Mixed experiences regarding general customer support responsiveness were reported.
- Some users reported issues with account security, such as accounts being flagged for fraud.
AboutFingercheck
Fingercheck is a comprehensive, all-in-one platform built specifically for managing your hourly workforce. It seamlessly links time tracking and payroll functions to create error-free workflows. Whether you have employees on a shop floor or spread across job sites, Fingercheck handles scheduling, secure team chat, and complete payment processing. This integrated solution helps streamline operations for industries like construction, healthcare, and field services. ✅
AboutSquare Payroll
Square Payroll is a dependable, full-service payroll solution designed to pay your employees and protect your business. It effectively helps ensure everyone is happy and productive.
It works well for various types of businesses. You can use it whether you run a retail store, a food and beverage spot, or a home repair service. The system operates right from your online Square Dashboard, making payroll faster and easier. You can even choose a specific contractor-only option if that fits your needs. ✅
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Payroll Reliability
Square Payroll is highly rated for reliable tax compliance and filings. Fingercheck users have reported critical failures and penalties related to tax filings.
Square Payroll handles all federal and state tax filings automatically and reliably. They file W-2s and 1099s, minimizing your compliance risks effectively. Fingercheck also handles compliance and taxes, but recent and severe user reviews cite critical tax filing failures. Square Payroll offers transparent, comprehensive service, ensuring fundamental stability for your business. Fingercheck's reports suggest serious instability, meaning users must proceed with extreme caution.
Time Tracking Security
Fingercheck offers superior time tracking security using GPS verification and biometrics. Square Payroll relies on simpler integration via its POS system.
Fingercheck converts any device into a secure time clock using biometrics and photo capture. It offers powerful GPS verification to physically confirm staff are clocking in at job sites. This feature is crucial for preventing “buddy punching” and eliminating time theft from mobile crews. Square Payroll integrates time cards directly from the Square POS system. While convenient, it lacks Fingercheck’s advanced anti-fraud clock-in methods. Fingercheck is explicitly designed to secure time tracking for field service operations optimally.
Pricing Clarity
Square Payroll uses a simple, transparent base fee plus per-person model. Fingercheck requires a minimum payment and has reported substantial hidden fees.
Square Payroll offers clear, fixed pricing: $35 plus $6/person for full service payroll. The specialized Contractor-only plan is only $6 per person paid. Fingercheck requires a minimum payment equivalent to five employees on all plans. User reviews heavily cite unexpected costs, including wire fees and service charges, in Fingercheck’s billing. Square Payroll's straightforward model makes budgeting less risky and more predictable.
Contractor Support
Square Payroll provides a cost-effective, dedicated plan specifically for 1099 workers. Fingercheck handles contractors but uses the standard per-employee rate.
Square Payroll has a Contractor-only plan charging only $6 per person paid monthly. This budget-friendly option expertly handles 1099 tax calculations and digital filing. Contractors can even receive Instant Deposits via Cash App with Square Payroll quickly. Fingercheck manages 1099 payroll but requires purchasing a generalized plan tier. Businesses utilizing many 1099 staff save significant money by choosing Square Payroll’s specialized option.
Ecosystem Integration
Square Payroll is deeply embedded in the popular Square POS ecosystem. Fingercheck acts as a robust standalone HR platform with GL integrations.
Square Payroll excels by syncing automatically with the entire Square POS system. It imports tips, commissions, and time card data without requiring manual transfer or exports. Businesses already running sales on Square find Square Payroll incredibly convenient and efficient. Fingercheck integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks and Sage. However, Fingercheck lacks the seamless operational connection Square Payroll provides to retail users.
Employee Perks (EWA)
Fingercheck includes Pay On-Demand (EWA) built into all plans at no added cost. Square Payroll does not offer a comparable, built-in feature.
Fingercheck offers Pay On-Demand included in its payroll plans as a critical employee perk. This feature allows employees instant access to earned wages before their regular payday. This highly attractive benefit helps boost retention and reduces employee financial stress significantly. Square Payroll focuses on fast payment options like Instant Deposit but lacks built-in earned wage access. For maximum employee benefit retention tools, Fingercheck carries a clear advantage.
Our Verdict
The decision between Fingercheck and Square Payroll boils down to reliability versus feature complexity. Fingercheck offers a comprehensive, all-in-one HR suite primarily focused on field operations. Square Payroll provides a clean, reliable payroll experience, especially for existing Square users. For most small businesses needing secure, guaranteed compliance, Square Payroll is the safe and immediate recommendation. Fingercheck's superpower lies in managing complex, mobile workforces effectively. It offers intense anti-fraud tools like GPS verification and biometrics for enhanced clock-in security. Fingercheck also includes attractive built-in employee benefits like Pay On-Demand (EWA) at no cost. It serves construction and field services well due to its specialized time-tracking depth. Square Payroll's undeniable strength is its seamless ecosystem integration and fundamental reliability. If you use Square POS, importing tips and timecards automatically saves critical administrative time. Their pricing is clear and transparent, and tax compliance is handled automatically with confidence. Square Payroll is also highly cost-effective if you rely heavily on 1099 contractors. The deciding factor must be trust and financial security. Fingercheck has recent user reports documenting high hidden fees and critical payroll tax errors. Square Payroll offers transparent pricing and a strong reputation for consistent compliance. Don't risk compliance failure or surprise charges; rely on Square Payroll's stability. Choose Square Payroll if you need reliable, transparent payroll integrated with your POS data seamlessly. Pick Fingercheck only if complex, secure time and attendance (GPS, biometrics) is your absolute mission requirement, and you are prepared to tolerate significant service risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for small retail teams: Fingercheck or Square Payroll?
Square Payroll is strongly recommended for small retail teams using Square POS. It automatically syncs sales data, tips, and timecards effortlessly. Fingercheck's specialized time tracking features are often overkill for a standard retail setting.
Can Fingercheck effectively compete with Square Payroll for contractor payroll?
No, Square Payroll offers a cheaper, dedicated Contractor-only plan for $6 per person. Fingercheck forces contractors into its general, more expensive $10–$12 per person structure. Square Payroll is the superior choice for 1099 workers.
Does Square Payroll offer Pay On-Demand like Fingercheck?
No, Square Payroll does not list a built-in Earned Wage Access feature like Fingercheck’s Pay On-Demand. Fingercheck includes EWA as a no-cost employee benefit on all plans.
Is Fingercheck's advanced time tracking worth the risk of buggy software?
Fingercheck’s GPS verification and biometrics are excellent for field service time security. However, recent reviews suggest the tool is buggy and lacks reliability. Evaluate if secure clock-in outweighs the reported risks of tax non-compliance.
Does Fingercheck have a minimum employee requirement for billing?
Yes, Fingercheck enforces a minimum spending requirement equivalent to five employees. Even if you only have one employee, you must pay the minimum base rate plus five employee fees.
Which software offers faster payroll funding options?
Both offer accelerated options. Square Payroll provides Instant Payments using a Square balance or Cash App for near-instant funds. Fingercheck offers Next-Day Pay via its top-tier 360 Plus plan or as an add-on.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.