National Processing vs Square POS
National Processing targets high-volume merchants with guaranteed low transaction rates. Square POS provides powerful, free software and exceptional ease of use for quick deployment. This choice pits guaranteed savings against reliable, transparent operations. Square POS offers simplicity while National Processing focuses on pricing minimization.
Competitive Rates, Extreme Service Risk
We note that National Processing presents competitive, tiered pricing structures and guarantees low transaction rates. However, user experiences consistently describe significant hidden fees, outright deception regarding billing, and functionally non-existent customer support. Overall, we cannot recommend a provider whose operational transparency and reliability are this severely compromised.
Pros
- Explicitly structured 3-tier pricing with low advertised transaction rates.
- Advertised transaction fees start competitively low (2.41% + 10¢).
- No PCI compliance fees for compliant merchants are advertised.
- Option for free reprogramming of existing POS equipment.
Cons
- Massive discrepancy between advertised rates and fees actually charged (hidden fees).
- Customer support is widely reported as consistently unresponsive and unhelpful.
- Long or indefinite holds placed on merchants' processing funds.
- Complaints about unreliable and mediocre POS equipment quality.
Affordable Software, Reliable Payments, Easy Setup.
We recognize Square POS as an incredibly accessible platform that democratizes reliable payment acceptance for businesses of any size, offering a free core software solution. Overall, it delivers tremendous value for its $0 monthly fee, though users should carefully monitor the variable transaction processing rates.
Pros
- No monthly subscription fee or complex contracts required.
- Exceptional ease of use with a straightforward, beginner-friendly interface.
- Fast and reliable daily payment deposits into your bank account.
- Ability to accept all major payment methods, including contactless and invoicing.
Cons
- Standard transaction processing rates may be higher than some competitors pay.
- Customer support responsiveness can be inconsistent for complex billing or account issues.
- Setup, especially bank verification, may take several business days to complete.
- Less optimized for businesses that manage large or complicated inventory lists.
AboutNational Processing
National Processing offers comprehensive merchant services and credit card processing. This service covers everything you need, whether you require in-person terminals or seamless online eCommerce integration. They provide tailored payment solutions to businesses across all industries, including retail, food service, and enterprise. For over 17 years, NP has focused on offering transparent and reliable solutions, earning them recognition as a top-ranked U.S. processor. ✅
AboutSquare POS
Square Point of Sale is a central hub combining essential hardware and software. It enables businesses to streamline operations and accept almost any payment method. This system supports transactions, tracks inventory, and helps analyze sales data from one platform. Square is designed to scale easily, supporting businesses from a single location all the way up to specialized, complex operations. Setting up is easy, and you can be ready to sell in just a few minutes. ✅
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Pricing Structure
Square POS is free software; National Processing requires a mandatory monthly subscription.
National Processing charges a monthly fee starting at $14.95 and offers transaction rates as low as 2.41% + 10¢. Square POS is fundamentally free software, with zero monthly costs for the basic features. You only pay the transaction fees. The trade-off is fixed overhead versus the lowest potential percentage rate on transactions. Square POS provides predictable costs, while National Processing potentially offers a lower rate if your volume is extremely high.
Pricing Transparency
Square POS has transparent non-contract terms; National Processing faces severe hidden fee complaints.
National Processing does not publicly detail cancellation policies or contract lengths anywhere on its site. User testimonials frequently report surprise fees and unexpected cost hikes after signing on. Square POS offers $0 monthly fees and zero lock-in contracts for the core Point of Sale software. This high level of transparency minimizes your financial risk. For financial predictability, Square POS is overwhelmingly the better choice for merchants. National Processing's poor review data makes chasing its low advertised rates highly hazardous for most businesses.
Integrated Features
Square POS offers comprehensive POS features; National Processing focuses primarily on processing rates.
Square POS includes robust inventory control, specialized modes for retail, and quick-serve restaurant tools. It functions as a complete business management hub. National Processing's core value centers on processing fees, free equipment reprogramming, and data ownership visibility. Their POS tools are less highlighted. If you need integrated tools like item modifiers or low-stock alerts, Square POS is vastly superior. National Processing is better suited for businesses that already have robust back-end POS systems and only need cheaper processing.
Customer Reliability
Square POS user sentiment is excellent; National Processing user sentiment is catastrophically negative.
National Processing advertises 'Unmatched 24/7 U.S.-based support' as a core feature for 'Customer Elevation.' User reviews widely reject this claim, citing National Processing's support as unresponsive, ignorant, and delaying fund processing. Square POS maintains reliable support and an overall excellent 4.4/5 rating among thousands of users. High reliability is non-negotiable; Square POS provides proven dependable service, unlike National Processing's widely reported struggles.
Funding Speed
Square POS provides next-day funding standard; National Processing charges extra for faster transfers.
Square POS transfers funds to your external bank account free of charge by the next business day after the sale. Instant transfers are also available. National Processing's funds usually take 2 to 3 business days for standard transfers to clear. To get faster funding from National Processing, you must enroll in an optional, paid feature on their Premium plan. For maximizing cash flow, Square POS's standard next-day funding is a huge, cost-free advantage.
Existing Hardware Use
National Processing offers free terminal reprogramming; Square POS requires specific Square hardware.
National Processing makes switching easy by offering complimentary reprogramming of your existing payment terminal equipment. Square POS is optimized for its own ecosystem hardware, though a free magstripe reader is provided. The free reprogramming from National Processing saves established businesses the cost of replacing operational equipment. Square POS is ideal if you are starting from scratch or willing to upgrade all your devices for better integration.
Our Verdict
Choosing between National Processing and Square POS is a battle of cost minimization versus dependability. Square POS is the safe, excellent choice for nearly every business, regardless of size. National Processing offers aggressive low rates but, according to users, risks significant financial and service unreliability. National Processing's strength is the advertised potential for the absolute lowest transaction rates. If you process huge volumes, National Processing promises to beat your rate or pay you $500. National Processing also offers valuable free reprogramming if you want to keep your current terminals. Square POS shines through its transparent, zero-cost software and phenomenal ease of use. It provides powerful integrated tools for inventory and team management right out of the box. Square POS also provides fast next-day funding for free, keeping your critical cash flow moving quickly. For most businesses, the key deciding factor is trust and transparency versus advertised minimum cost. Users frequently report National Processing has widespread hidden fees and unreliable support once you sign up. Square POS has an excellent reputation for reliable functionality and fair pricing. For established reliability, superior POS features, and transparent pricing, stick with Square POS. Only consider National Processing if you are high-volume, require free reprogramming, and are willing to risk severe support issues for potential rate reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper for a small business: National Processing or Square POS?
Square POS is cheaper because the core POS software is free, requiring no monthly fees. National Processing requires a subscription starting at $14.95 monthly. Square POS is the best low-overhead choice to start or maintain a small business.
Does National Processing offer specialized features like Square POS's inventory management?
Square POS provides robust, built-in inventory tracking and specialization modes for Retail or Food service. National Processing focuses mostly on raw processing and transaction rates. Square POS provides significantly better integrated business management tools.
Which payment platform has faster access to processed funds?
Square POS offers next-day funding standard, free of charge to your external bank account. National Processing's standard funding takes 2-3 business days. You must pay extra for faster funding from National Processing.
Can I use my existing payment terminal equipment if I switch to Square POS?
National Processing offers free reprogramming of your existing terminals to use their service. Square POS generally requires its own proprietary hardware for optimal performance. National Processing is better if you want to reuse your current terminals.
Does National Processing provide better customer support than Square POS?
Despite advertising 24/7 support, National Processing receives extensive complaints about unresponsive and unhelpful service. Square POS maintains highly positive user reviews regarding their available support. Square POS offers a far more reliable experience.
I process high volume—will National Processing really save me money over Square POS?
National Processing advertises a lower rate (2.41% + 10¢) than Square POS's standard rate (2.6% + 15¢). However, user reports of National Processing's hidden fees and billing issues may easily negate the slight processing rate difference. Predictability favors Square POS.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.