Square Payments operates on a transparent, usage-based fee structure, meaning you only pay a small percentage per transaction. Fees vary depending on whether the payment is accepted in person, online, or keyed in remotely.
Square Payments costs between 1% minimum $1 (ACH) and 6% + 30¢ per transaction with 5 standard rate plans: In Person at 2.6% + 15¢, Online at 2.9% + 30¢, Invoices at 3.3% + 30¢, Manually Entered at 3.5% + 15¢, and Buy Now, Pay Later at 6% + 30¢.
Square is committed to transparent pricing, meaning you always know what you'll pay upfront based on the transaction method.
In-Person Processing
Price: 2.6% + 15 cents per transaction
Websites Supported: Not explicitly stated
Best For: When a customer taps, dips, or swipes their card
Refund Policy: Not explicitly stated
Other Features:
- Lower risk of fraudulent activity
- Use with Square hardware (Reader, Terminal, etc.)
- Same rate for all major credit cards
This option is best for stores, pop-up shops, or service providers who take payments face-to-face. It's the standard, most cost-effective rate for secure, cardholder-present transactions. 💳
Online Processing
Price: From 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction
Websites Supported: Not explicitly stated
Best For: Purchases made via your Square Online Store or eCommerce API
Refund Policy: Not explicitly stated
Other Features:
- Secure card-not-present transactions
- Seamless integration with your online storefront
- Use for web sales and app purchases
You should choose this rate if you are selling products or services directly through a standard Square online store or utilizing the Square eCommerce API for large-scale integration.
Invoice Processing
Price: 3.3% + 30 cents per transaction (cards) or 1% with a minimum $1 per transaction (ACH bank transfers)
Websites Supported: Not explicitly stated
Best For: When you send an invoice to a customer
Refund Policy: Not explicitly stated
Other Features:
- Supports both card and ACH bank transfer payments
- Applies to checks sent remotely to customers
- Rate includes Square Payment Links (3.3% + 30 cents)
This option is perfect for service businesses or wholesalers who need to bill clients after delivery. Using the ACH transfer option offers a significantly lower rate for larger payments.
Manually Entered Processing
Price: 3.5% + 15 cents per transaction
Websites Supported: Not explicitly stated
Best For: When you key in a customer's card details remotely or use a card on file
Refund Policy: Not explicitly stated
Other Features:
- Used for over-the-phone payments
- Utilizes Square Virtual Terminal or the Square app
- Rate applies to using stored customer cards
If you frequently take phone orders or need to process payments when the physical card is unavailable, this higher-risk transaction rate is the one you will incur.
Buy Now, Pay Later Processing
Price: 6% + 30 cents per transaction
Websites Supported: Not explicitly stated
Best For: Offering Cash App Afterpay to customers
Refund Policy: Not explicitly stated
Other Features:
- Available for in-person, online, and remote payments
- Allows customers to pay over time in installments
- You receive the funds in full immediately
Businesses offering flexible payment options benefit from this rate, which covers the cost and complexity of integrating installment payments like Afterpay.
Custom Pricing
Price: Varies, customized to the business
Websites Supported: Not explicitly stated
Best For: Businesses processing more than $250,000 every year
Refund Policy: Not explicitly stated
Other Features:
- Pricing depends on processing volume and average ticket size
- Requires contacting the sales team to determine eligibility
- Tailored packages for high-volume sellers
This specialized option is designed specifically for high-volume merchants looking to negotiate the most favorable rates based on their significant scale of sales.
Because Square is usage-based, there is no monthly subscription fee. You can download the free Square Point of Sale app and launch your online store without any upfront investment. Square also provides free dispute management services, covering the fee for every dispute they fight on your behalf, providing excellent financial support.