Compare features, benefits, and user experiences before choosing your card.
Square, now part of Block, Inc., is a leading payment processing company recognized worldwide. Founded in 2009 by Jack Dorsey and Jim McKelvey, Square revolutionized how small businesses accept card payments through its iconic smartphone card reader. Today, Square offers a comprehensive ecosystem covering in-person payments, e-commerce, payroll, lending, and cryptocurrency through its parent brand, Block, Inc. This review explores Square’s key features, benefits, limitations, and competitive positioning against processors like Stripe, PayPal, and Shopify.
Square was originally designed to help small merchants who could not access traditional merchant accounts. By providing a simple, flat-fee pricing model and a free point-of-sale (POS) app, Square democratized card acceptance for millions of entrepreneurs. Over time, the company expanded its offerings to include retail hardware, restaurant-specific POS, online store builders, and integrated financial services. Its parent company, Block, Inc., also owns Cash App, Tidal, and other fintech ventures, forming a comprehensive ecosystem for merchants and consumers alike.
Square’s transparent pricing is a major advantage. In-person card-present transactions are charged at 2.6% + $0.10, while online transactions and invoices are billed at 2.9% + $0.30, comparable to PayPal and Stripe. There are no monthly, PCI compliance, or setup fees for the basic package. However, businesses processing large volumes may find Square’s flat-rate model less cost-effective than custom pricing options offered by competitors.
Square provides a broad suite of tools designed to manage all aspects of a business:
Square is renowned for its simplicity. Registration takes only minutes, and merchants can start accepting payments immediately with a smartphone and free card reader (in supported regions). Its POS interface is intuitive, making it accessible to users with minimal technical knowledge. The online dashboard provides clear insights into transactions, inventory, and reports.
Square is PCI DSS compliant and handles security automatically, eliminating the need for merchants to manage complex compliance. Transactions are encrypted end-to-end, and advanced fraud detection helps reduce risks. Unlike traditional processors, Square does not require separate PCI certification, saving time and cost for small businesses.
Square is widely adopted in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and Japan, but international coverage is limited compared to Stripe and PayPal. In supported countries, Square offers localized services and hardware that integrate seamlessly with regional business requirements.
Support is available via phone, email, live chat, and a robust knowledge base. While small businesses often find the self-service resources sufficient, reaching live support quickly can sometimes be challenging, particularly during peak periods.
Compared to Stripe, Square is less developer-focused but more user-friendly for non-technical small businesses. Against PayPal, Square provides a stronger in-person payment ecosystem, though with less consumer brand recognition. Unlike Shopify Payments, Square is not tied to a specific e-commerce platform, offering greater flexibility across business types.
Square is an excellent choice for small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs seeking a simple, transparent payment processing solution. Its flat-rate pricing, free POS system, and additional services such as payroll and lending provide a complete business ecosystem. While it may not be ideal for high-volume enterprises or developers seeking advanced customization, Square’s accessibility and feature set make it a top contender in the payment processing industry.