Square and Clover both target small retailers and quick-service, but you buy them very differently: Square is a single company with published pricing, Clover is sold through banks and processors.
Square vs Clover at a glance
| Square | Clover | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.6 / 5 | 3.9 / 5 |
| Software cost | $0+ per month | $0+ per month (reseller-set) |
| In-person rate | 2.6% + 15¢ | ~2.5% + 10¢ (reseller-set) |
| Commitment | No contract | 3-year contract |
| Best for | Overall / getting started | Choosing your own processor |
Choose Square if…
- You want one published rate and no contract
- You prefer to set things up yourself
- You value a large first-party app and API ecosystem
Choose Clover if…
- You want a local point of contact and hardware financing
- You already have a merchant-services provider you trust
- You need specific Clover-market apps
Pricing side by side
| Plan | Free | Plus (Retail) | Starter | Standard | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $0 | $89/mo per location | From ~$0–$15/mo | From ~$50/mo | From ~$85/mo |
| In-person rate | 2.6% + 15¢ | 2.5% + 10¢ | ~2.6% + 10¢ (reseller-dependent) | ~2.3%–2.6% + 10¢ | Reseller-dependent |
| Online rate | 2.9% + 30¢ | 2.9% + 30¢ | — | — | — |
| Keyed rate | 3.5% + 15¢ | — | — | — | — |
| Hardware | — | — | From ~$799 or financed | — | — |
| Commitment | No contract | No contract | 3-year contract | 3-year contract | 3-year contract |
Feature comparison
| Feature | Square | Clover |
|---|---|---|
| Payments | ||
| Card-present payments | Yes | Yes |
| Offline mode | Partial | Yes |
| Inventory | ||
| Inventory tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Purchase orders | Partial | Partial |
| Reporting & analytics | ||
| Sales reporting | Yes | Yes |
| Online ordering | ||
| Menu / modifier management | Partial | Yes |
| First-party online ordering | Yes | Partial |
| Loyalty & marketing | ||
| Loyalty program | Partial | Partial |
| Gift cards | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-location | ||
| Multi-location management | Yes | Partial |
| Integrations & API | ||
| Open API | Yes | Yes |
| App marketplace | Yes | Yes |
Our verdict
Choose Square for transparent, month-to-month pricing and a fast DIY setup. Choose Clover if you want a local reseller relationship and financed hardware — but only after comparing several reseller quotes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Clover cheaper than Square?
Sometimes, but it depends entirely on the reseller. Square’s flat rate is predictable; Clover’s can be lower or higher once monthly and statement fees are counted.
Can I move my Clover to another processor later?
Only if the device is unlocked. Square hardware is not tied to a third-party processor at all.
Not sure which to pick?
Tell us about your business and we’ll recommend the better fit.