Square review (2026): pricing, fees and who it's for
Payment and point-of-sale app with a free plan, invoices, booking and card readers.
Good fit if
New businesses wanting $0/month card payments and invoicing
Pick something else if
You run field crews that need dispatching with route optimization.
What we like
- Free plan: $0/month; in-person cards cost 2.6% + 15¢.
- Next-business-day transfers are free; instant transfers cost 1.95%.
- Tap to Pay on your phone needs no hardware; reader costs $59.
- Free plan includes invoices, estimates, booking calendar and an online site.
Watch out for
- Online and invoice card payments cost 3.3% + 30¢ on Free plan.
- Keyed-in or card-on-file payments cost 3.5% + 15¢ on all plans.
- Free plan includes phone support only for the first 90 days.
Square pricing
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Square Free | $0/mo | Only processing fees; 2.6% + 15¢ in person |
| Square Plus | $49/mo | Per location; lower fees, loyalty, staff scheduling; 30-day trial |
| Square Premium | $149/mo | Per location; lowest card fees and 24/7 phone support |
| Square Pro | Custom | For businesses processing over $250,000 per year |
Prices as published on Oct 4, 2026. Confirm on their site; promotions change often.
What card fees will cost you
| Tool | Fees + plan per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Square | $155 | $1,860 |
| Jobber | $179 | $2,148 |
| Invoice Simple | $180 | $2,160 |
| Housecall Pro | $199 | $2,388 |
Standard published card rates on each tool's cheapest plan (annual billing where offered). Amex, keyed-in cards and instant payouts can cost more.
The details
| Monthly price | $0 (Free); Plus $49/mo per location |
|---|---|
| In-person card fee | 2.6% + 15¢ (Free plan) |
| Online/invoice card fee | 3.3% + 30¢ (Free); 2.9% + 30¢ paid plans |
| Bank transfer (ACH) fee | 1% ($1 min) via invoice |
| Card reader | Reader $59; Tap to Pay on phone free |
| Payout speed | Next business day free; instant 1.95% |
| Scheduling | Yes |
| Quotes and estimates | Yes |
| Client portal | Not published |
| QuickBooks sync | Yes, via QuickBooks Online app |
| Route planning | No |
| Automatic reminders | Yes (appointment and invoice) |
| Team | No staff limit on booking calendars |
| Free trial | 30 days on Plus/Premium |
Before you sign up
You'll need
- SSN or ITIN, required even for an LLC
- EIN if signing up as a business
- US bank account for transfers
- Photo ID and selfie if verification is requested
Do this first: Open your business bank account first so payouts land there, and have your EIN or SSN for identity checks.
What users say in public ratings
Seen on Oct 4, 2026. App store ratings mostly reflect the app; Trustpilot leans toward billing and support stories.
Square alternatives
- 8.4/10JobberHome service pros who quote, schedule and invoice jobs · From $29/mo Square vs Jobber
- 8.1/10Invoice SimpleSolo owners sending a handful of invoices monthly · From $7/mo Square vs Invoice Simple
- 7.2/10Housecall ProTrade teams with Spanish-speaking technicians · From $59/mo Square vs Housecall Pro
Questions
How much does Square cost?
Square Free: $0/mo; Square Plus: $49/mo; Square Premium: $149/mo; Square Pro: Custom. Free trial: 30 days (Plus/Premium).
Does Square have a free plan?
Yes. Square Free costs $0/mo.
Does Square offer help in Spanish?
Spanish app and support.
What do I need to sign up for Square?
SSN or ITIN, required even for an LLC; EIN if signing up as a business; US bank account for transfers; Photo ID and selfie if verification is requested.
Is Square good for a new business?
It fits new businesses wanting $0/month card payments and invoicing. Pick something else if you run field crews that need dispatching with route optimization.
What are the alternatives to Square?
Jobber (Home service pros who quote, schedule and invoice jobs); Invoice Simple (Solo owners sending a handful of invoices monthly); Housecall Pro (Trade teams with Spanish-speaking technicians).
Sources
- squareup.com/us/en/pricing
- squareup.com/us/en/payments/our-fees
- squareup.com/us/en/hardware/contactless-chip-reader
- squareup.com/help/us/en/article/5405-instant-deposits
- squareup.com/help/us/en/article/4993-contact-square-support
- squareup.com/help/us/en/article/8329-onboard-your-sole-proprietorship-to-square
- squareup.com/help/us/en/article/5057-sign-up-troubleshooting
- squareup.com/us/en/app-marketplace/app/quickbooks-online
- squareup.com/us/es/pricing
- apps.apple.com/us/app/square-point-of-sale-pos/id335393788
- trustpilot.com/review/squareup.com/us
Checked Oct 4, 2026. Something out of date? Tell us. Our score is calculated from public facts; partners can't pay for a better one.