Square POS Pricing – Plans, Hardware & Processing Fees in 2026

Square POS is known for its transparent, no-surprise pricing, which appeals to small and medium-sized businesses. But is it the best choice for your business? In this guide, we break down Square's costs, from monthly subscriptions to transaction and hardware fees, and compare it to alternatives like KORONA POS.

Square Pricing: A Quick Glance

Square offers four plan tiers: Free, Plus, Premium, and Pro. Each has different subscription costs and transaction fees. The table below breaks down monthly pricing, along with in-person and online processing rates, so you can quickly compare what each plan will cost your business.

Square POS Pricing Overview

Free Processing Fee Calculator

Want to find out how much you might spend on fees with Square POS? Use our free processing fee calculator below to run the numbers:

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Extra Square POS Features & Add-Ons

For businesses that require more advanced features, Square POS offers a suite of additional options. These additional tools enable businesses to manage finances, accept remote payments, and foster stronger customer relationships.

Square Loyalty

• Price: Starts at $45/month/location
• Use: Create customer loyalty programs to encourage repeat visits

Square Loans

• Allows eligible businesses to access fast financing based on a business’s sales history, with repayments as a percentage of daily sales.

Virtual Terminal

• Fee: 3.5% + 15¢ per transaction
• Use: Accept payments over the phone or manually from any internet-enabled device. No additional hardware is required, and all transactions are processed through Square.

Customer Directory

• Free tool to manage customer data and purchase history

Square Payroll

Square Payroll is a native employee scheduling software that supports both hourly and salaried employees, as well as contractors, and offers direct deposit, automatic tax withholding, and timecard integration features. Square offers two different payment options for its Payroll feature:

• Full-service payroll: $35/mo plus a $6 monthly fee per person paid
• Contractor-only payroll: $6/mo per person paid

Square POS Customer Reviews

Like any POS system, it has strengths and limitations. Based on a thorough Square POS review, here's what real users on Software Advice have to say about it.

Positive Reviews

Source: Trustpilot

Square’s hardware is praised for its plug-and-play functionality. The consistent software-hardware integration ensures a smooth experience, even on mobile devices. Here are other pros of using Square:

• Easy to use: Square’s setup is incredibly straightforward, with a clean interface that’s perfect for beginners
• Efficient invoicing: Creating and sending invoices is quick, allowing easy payment collection via email
• Flexible payment options: Supports multiple hardware and payment methods.

Complaints

Source: Reddit

Some users have encountered issues with system updates that alter the layout and disrupt workflows. Another frequent concern is occasional delays caused by random account reviews, which can temporarily restrict access to funds.

Here are other common negative reviews about Square:

• Frequent updates: Mandatory updates often change settings locations, causing inconvenience for regular users
• Account holds: Occasional random checks can lead to temporary bans on withdrawing funds, impacting cash flow
• High transaction fees: Processing fees can be high, especially for businesses handling large transactions
• Difficulty reaching support: Some users complain about the customer support at Square, claiming that getting phone assistance takes far too long

Square POS Alternatives and Competitors

Square POS Alternatives: Why Consider KORONA POS

KORONA POS offers a range of features that make it ideal for retail stores, from its intuitive interface to its sophisticated feature set. Some of the most noteworthy features of KORONA POS include: 

Automatic Minimum and Maximum Inventory Levels

Most point of sale software supports manual inventory restocking. If you have nearly 1000 products, this process can take hours. However, KORONA POS simplifies this task with its auto-stock replenishment feature, saving you significant time and effort.

Inventory management a headache?

KORONA POS makes stock control easy. Automate tasks, generate custom reports, and learn how you can start improving your business.

Learn More

Processing-agnostic

KORONA POS is processing-agnostic, meaning merchants have the flexibility to use any payment processor with their POS. It’s especially ideal for vape shops, liquor stores, and other businesses that need flexible payment options. 

Payment processors giving you trouble?

We won't. KORONA POS is not a payment processor. That means we’ll always find the best payment provider for your business’s needs.

SAVE MONEY with korona POS

Security

KORONA POS implements strict security measures, including regular vulnerability testing and encrypting all payment data following industry standards (PCI-DSS). You can also enable two-factor authentication in KORONA Studio.

Flexible Integrations

KORONA POS also provides seamless integrations with various online platforms, such as eCommerce and loyalty software, so merchants can handle online and offline operations from a single point of sale system. An open API allows any retailer to easily develop custom integrations into the platform.

Real-Time Inventory Tracking

With robust inventory tracking, you can always stay on top of your store’s inventory levels and be sure that you have the right amount on hand without worrying about overstocking or running out unexpectedly. Square does not offer in-depth inventory management, supplier relationship management, stock notifications, or automated inventory features.

Discover Advanced Analytics and Custom Reports

Speak with a product specialist and learn how KORONA POS can work for your business.

Schedule a Demo

Comprehensive Reports and Analytics

The reports and analytics tool in KORONA POS allows you to track and monitor your retail store’s performance in real-time so that you can make informed decisions about how best to run your business. With detailed insights into every aspect of your sales data, KORONA POS also makes forecasting easier.

PRO TIP!

KORONA POS is especially well-suited for high-volume retailers, liquor stores, vape shops, cannabis retailers, and specialty retailers that require more control and customization.

Square POS Pricing Wrap-Up

Square POS is a user-friendly and transparent choice for many small businesses, especially those just starting out. However, higher processing fees and limited advanced features may make it less ideal for high-volume or niche retailers.

Looking for more flexibility, advanced inventory tools, and lower long-term costs? Check out KORONA POS , a fully customizable solution that adapts as your business grows.

Get started with KORONA POS today!

Explore all the features that KORONA POS has to offer with an unlimited trial. There's no commitment or credit card required.

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Square POS Pricing FAQs

How much does it cost to use a Square card reader?

From $0 (basic magstripe) to $49 (chip/contactless reader). The Square Terminal costs $299.

How much does Square charge for payment processing fees?

Ranges from 2.6% + 10¢ to 3.5% + 15¢ depending on the payment type.

What are the hidden fees for Square?

Generally no, but watch for international transaction fees and potential chargeback fees.

Can I pass fees to customers?

You can factor them into your pricing but must follow local surcharge laws.

Does Square report taxes?

Yes, via Form 1099-K for businesses processing over $20,000 and more than 200 transactions per year.