SquareUp (commonly known as Square) is a leading provider of point-of-sale (POS) systems and payment processing solutions for small businesses. Founded in 2009, Square revolutionized how small merchants accept payments, offering mobile card readers, contactless payment options, and an intuitive POS app. Today, SquareUp offers a full suite of business tools, including eCommerce solutions, invoicing, employee management, and marketing services—all built for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and growing businesses.
Whether you’re a food truck owner, retail shop manager, service provider, or online seller, Square makes it easy to accept payments anywhere, track sales, manage inventory, and engage with customers. Their hardware and software solutions are scalable, allowing businesses to start small and grow with Square’s expanding ecosystem of financial tools.
Why SquareUp Made Our Top 10 List
SquareUp stands out for its simplicity, flexibility, and all-in-one business solutions that cater to startups and small businesses. Its transparent, flat-rate pricing structure means no hidden fees or long-term contracts—perfect for businesses that want cost predictability. The free POS app, free online store builder, and low-cost hardware options make it easy for business owners to get started with minimal upfront investment.
Additionally, Square’s growing ecosystem—including business banking, small business loans, employee management tools, and marketing add-ons—allows businesses to scale over time without needing to switch providers. Its combination of affordability, ease of use, and scalability makes SquareUp one of the most accessible and versatile payment platforms available today.
ABOUT SQUAREUP
SquareUp empowers small businesses with integrated solutions for in-person and online sales. Their flagship mobile POS system works with Android and iOS devices, allowing businesses to accept chip cards, contactless payments, and mobile wallets. Square also offers a powerful online store builder, appointment scheduling tools, customer loyalty programs, and business banking services like Square Checking and Square Loans.
With transparent flat-rate pricing and no long-term contracts, Square is ideal for startups and small businesses seeking flexibility and affordability in their payment and business management solutions.
SERVICE DELIVERY AND ACCESS
Square operates as a cloud-based platform, making it accessible from desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Business owners can download the Square POS app for free, order Square card readers and terminals, and access their sales, inventory, and customer data from any device. Square’s intuitive dashboard makes tracking revenue, invoices, employee hours, and customer engagement seamless.
CORE SERVICES
SquareUp offers a wide range of business services:
- Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems for Retail, Restaurants, and Mobile Businesses
- Online Payment Processing
- eCommerce Website Builder
- Mobile Payment Solutions (Tap, Chip, NFC)
- Invoicing and Recurring Payments
- Customer Loyalty Programs
- Gift Card Programs
- Payroll and Team Management
- Square Banking (Checking, Savings, and Business Loans)
- Appointment Booking Tools
WHAT THEY OFFER
| Service Type | Key Features |
|---|---|
| POS Solutions | Free POS app, hardware options like Square Reader, Terminal, and Register |
| Online Store | Free website builder with integrated payments |
| Payment Processing | Flat-rate per-transaction pricing, supports major credit cards and digital wallets |
| Invoices & Payments | Send invoices, recurring billing, ACH payments |
| Business Banking | Business checking, savings, and loan options |
| Staff & Payroll | Time tracking, scheduling, and payroll services |
| Marketing & Loyalty | Email marketing and rewards programs |
PRICE
| Service/Plan | Cost Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Processing | 2.6% + 10¢ per tap, dip, or swipe (in-person) |
| Online Payments | 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction (online) |
| Hardware | Square Reader: Free / Terminal: ~$299 / Register: ~$799 |
| Payroll | Starts at $35/month + $5 per employee |
| Loyalty & Marketing | Starting at $45/month for loyalty / $15/month for marketing tools |
No monthly fees for the basic POS app and online store. Hardware and add-ons priced separately.
SQUARE COVERS WHAT OTHER PROCESSORS DON’T
Unlike traditional merchant services providers, SquareUp offers an all-in-one platform with no monthly contracts, hidden fees, or complicated setup. You can start accepting payments with just your phone and a free card reader. As your business grows, you can upgrade to more advanced hardware, banking products, and business management tools—all within the Square ecosystem.
| Provider | Coverage Type | Setup Cost | Monthly Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| SquareUp | POS & Payment Platform | $0–$799 (hardware optional) | $0 for basic, add-ons extra |
| PayPal Zettle | POS & Payments | Free reader with conditions | No monthly fees |
| Clover POS | Full POS Hardware/Software | Starts at ~$500 | Varies by plan |
| Shopify POS | POS for Shopify users | Starts at ~$49 | Included with Shopify plans |
Pros of SquareUp:
✔ No monthly contracts for basic services
✔ Free POS app and online store
✔ Flat-rate transparent pricing
✔ Business banking and loan services
✔ Scalable for growing businesses
Cons of SquareUp:
✖ Higher per-transaction fees for low-volume merchants
✖ Limited phone support for free account
