Want your own numbers? The Square calculator shows every fee and your profit as you type.
Open the Square US fee calculatorTyping a card number into Square costs almost a full percentage point more than tapping the same card. For businesses that take phone orders or store cards on file, that difference adds up. Choose the keyed-in option in the Square fee calculator to see your cost.
The rate
Manually entered cards and cards on file cost 3.5% + $0.15 per payment. Card-present payments cost 2.6% + $0.15.
| Price | Keyed in | Tap or dip |
|---|---|---|
| $25.00 | $1.03 | $0.80 |
| $50.00 | $1.90 | $1.45 |
| $100.00 | $3.65 | $2.75 |
| $250.00 | $8.90 | $6.65 |
| $500.00 | $17.65 | $13.15 |
Why keyed payments cost more
When a card is tapped or dipped, the chip creates a unique code for that payment, which makes fraud much harder. When a number is typed in, there is no chip check, so the risk of fraud and chargebacks is higher. Card networks charge more for that risk, and Square passes it on.
What it costs over a year
If you key in $5,000 a month, the extra 0.9% costs $45 a month, or $540 a year. Moving even half of those payments to a reader or online link saves real money.
Cheaper alternatives
- Send a payment link or invoice. Online payments cost 2.9% + $0.30, and invoices 3.3% + $0.30; both are cheaper than keyed on larger amounts.
- Use Tap to Pay on your phone for customers who are present.
- Ask for ACH on large invoices at 1%.
When keyed-in still makes sense
Phone orders from regular customers, deposits and one-off payments where the customer cannot use a link. Just make sure your prices allow for the higher rate.
For every Square rate, see Square fees explained.
Frequently asked questions
What is Square’s keyed-in fee?
3.5% plus $0.15 per manually entered or card-on-file payment in the US.
Is a payment link cheaper than keying in a card?
On most amounts, yes. Square online payments cost 2.9% plus $0.30.
Run your next sale through the calculator before you commit.
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