Want your own numbers? The Square calculator shows every fee and your profit as you type.
Open the Square US fee calculatorSquare and Stripe charge almost the same headline rate for online cards. The real differences are in person, on invoices and in what else each platform gives you. Compare exact amounts in the Square fee calculator and the Stripe fee calculator.
Online payments
Both charge 2.9% + $0.30 for standard online card payments in the US. On pure fees, it is a tie.
In-person payments
Square charges 2.6% + $0.15. Stripe Terminal charges 2.7% + $0.05. Stripe is cheaper on small payments and Square is cheaper on larger ones. The crossover sits around $100.
| Price | Square in person | Stripe Terminal | Square online | Stripe online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10.00 | $0.41 | $0.32 | $0.59 | $0.59 |
| $25.00 | $0.80 | $0.73 | $1.03 | $1.03 |
| $50.00 | $1.45 | $1.40 | $1.75 | $1.75 |
| $100.00 | $2.75 | $2.75 | $3.20 | $3.20 |
| $250.00 | $6.65 | $6.80 | $7.55 | $7.55 |
| $1,000.00 | $26.15 | $27.05 | $29.30 | $29.30 |
Invoices and bank payments
Square invoices cost 3.3% + $0.30 by card, or 1% with a $1 minimum by ACH. Stripe’s ACH Direct Debit is 0.8% with a $5 cap, which is far cheaper on large invoices. A $5,000 invoice costs $50 by Square ACH and $5 by Stripe ACH. See Stripe ACH vs card fees.
International customers
Stripe adds 1.5% for international cards and 1% for currency conversion, and supports many currencies. Square is mainly built for domestic sales. If you sell abroad, Stripe is usually the better fit; read Stripe international fees.
Which to choose
- Retail, cafés, salons, markets: Square, for its free point-of-sale app and hardware.
- Online stores, SaaS, subscriptions and marketplaces: Stripe, for its developer tools and billing.
- Both online and in person: either works; compare your mix of transaction sizes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Square cheaper than Stripe?
Online they cost the same (2.9% plus $0.30). In person, Stripe is cheaper on small payments and Square on larger ones.
Which is better for invoices, Square or Stripe?
For large invoices paid by bank, Stripe’s ACH is cheaper because it is capped at $5.
Run your next sale through the calculator before you commit.
Open the Square US fee calculatorRelated guides
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- SquareSquare Invoice Fees: Card vs ACH for US Businesses
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- SquareSquare Keyed-In Fees: Why They Cost More
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