Square POS Cost: Pricing, Features & Value for Small Businesses in 2024
Square Point of Sale (POS) is a popular, all-in-one payment processing and business management system used by millions of small businesses—from retail stores and cafes to salons and service providers. Known for its ease of use, free app, and flat-rate pricing, Square has become a go-to solution for modern entrepreneurs.
In this guide, we’ll break down the Square POS cost, including hardware, software, transaction fees, and what you can expect to pay in 2024.
Square POS Pricing Overview
| Component | Cost |
| Square POS App | Free |
| Square for Retail/Restaurants | Free – $60/month per location |
| Processing Fee (in-person) | 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction |
| Online Processing Fee | 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction |
| Square Terminal | $299 (or $27/month for 12 months) |
| Square Register | $799 (or $39/month for 24 months) |
| Square Stand for iPad | $149 |
No monthly fee required for the basic POS app. Square makes money through transaction fees and hardware sales.
Square POS Software Plans
Square POS (Free Plan)
- No monthly fees
- Features: Sales tracking, customer directory, inventory, employee permissions
- Best for: Cafes, boutiques, food trucks, solopreneurs
Square for Restaurants
- Free Tier: Basic tools
- Plus: $60/month per location (for full-service restaurants)
- Premium: Custom pricing
Square for Retail
- Free: Basic POS + inventory
- Plus: $60/month per location (includes barcode printing, advanced inventory)
Square Appointments
- Free for individuals
- $29/month for 2–5 staff
- $69/month for 6–10 staff
Square POS Transaction Fees
Square charges flat fees based on how you accept payments:
| Payment Type | Fee |
| In-person card payments | 2.6% + 10¢ per swipe/dip/tap |
| Online payments | 2.9% + 30¢ |
| Manual key-in payments | 3.5% + 15¢ |
| Afterpay (buy now, pay later) | 6% + 30¢ |
No setup fees, monthly minimums, or cancellation charges.
Square POS Hardware Costs
| Device | Price |
| Square Reader (magstripe) | Free (first one) |
| Square Contactless + Chip Reader | $59 |
| Square Terminal | $299 |
| Square Stand | $149 |
| Square Register | $799 (all-in-one touchscreen) |
| Optional accessories | Cash drawer, printer, barcode scanner – priced separately |
Financing is available through monthly installments via Square Capital.
Is Square POS Worth the Cost?
Pros:
- No monthly fee for basic use
- Flat, transparent processing fees
- Sleek and user-friendly hardware
- Works across industries (retail, restaurant, service)
Cons:
- Higher fees than some processors for large-volume sellers
- Limited offline mode
- Advanced features often require upgrades (e.g., $60/month for inventory tools)
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Conclusion
If you’re a business owner looking for simple, transparent pricing, Square POS is a top choice. With no monthly fees for the basic plan, competitive transaction rates, and a range of affordable hardware, Square empowers merchants to start selling fast with minimal overhead.
From pop-up shops to growing retail chains, Square’s POS system scales with your business—making it a smart investment for modern entrepreneurs.
FAQs
1. Is Square POS really free?
Yes, the basic Square POS app is free to use. Square earns revenue through processing fees and optional paid upgrades.
2. How much is Square’s processing fee?
For in-person payments, it’s 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction. Online transactions are 2.9% + 30¢.
3. Do I need to buy Square hardware?
Not necessarily. You can use Square with your own iPad or smartphone, but Square Stand or Terminal makes it more professional.
4. Are there contracts or cancellation fees?
No. Square is contract-free, and you can cancel anytime without penalty.
5. Is Square a good option for restaurants?
Yes. Square for Restaurants offers tiered plans with a kitchen display system (KDS), menu management, and tableside ordering.
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