Straightforward payments with powerful business tools

Square combines payment processing with tools for point of sale, invoicing, bookings, online selling, stock management and business reporting. It is particularly well suited to independent businesses that want a simple system without assembling several separate providers.

Square allows businesses to start with a simple card reader or terminal and add further tools as their requirements develop.

Payments can connect with software for appointments, restaurants, retail, invoices, ecommerce, staff management and customer engagement, helping businesses manage more of their daily operation in one place.

Who is Square best suited to?

Square is especially useful for businesses that value simplicity and want payments connected with practical operating tools.

• Independent shops
• Cafés and smaller restaurants
• Barbers, salons and beauty businesses
• Appointment-based services
• Market traders and pop-up sellers
• Tradespeople and mobile businesses
• Start-ups accepting payments for the first time
• Businesses selling online and in person
• Businesses wanting payments and software from one provider

Straightforward pricing

• Clear transaction-based pricing for standard payment services, making costs relatively easy to understand and forecast
• PCI compliance is included within Square's payment service rather than charged as a separate merchant fee
• Access funds through standard transfers, eligible faster-transfer options or Square Card to manage money received through Square
• Connected tools for appointments, online stores, restaurants, invoicing, inventory, staff management and reporting
• Eligible Square sellers may receive business-funding offers based partly on their processing history, with repayment designed to adjust alongside sales

When tailored pricing may be worth reviewing

• Square's standard pricing model prioritises simplicity and predictability, which may not always be the most economical option for higher-volume businesses
• A business with high card turnover or a particular customer-card mix may benefit from comparing Square with a tailored acquiring proposal
• Higher-volume businesses should assess the full cost of processing, hardware and optional software rather than assuming a standard flat rate will always be cheapest

Business-first assessment

The review starts with how your business operates, not with a predetermined product.

Compared alongside alternatives

Square is considered alongside other suitable options in the available provider range.

Practical suitability

Hardware, mobility, settlement and workflow are all part of the consideration.

Clear recommendation

You receive clear guidance on whether this provider is a suitable fit for your business.