Our verdict
Start with Square if you want to launch quickly with less setup. Choose Stripe when you need more control and are willing to spend time or money to get it.
Stripe
No monthly feeTake deposits, invoices and payment links with no monthly fee.
- No monthly cost
- Payment links need no website
- Excellent reliability
- Per-transaction fees
- Dashboard assumes some comfort with tooling
Square
No monthly feePayments that work the same in person and online.
- Strong in-person rates
- Free hardware entry point
- Simple to start
- Fewer developer tools than Stripe
- Online fees are slightly higher
| Stripe | Square | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | No monthly fee | No monthly fee |
| Transaction fee | 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction | 2.6% + 10¢ in person |
| Level | standard | budget |
| Best for | Almost every service business collecting money online. | Local businesses selling face to face and online. |
| Price checked | August 2026 | August 2026 |
Prices are entry-plan estimates and exclude transaction fees. Providers change pricing without notice — confirm before you buy. Some outbound links may earn us a commission, which never affects our verdict. Read the disclosure.
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