Square offers an integrated, flat-rate POS and payments ecosystem built for fast self-serve onboarding across retail, restaurants, and services. ONKORE helps merchants evaluate whether Square's plan-based pricing and hardware fit their transaction mix — or whether a customized, interchange-plus or supported-program configuration would lower cost and add flexibility.
Available on supported processing programs.
No long-term ONKORE processing contract on supported programs.
Restaurant, retail, and other supported POS configurations.
Available through supported gateway configurations.
Merchant-focused ONKORE guidance and support.
The best provider depends on transaction volume, average ticket, payment method, industry, equipment, support needs, and account eligibility.
Pricing, features, hardware, promotions, and service terms may change. Confirm current information directly with the provider before making a decision.
| Feature | ONKORERecommended | Square | What to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary target customer | Businesses seeking personalized payment processing and POS solutions. | Small businesses, startups, mobile sellers, and service businesses wanting fast self-serve setup. | Compare which business types each provider is designed for. |
| Best-fit business types | Businesses seeking personalized service and transparent pricing. | Small businesses, startups, mobile sellers, and service businesses wanting fast setup. | Consider whether the provider's strengths align with your business model. |
| Pricing & Commercial Model | |||
| Pricing model | Interchange-plus and custom programs based on merchant eligibility. | Flat-rate, plan-based payment processing. Square Free, Plus ($49/mo per location), and Premium ($149/mo per location) with lower processing rates at higher tiers; custom pricing available for businesses processing over $250,000/year. | Compare whether pricing is flat-rate, interchange-plus, or custom. Ask for the effective rate on your actual transaction mix. |
| Published transaction pricing | Customized quote — contact ONKORE for a personalized rate. | Rates vary by plan. In-person tap/dip/swipe: 2.6% + $0.15 (Free), 2.5% + $0.15 (Plus), 2.4% + $0.15 (Premium). Online: 3.3% + $0.30 (Free), 2.9% + $0.30 (Plus/Premium). Online API: 2.9% + $0.30. Manually entered/card-on-file: 3.5% + $0.15. ACH through invoices: 1% ($1 min; Plus/Premium capped at $10). | Review the published rates but confirm they apply to your specific plan and payment mix. |
| Customized pricing availability | Yes — pricing tailored to merchant profile. | Businesses processing more than $250,000 annually may be eligible for custom pricing (Square Pro). | Determine whether pricing is tailored to your volume, ticket size, and industry. |
| Monthly software cost | Depends on selected processing platform — contact ONKORE for details. | Square Free $0/mo per location; Plus $49/mo per location; Premium $149/mo per location. POS and industry-specific software may add cost. | Check whether a software subscription is required and what it includes. |
| Setup or implementation cost | Based on merchant eligibility and selected platform. | Self-serve online signup; no setup fee for standard plans. | Evaluate whether onboarding is self-serve or guided by a specialist. |
| Hardware cost | Countertop, wireless, mobile, and kiosk terminals available — contact ONKORE for details. | Square Reader, Terminal, Register, Stand, and Tap to Pay on iPhone/Android — separate hardware charges apply; no hardware required to start. | Compare terminal types, connectivity options, and whether hardware is purchased or leased. |
| Payments & Funding | |||
| In-person payments | Available where supported — countertop, wireless, mobile terminals. | Square Reader, Square Terminal, Square Register, and Tap to Pay on phone. In-person rate from 2.6% + $0.15. | Check terminal types, connectivity options, and whether hardware is purchased or leased. |
| Funding options | True Daily Funding available on supported processing programs — contact ONKORE for eligibility and availability. Next-business-day funding also available. | Same-day to 1–2 business days (varies). Instant transfer available for a fee. | Compare settlement schedule, eligibility, availability, cutoff times, and any applicable fees rather than relying only on labels such as daily, next-day, or instant funding. |
| Virtual terminal | Browser-based virtual terminal available where supported. | Included with Square account. | Determine whether keyed-in transactions and MOTO processing are supported. |
| Payment links | Branded payment links available. | Square payment links available. | Check whether branded checkout pages and QR codes are available. |
| Recurring billing | Subscription billing with automated dunning available where supported. | Square Subscriptions available. | Compare dunning management, proration, and customer self-service options. |
| Invoicing | Email invoicing with pay-by-link available where supported. | Square Invoices included. ACH through invoices at 1%. | Evaluate whether invoicing is built-in or requires a third-party integration. |
| Online Payments & Security | |||
| Online payments | Payment gateway with developer-friendly API; 3D Secure (3DS) authentication available through supported gateway configurations. | Square Online Store, API, and checkout. Online rate from 3.3% + $0.30 (Free). | Consider gateway features, API quality, and checkout customization options. |
| 3D Secure / 3DS Authentication | Available through supported gateway configurations. | 3D Secure supported through Square's online checkout where configured; confirm current 3DS availability for your integration. | 3DS adds an additional cardholder-authentication layer for eligible online transactions. Availability and implementation vary by gateway and configuration. |
| Integrations | Integrations with major platforms — contact ONKORE for details. | Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and App Marketplace integrations. | Check compatibility with your e-commerce platform, CMS, or accounting tools. |
| Chargeback tools | Chargeback management and dispute support available. | Dispute management in dashboard. | Compare dispute management tools and chargeback response support. |
| PCI-related fees | Contact ONKORE for PCI program details. | PCI compliance included. | Ask whether PCI compliance fees are included or charged separately. |
| POS & Operations | |||
| POS capabilities | Multiple POS options by industry — restaurant, retail, and other supported configurations; contact ONKORE for details. | Square Point of Sale (free app); Square for Restaurants, Retail, and Appointments available. | Consider industry-specific POS features, inventory, and reporting. |
| Inventory | Depends on selected ONKORE POS solution — contact for details. | Inventory management built into Square POS. | Compare inventory management depth and real-time tracking. |
| Employee management | Depends on selected ONKORE POS solution — contact for details. | Square Team Management available. | Evaluate team management, scheduling, and payroll features. |
| Reporting | Reporting tools available — contact ONKORE for details. | Square Dashboard reporting and analytics. | Compare reporting and analytics depth across providers. |
| Relationship & Contract | |||
| Customer support | Dedicated merchant support team. | Chat and email; phone support limited; 24/7 support on Premium plan. | Compare hours, channels (phone/email/chat), and whether you get a dedicated rep. |
| Processing Contract | No long-term processing contract on supported ONKORE programs. | No long-term processing contract; month-to-month. | Compare whether a long-term processing contract is required and whether terms vary by provider, reseller, plan, or hardware arrangement. |
| Contract requirements | Contact ONKORE for current contract terms. | No long-term contracts; month-to-month. | Review contract length, auto-renewal clauses, and equipment lease terms. |
| Early termination provisions | Contact ONKORE for current terms. | No early termination fees. | Check for cancellation fees and equipment lease buyouts. |
| Industry restrictions | Wide industry coverage — contact to confirm eligibility. | Broad — retail, food, services, appointments. | Confirm the provider supports your specific industry and business type. |
| Important limitations | ONKORE capabilities depend on selected processing platform. Confirm with an ONKORE payment specialist. | Hardware, software subscriptions, payroll, marketing, and other services may involve separate charges. Do not present one Square rate as applying to every merchant, plan, or product. | Review key limitations and restrictions that may affect your decision. |
Primary target customer
ONKORERecommended
Businesses seeking personalized payment processing and POS solutions.
Square
Small businesses, startups, mobile sellers, and service businesses wanting fast self-serve setup.
Best-fit business types
ONKORERecommended
Businesses seeking personalized service and transparent pricing.
Square
Small businesses, startups, mobile sellers, and service businesses wanting fast setup.
Pricing model
ONKORERecommended
Interchange-plus and custom programs based on merchant eligibility.
Square
Flat-rate, plan-based payment processing. Square Free, Plus ($49/mo per location), and Premium ($149/mo per location) with lower processing rates at higher tiers; custom pricing available for businesses processing over $250,000/year.
Published transaction pricing
ONKORERecommended
Customized quote — contact ONKORE for a personalized rate.
Square
Rates vary by plan. In-person tap/dip/swipe: 2.6% + $0.15 (Free), 2.5% + $0.15 (Plus), 2.4% + $0.15 (Premium). Online: 3.3% + $0.30 (Free), 2.9% + $0.30 (Plus/Premium). Online API: 2.9% + $0.30. Manually entered/card-on-file: 3.5% + $0.15. ACH through invoices: 1% ($1 min; Plus/Premium capped at $10).
Customized pricing availability
ONKORERecommended
Yes — pricing tailored to merchant profile.
Square
Businesses processing more than $250,000 annually may be eligible for custom pricing (Square Pro).
Monthly software cost
ONKORERecommended
Depends on selected processing platform — contact ONKORE for details.
Square
Square Free $0/mo per location; Plus $49/mo per location; Premium $149/mo per location. POS and industry-specific software may add cost.
Setup or implementation cost
ONKORERecommended
Based on merchant eligibility and selected platform.
Square
Self-serve online signup; no setup fee for standard plans.
Hardware cost
ONKORERecommended
Countertop, wireless, mobile, and kiosk terminals available — contact ONKORE for details.
Square
Square Reader, Terminal, Register, Stand, and Tap to Pay on iPhone/Android — separate hardware charges apply; no hardware required to start.
In-person payments
ONKORERecommended
Available where supported — countertop, wireless, mobile terminals.
Square
Square Reader, Square Terminal, Square Register, and Tap to Pay on phone. In-person rate from 2.6% + $0.15.
Funding options
ONKORERecommended
True Daily Funding available on supported processing programs — contact ONKORE for eligibility and availability. Next-business-day funding also available.
Square
Same-day to 1–2 business days (varies). Instant transfer available for a fee.
Virtual terminal
ONKORERecommended
Browser-based virtual terminal available where supported.
Square
Included with Square account.
Payment links
ONKORERecommended
Branded payment links available.
Square
Square payment links available.
Recurring billing
ONKORERecommended
Subscription billing with automated dunning available where supported.
Square
Square Subscriptions available.
Invoicing
ONKORERecommended
Email invoicing with pay-by-link available where supported.
Square
Square Invoices included. ACH through invoices at 1%.
Online payments
ONKORERecommended
Payment gateway with developer-friendly API; 3D Secure (3DS) authentication available through supported gateway configurations.
Square
Square Online Store, API, and checkout. Online rate from 3.3% + $0.30 (Free).
3D Secure / 3DS Authentication
ONKORERecommended
Available through supported gateway configurations.
Square
3D Secure supported through Square's online checkout where configured; confirm current 3DS availability for your integration.
Integrations
ONKORERecommended
Integrations with major platforms — contact ONKORE for details.
Square
Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and App Marketplace integrations.
Chargeback tools
ONKORERecommended
Chargeback management and dispute support available.
Square
Dispute management in dashboard.
PCI-related fees
ONKORERecommended
Contact ONKORE for PCI program details.
Square
PCI compliance included.
POS capabilities
ONKORERecommended
Multiple POS options by industry — restaurant, retail, and other supported configurations; contact ONKORE for details.
Square
Square Point of Sale (free app); Square for Restaurants, Retail, and Appointments available.
Inventory
ONKORERecommended
Depends on selected ONKORE POS solution — contact for details.
Square
Inventory management built into Square POS.
Employee management
ONKORERecommended
Depends on selected ONKORE POS solution — contact for details.
Square
Square Team Management available.
Reporting
ONKORERecommended
Reporting tools available — contact ONKORE for details.
Square
Square Dashboard reporting and analytics.
Customer support
ONKORERecommended
Dedicated merchant support team.
Square
Chat and email; phone support limited; 24/7 support on Premium plan.
Processing Contract
ONKORERecommended
No long-term processing contract on supported ONKORE programs.
Square
No long-term processing contract; month-to-month.
Contract requirements
ONKORERecommended
Contact ONKORE for current contract terms.
Square
No long-term contracts; month-to-month.
Early termination provisions
ONKORERecommended
Contact ONKORE for current terms.
Square
No early termination fees.
Industry restrictions
ONKORERecommended
Wide industry coverage — contact to confirm eligibility.
Square
Broad — retail, food, services, appointments.
Important limitations
ONKORERecommended
ONKORE capabilities depend on selected processing platform. Confirm with an ONKORE payment specialist.
Square
Hardware, software subscriptions, payroll, marketing, and other services may involve separate charges. Do not present one Square rate as applying to every merchant, plan, or product.
Compare Square's integrated POS, payments, and business-tool ecosystem against ONKORE's merchant-specific configuration approach. ONKORE helps merchants evaluate whether Square's plan-based pricing fits their transaction mix or whether a customized program would be more cost-effective.
| Capability | ONKORERecommended | Square |
|---|---|---|
| POS software | Multiple POS options by industry through supported solutions — contact ONKORE. | Square POS free app; Square for Restaurants, Retail, and Appointments. |
| Hardware | Countertop, wireless, mobile, and kiosk terminals available — contact ONKORE. | Reader, Terminal, Register, Stand; Tap to Pay on iPhone/Android. |
| Online payments | Payment gateway with API; 3D Secure through supported gateway configurations. | Square Online Store, API, and checkout. |
| Invoicing & payment links | Email invoicing and branded payment links available where supported. | Square Invoices and payment links included. |
| Recurring billing | Subscription billing with automated dunning where supported. | Square Subscriptions available. |
| Pricing model | Interchange-plus and custom programs based on merchant profile. | Flat-rate, plan-based (Free/Plus/Premium); custom for >$250K/yr. |
| Funding | True Daily Funding on supported programs — contact for eligibility. | Same-day to 1–2 business days; instant transfer available for a fee. |
| Support | Dedicated merchant support team. | Chat and email; phone limited; 24/7 on Premium. |
POS software
ONKORE
Multiple POS options by industry through supported solutions — contact ONKORE.
Square
Square POS free app; Square for Restaurants, Retail, and Appointments.
Hardware
ONKORE
Countertop, wireless, mobile, and kiosk terminals available — contact ONKORE.
Square
Reader, Terminal, Register, Stand; Tap to Pay on iPhone/Android.
Online payments
ONKORE
Payment gateway with API; 3D Secure through supported gateway configurations.
Square
Square Online Store, API, and checkout.
Invoicing & payment links
ONKORE
Email invoicing and branded payment links available where supported.
Square
Square Invoices and payment links included.
Recurring billing
ONKORE
Subscription billing with automated dunning where supported.
Square
Square Subscriptions available.
Pricing model
ONKORE
Interchange-plus and custom programs based on merchant profile.
Square
Flat-rate, plan-based (Free/Plus/Premium); custom for >$250K/yr.
Funding
ONKORE
True Daily Funding on supported programs — contact for eligibility.
Square
Same-day to 1–2 business days; instant transfer available for a fee.
Support
ONKORE
Dedicated merchant support team.
Square
Chat and email; phone limited; 24/7 on Premium.
Capabilities vary by selected ONKORE-supported solution and configuration. ONKORE does not develop third-party POS or gateway technology.
Competitor information is based on publicly available official United States websites. Pricing, features, hardware, promotions, and service terms may change. Confirm current information directly with the provider before making a decision.
Last verified: 2026-08-27
Square
Our Fees
Date reviewed: 2026-08-27
Square
Pricing Plans
Date reviewed: 2026-08-27
Square
Point of Sale
Date reviewed: 2026-08-27
Competitor names, trademarks, products, and services belong to their respective owners. ONKORE Payment Solutions is not affiliated with or endorsed by Square, Stripe, Clover, or Toast unless expressly stated. Comparison information is provided for general educational purposes and may change. Verify current pricing, features, eligibility, hardware, and contractual terms directly with each provider.
What sets ONKORE apart in a crowded payments landscape.
Clear explanations around payment processing and pricing — no black boxes, no surprises.
Payment and technology recommendations based on your operational requirements, not a one-size-fits-all package.
Supported gateway configurations can include APIs, tokenization, recurring payments, and 3D Secure (3DS) authentication for eligible online transactions.
True Daily Funding is available on supported ONKORE processing programs for eligible merchants. Contact ONKORE for eligibility and availability.
Accessible merchant-focused guidance before and after implementation.
Resources that help businesses understand payments instead of treating processing as a mystery.
No long-term ONKORE processing contract on supported programs, giving merchants greater flexibility without being locked into a multi-year processing commitment.
Merchant statements can contain interchange costs, processor markups, authorization charges, monthly fees, PCI-related charges, equipment costs, and other items. ONKORE can review your current statement and explain the pricing structure in plain language.
Your results will depend on your business type, processing history, transaction mix, equipment, program eligibility, and provider terms.
ONKORE can help evaluate your current processing setup, technology requirements, and business needs before recommending a solution.