Comparison
Stripe vs Square fees
Compare Stripe and Square fees online and in person, on your own sale size and volume, with the monthly cost of each.
At 200 sales a month of $50.00:
| Processor | Rate | Fee per sale | Fees per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stripe | 2.9% + $0.30 | $1.75 | $350.00 |
| Square online | 3.3% + $0.30 | $1.95 | $390.00 |
| Square in person | 2.6% + $0.15 | $1.45 | $290.00 |
Stripe vs PayPal vs Square → · Stripe Fee Calculator → · Square Fee Calculator →
Which is cheaper, Stripe or Square?
It depends on where you sell. For online payments Stripe is cheaper: 2.9% + $0.30 against Square’s 3.3% + $0.30. For in-person card payments Square’s 2.6% + $0.15 beats Stripe’s online rate.
Square is built around its point-of-sale hardware, so it suits shops, cafés and market stalls. Stripe is built for websites, apps and subscriptions.
Worked example: 200 sales a month at $50
- Stripe:
- $350.00 / mo
- Square online:
- $390.00 / mo
- Square in person:
- $290.00 / mo
Selling online, Stripe saves $40 a month over Square. In person, Square costs $60 less than Stripe’s online rate.
- Square’s paid plans lower its rates; the calculator includes them as presets.
- Keyed-in card numbers cost more on Square (3.5% + $0.15).
Common questions
- Is Square cheaper than Stripe?
- In person, yes: Square charges 2.6% + $0.15 for tapped or inserted cards. Online, Stripe is cheaper at 2.9% + $0.30 against Square’s 3.3% + $0.30.
- Can I use Stripe for in-person payments?
- Yes, with Stripe Terminal readers, but most small shops find Square’s hardware and point-of-sale app simpler to start with. Compare both at your own sale size before choosing.