Which is the best payment processor between Square and Stripe (+ 1 bonus alternative)?

Our review of Square vs Stripe

Square and Stripe are high-performance payment solutions with a wide range of functions.

While Square offers a complete suite including point-of-sale payments, Stripe offers advanced functionalities specifically adapted to online payments . A more interesting alternative is Hero, which combines the best of both worlds.

What exactly is Square?

Square is an online and point-of-sale payment solution that makes it easier for merchants to manage their payments.

Initially designed to enable stores to accept credit card payments on sellers' smartphones via a card reader, Square has grown over the years to become a complete payment platform.

With tools for payroll, online store creation, marketing and invoicing, this solution offers interesting payment options. These enable small businesses to get up and running more quickly.

What exactly is Stripe?

A little more recent than Square, Stripe is a payment gateway. used for credit card payments.

It operates on a cloud-based infrastructure that guarantees safety and reliability transactions. More suitable for developers, Stripe offers powerful tools for integration with the most popular work tools and extensive customization.

Square and Stripe's main features

At first glance, the two leading payment solutions seem to offer fairly similar functionalities. There are, however, some notable differences:

Ease of use

If you're going to use a credit card payment solution, it needs to be as easy for you to use as possible. Square is designed to be quick and easy to set up .

It's a turnkey solution, ideal for small businesses . Suitable for beginners and professionals alike. You don't need advanced knowledge of computer languages to use Square.

Stripe, on the other hand, is better suited to companies with specific technical needs.

Its powerful API enables personalize the payment experience But it's best if you have development skills. Stripe is therefore a perfect solution if you're an online business or startup looking to integrate personalized payment systems.

Mobile payment

Square stands out with its simple mobile payment solutions . Thanks to its portable card readers compatible with various types of electronic devices (smartphone, tablet, PC), merchants can accept payments on the move, via :

• Banking card

• Apple Pay

• Google Pay

Stripe's mobile payment offers are more technical than Square's.

With Stripe Terminal and its mobile SDK, you can integrate payments directly into your mobile application for a customized user experience.

Stripe also allows you to manage multiple digital portfolios like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

For its part, Stripe offers greater flexibility than Square for e-commerce. Indeed, Stripe's ACH payment option for payments of up to €5 is very affordable.

In addition to the e-wallets also processed by Square, Stripe has access to options such as AliPay, which are better suited to international transfers. Stripe also accepts over 135 currencies which makes it internationally compatible.

International

To date, Square is only available in a handful of countries:

• United States

• Canada

• Australie

• Japan

• United Kingdom

• France

• Ireland0

That makes it perfect for small local businesses but limits its usefulness for international companies.

Stripe, for its part, has the advantage of broad geographic coverage . The solution is available in 40 countries around the world .

What's more, it allows you to process transactions in over 135 different currencies . It also accepts local payment methods such as SEPA in Europe, AliPay in China, and many others.

Protection against chargebacks

Chargeback is one of the main concerns of e-tailers. Whichever solution you choose, you'll be entitled to protection against chargebacks .

Square covers your rebilling losses by offering up to 250 coverage per month. To qualify, you must respond to a payment dispute within seven days. Please note that Square does not charge no additional charge for rebilling.

For its part, Stripe offers a tool to help you protect yourself against fraud.

Radar Stripe's AI-based fraud detection system, real-time transaction analysis to detect and block fraudulent payments . What's more, in the event of a dispute with a customer, Stripe puts in place procedures to settle the dispute. This advanced security measure gives Stripe an advantage over Square.

Unlike Square, Stripe charges 15 charge for chargebacks . This fee is refunded if you win the case while no coverage will be provided if you lose the dispute.

Transaction speed

Square propose fast payments s, generally accessible in one to two working days . If you need funds more quickly, you can opt for instant deposits for a small surcharge (around 1.5% of the amount).

Like Square, Stripe processes payments within two business days. Depending on transaction volume and account history, Stripe can offer accelerated transfers, ideal for businesses requiring fast cash flow.

Accepted payment methods

In addition to the main credit card types, Square also processes e-wallets such as Apple Pay and Android Pay. So you'll be able to accept payments across all sales channels.

When it comes to in-person payments, Square has thought of everything: once you've signed up for one of Square's offers, you'll have access to a free card reader and material records for your offline store. With Square, you can choose to be paid online, in person or both as you prefer.

Like Square, Stripe accepts a wide range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, as well as digital wallets.

Stripe accepts a wider range of payment methods than Square, as it also accepts local methods such as IDEAL, Bancontact, WeChat Pay, and many others. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses looking to offer diversified payment options to their customers worldwide.

Additional functions

Both payment solutions have their own unique features that set them apart from the competition.

Square does more than just process payments. It also offers :

• A point-of-sale (POS) terminal

• Inventory management tools

• Appointment scheduling

• De facturation

It's the ideal all-in-one solution for retailers, restaurateurs and service providers.

Stripe, on the other hand, offers more advanced features such as :

• Stripe Connect to manage marketplaces

• Stripe Billing to manage subscriptions and recurring payments

• Stripe Atlas to set up a business in the United States

• Etc.

Square and Stripe feature comparison chart

Square vs Stripe : comparatif des tarifs

Both payment solutions do not charge no monthly subscription fee and monthly deposits are free in both cases.

Stripe can nevertheless apply charges for specific functions such as recurring or international payments (1% for international cards, additional 1% for each currency conversion required), but these fees come with features tailored to online businesses.

Stripe is slightly more expensive than Square for smart card transaction fees are fairly similar: 2.6% and 0.10 euro per transaction for Square versus 2.9% and 0.30 euro per transaction for Stripe.

Square, on the other hand, is more expensive in terms of transactions per key: 3.15% and 0.15 euros for Square versus 2.9% and 0.30 euros for Stripe. Transaction costs vary according to the amount of the transaction, and other variables . Square, like Stripe, charges a $15 chargeback fee.

In general, Square is more advantageous for small businesses and physical shops looking for a simple, cost-effective solution with transparent fees.

Stripe is ideal for online businesses or those planning to extend their reach internationally, even if this means slightly higher fees.

Square and Stripe price comparison chart

Square vs Stripe: which has the best customer service?

Square and Stripe both offer different approaches to customer service.

Square's customer service is accessible by phone, chat and e-mail, with generally short waiting times .

Customer reviews testify to the ease of navigation in its online help resources. What's more, Square has an X account (Twitter ) if you wish to contact customer service on social networks.

Stripe's customer service availability is more limited than Square's. In fact, they are only available by e-mail or chat .

However, if you would like technical advice, you can write to the support forum from Stripe. In addition, the company provides its customers with comprehensive documentation on the use of their tools .

Which CMS and platforms do Square and Stripe integrate with?

Square integrates easily with a variety of content management systems (CMS) and e-commerce platforms, such as :

• WooCommerce

• Wix

• Shopify

Stripe is also compatible with several CMS, including :

• Squarespace

• WordPress

• Magento

The difference is that Stripe requires more technical knowledge to integrate with various CMS and platforms.

What do they have in common and what are their differences?

Square and Stripe have similarities and differences.

Common ground

Square and Stripe share several key features, including:

• Payment security Both platforms use advanced encryption technologies to ensure transaction security, and both comply with PCI security standards.

• Both solutions require no subscription

• Various payment methods accepted

The differences

Despite these similarities, Square and Stripe differ in the following respects:

• Target customers Square is primarily focused on small businesses, while Stripe is more geared towards larger companies looking to expand further.

• Tools for beginners vs. tools for developers Square is easy to use for non-developers, while Stripe requires knowledge of computer languages such as Java Print. If you're not one yourself, you'll need to ask a developer for help.

• Offer customization Stripe is more flexible, allowing users to tailor their payment solution to their specific needs. Square, while offering interesting features, does not offer such a high level of customization.

Square's advantages over Stripe

Why choose Square over Stripe? Here are the advantages of Square over Stripe:

More intuitive user interface

Square stands out for son interface simple which guarantees an optimal user experience.

An all-in-one solution

Square offers a complete range of solutions, from online payments to POS.

This makes it possible to manage operations centrally This can be a major advantage if you don't want to juggle several tools.

Responsive customer service

Square users benefit from easily accessible customer service with fast response times.

Inventory management tools

Square for Retail, Square's inventory management tool, enables you to monitor stock levels in real time, adjust quantities, carry out replenishments and manage product variants .

Accepting payments in person

Square's major advantage over Stripe is that it excels in in-person payments thanks to its POS. This is why Square is suitable for both online and physical stores.

Transparent pricing

Square offre simple, transparent pricing with no hidden costs . With Square, you'll know exactly what you have to pay, and you'll be able to better forecast your costs.

Square's disadvantages compared with Stripe

The main disadvantages of Square compared to Stripe are :

Customization limitation

Although Square is easy to use, the tool offers less flexibility than Stripe .

Unlike the latter, Square only offers standard contracts, which can be an obstacle for companies with complex payment management requirements.

Limited international support

Square proposed not the same international payment options as Stripe .

If your company does business abroad, Square's limitations in terms of currencies and payment methods can be a problem.

Less competitive rates for large companies

Transaction fees can add up with high sales volumes . Stripe offers more attractive pricing solutions for larger volumes.

What's the alternative to Square and Stripe?

Hero is a payment solution that combines an ultra-simple interface with advanced features ideal for growing businesses. Hero offers simple integration and management tools, making it a simple, efficient payment solution for SMEs.

Hero is not just a payment platform. It's a financing tool in its own right.

The platform can advance your supplier invoices and offer you the chance to pay it back in 3 or 4 instalments or deferred payment (after 60 or 90 days).

The platform also offers financial products such as a free pro bank account.

In short, each solution has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's up to you to choose the one that suits you best.

Our comparison Square vs Stripe has certainly enabled you to weigh up the pros and cons of each tool, but neither solution has the functionality of Hero.