Square vs PayPal: Which Is Best for Your Business?

Differences

Processing rates

One of the key differences between them is the basic in-person processing rate:

• PayPal: 2.29% + $0.09
• Square: 2.6% + $0.10

As you can see, PayPal has a slight edge when it comes to in-person transactions. While this might seem small, it can add up if you process a large volume of transactions.

Hardware options

While both Square and PayPal offer a range of card readers, POS hardware products, printers, and more, it’s clear that Square dominates in this area. At Square, you can access mobile magstripe readers, contactless readers, stands, terminals, registers, and a range of different hardware kits.

PayPal also offers credit card readers and terminals, but there is less variety and you won’t have access to Square’s famous mobile magstripe reader, which is a fan favorite with business owners that want minimalist hardware.

Extra business software

While both PayPal and Square offer extra business features, such as business accounts, invoicing platforms, and management tools, Square has a clear advantage.

Square has invested heavily into point of sale software, appointment software, and other add-ons that can make running a business easier.

While PayPal does have a POS platform, most of its add-ons are in the form of integrations with third-party software products such as Shopify and Xero. Square offers more in-house features.

Withdrawing money

When it comes to withdrawing money, Square offers more convenience to its clients. You can automate the withdrawal process to send money directly to your business bank account. With PayPal, your money will enter your PayPal business account, and you will need to manually transfer the funds to your business bank account.

Similarities

Easy-to-use

Both Square and PayPal are easy-to-use platforms for business owners. They offer quick, simple payments and their integrations and add-ons ensure you can access all the tools you need in a single location.

Both accept online and in-person payments

Both online and brick-and-mortar merchants are able to benefit from Paypal and Square. These platforms have uncomplicated integration setups and can provide an effortless POS system experience.

No monthly fees for core features

While add-ons will be at an additional cost, you don’t need to pay anything to access the basic features with Square and PayPal. In fact, Square will even send your first mobile credit card reader to you for free.

Flat-rate processing

At Square and PayPal, you benefit from flat-rate credit card processing on standard transactions. Flat-rate pricing is preferred by businesses because it’s easier to track business expenses. You don’t need to worry about differences in payment depending on transaction size, card type, or whether it’s swipe, chip, or contactless.

Keep in mind that different types of transactions, such as invoices and CNP transactions, can carry different fees from standard in-person transactions. However, these fees are also flat-rate across each category.

Transparent pricing

Fortunately, both Square and PayPal offer transparent pricing and list them on their websites. Square also has plenty of free trials for its add-on products, which makes it easy to test services before you make financial commitments.

Paypal does have an extensive list of fees but you are able to reduce PayPal seller fees with tricks like having customers pay in local currencies or by including PayPal fees in your prices.

Square benefits

If you choose to partner with Square, check out this platform’s strongpoints below:

• Flat-rate pricing
• Transparent pricing
• No monthly fees for basic services
• Extensive hardware options
• Quick approval timeframes
• Available for online and in-store payments
• Free business bank accounts
• A large range of add-ons and software features.

PayPal benefits

If you choose to partner with PayPal, here are the platform’s strongpoints:

• Flat-rate pricing
• Transparent fees
• No monthly fees for basic services
• Various hardware options
• POS software and plenty of third-party integrations
• Digital business wallet
• Available for online and in-store payments
• Low requirements to apply for a business account

In-store payments

Both PayPal and Square offer in-store payments. Square has a range of hardware options available to its users while PayPal only has standard readers and stands.

Square users benefit from a free basic POS system and can also access two specialized types of POS systems: Square for Retail and Square for Restaurants. These two options come with industry-specific tools that are excellent for retail and hospitality.

With PayPal, you only have access to a standard Zettle POS system, which has much fewer features than the point of sale tools available on Square.

Online payments

Again, both PayPal and Square offer online payments. With Square, you can set up an online store or send payment links to customers. Both options allow for seamless online transactions.

On the other hand, PayPal is the guru of online payments. Their easy-to-use PayPal payment buttons and portals make it easy to accept online payments on a variety of platforms. Also, as many American consumers already have PayPal accounts and are familiar with the platform, this can be a preferable choice for online merchants.

Mobile payments

Square is well-known for its mobile payment options. You can use a mobile credit card reader that plugs into your mobile phone or tablet, making it simple to accept payments from an existing mobile device.

With PayPal, you can purchase a portable card reader that connects to your phone for wireless credit card processing.

Virtual terminals

If you’re seeking a credit card terminal to use through a browser, a virtual terminal is a perfect solution. Square offers a free virtual terminal that you can accept over the phone.

PayPal’s virtual terminal has the same built-in features but it comes at a monthly cost of $30.

Recurring payments

Both PayPal and Square have recurring payment tools to set up subscription payments. Square allows you to do recurring payments, but fees will increase to 3.5% and $0.15 if you would like to securely store a card for each transaction. For Paypal, standard rates apply, however for recurring payments, it will cost you $10 a month.

Nonprofit tools

Nonprofits and other organizations can use PayPal and Square for fundraising activities. Square makes it easy to send payment links that can be used for fundraising, event payments, and more.

PayPal also makes it easy to accept in-person and online payments if you’re a nonprofit organization. You don’t need any coding or web experience to quickly set up a donation platform with PayPal.

Nonprofits will see a discounted rate with Paypal at 1.9% plus a $0.49 per transaction. Unfortunately, Square does not offer any discounted rates to nonprofits. To receive the charity rate with Paypal, you will need to be pre-approved and have the proper nonprofit registration.

Invoicing tools

PayPal makes it easy to make and send invoices to customers. Your customers can then pay the invoice through the PayPal platform.

Similarly, Square allows you to send invoices by SMS, email, and link. While the basic invoice platform is free, you can upgrade to a $20 per month plan if you want to access project tracking and other premium features.

International sales

When it comes to international sales, both Square and PayPal offer access to overseas card transactions. Square allows international cards at the same standard rates as domestic cards. However, with PayPal, you can expect a 1.5% fee for international transactions and an additional 1% fee if a currency change is needed.

Pricing structure

Both PayPal’s and Square’s pricing structures are easy-to-understand. There are no monthly fees involved in using the basic platforms. However, some premium add-ons do require monthly fees.

Additionally, with both providers, if you have a high-volume business, you can negotiate cheaper rates.

Monthly fees

There are no monthly fees for the basic processing features at Square and PayPal. Other features do incur costs:

Square monthly fees

• Team Management: Free
• Employee Payroll: $35 per month plus $5 per employee
• Loyalty Program: $45 per month
• Gift Cards: $0.80 per gift card
• Basic POS: Free
• Square for Restaruants: $0 – $60 per month
• Square for Retail: $0 – $60 per month
• Email Marketing: $15 per month
• Square Appointments: $0 – $69 per month

PayPal monthly fees

• Zettle POS: Free
• Third-Party Integrations: Come with their own costs

Processing fees

PayPal processing fees per transaction

• In-Person (Swipe, Chip, Tap): 2.29% and $0.09
• Keyed (CNP): 3.49% and $0.09
• Online: 3.49% + $0.49

Square processing fees

• In-Person (Swipe, Chip, Tap): 2.6% and $0.10
• Keyed (CNP): 3.5% + $0.15
• Online: 2.9% + $0.30

Best for affordability: PayPal

If you’re seeking the most affordable option for your business, there’s no doubt that PayPal wins. By offering 2.29% and $0.09 for a standard in-person transaction, PayPal beats the 2.6% and $0.10 offered by Square.

Again, while this seems like a small difference in pricing, it can quickly add up over time.

Best for retail and in-store: Square

While PayPal has made strides into the retail sphere, there’s no doubt that Square is still miles ahead. With a range of payment terminals and hardware options, as well as extensive POS software tools and other add-ons, Square is the best option for brick-and-mortar businesses.

This is especially true if you’re in the retail or hospitality space. Square’s industry-specific POS software platforms make it easy to manage a business without the need for third-party tools.

Best for eCommerce and online: PayPal

If your primary aim is to build an online store, you need a payment system that specializes in digital transactions. While Square is making considerable efforts to grow its eCommerce platform, PayPal’s hold in digital payments is extremely strong.

PayPal makes online payments effortless for customers. You can process all credit card types, complete bank transfers, and integrate with most websites. Additionally, PayPal is widely used by many online shoppers, which makes it a familiar platform for online transactions.

Best for mobile: Square

There’s no doubt that Square is the dominant force in mobile payments. With easy-to-use magstripe readers that plug into your smartphone, it’s simple to swipe cards without the need for separate hardware. You can also use Square’s bluetooth card reader for chip and contactless payments.

While PayPal also has a bluetooth card reader known as PayPal Here, Square far surpasses the capabilities of PayPal Here’s reader. Paypal’s iZettle does have contactless payments that take quick mobile payments that are suitable for your on-the-go customers.

Best for invoicing: Square

Square offers an elite invoicing platform that includes unlimited invoices, access to estimates, and invoice sending options. There is also a premium subscription option that allows project tracking for $20 a month.

However, invoicing is not a weak point at PayPal. The platform also has a straightforward invoice platform that businesses can take advantage of.

Merchant accounts

With merchant accounts, you can have custom credit card processing fees and have control over your payment platform. Some merchant account providers specialize in high-risk businesses, which means you won’t need to worry about some of the inconveniences like account closure or held funds that are associated with Square and PayPal.

Zero-cost credit card processing

If you want to avoid the cost of payment processing altogether, it might be worth considering zero-cost credit card processing. This type of credit card processing automatically passes the cost of the processing fees onto the customer. Keep in mind: This may not be legal in all 50 states, so make sure to check local regulations or a merchant service provider about compliant zero-cost processing programs.^[2]USA Today Money. “It’s illegal to charge credit card processing fees in these 5 states. Here’s what to do.” May 2, 2022.

Does PayPal own Square?

No. PayPal and Square are different entities. Square first started providing services to customers in 2010, while PayPal first began offering its online payment services in 1998.

Can I transfer money from Paypal to Square?

Not directly. However, if you link your PayPal and Square account to the same bank account, you can transfer money to your bank account and then transfer it between PayPal and Square.

Does Square accept PayPal?

No. That being said, some paid plans on Square allow online store users to add PayPal payment options to their websites.

Is PayPal or Square more secure?

It’s hard to provide a definitive answer on which platform is more secure as all payment platforms have vulnerabilities. However, Square does have a credit card fraud detection tool at an additional cost. Paypal only provides proactive tips to prevent fraud as a business owner.

Which is better for small businesses, Square or PayPal?

As discussed in this guide, the best payment service provider will depend on your business’s individual needs. If your priority is lower fees, then PayPal is a better option. If you’re seeking a payment processing platform that’s extremely convenient for mobile phones, you should choose Square.

Can you pay a Square invoice with Paypal?

No. At present, you cannot pay Square invoices with PayPal. However, you can pay your invoice using ACH bank transfer, eligible cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.^[3]Square “Pay Invoices with Square“. May 2, 2022