Payment apps
Stripe vs Square
Real fees on $25, $100 and $500 — and when to pick each. Stripe keeps you more on a $100 sale.
| Sale price | Stripe fees | Stripe you keep | Square fees | Square you keep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25.00 | - $1.03 | $23.98 | - $1.13 | $23.88 |
| $100.00 | - $3.20 | $96.80 | - $3.60 | $96.40 |
| $500.00 | - $14.80 | $485.20 | - $16.80 | $483.20 |
Based on each platform’s standard 2026 fees with no add-ons. Use the calculators for your exact category, store tier, or promoted listings.
When to pick Stripe
- Best for online-only businesses and developers.
- Lower online card rate (2.9% + $0.30).
- Powerful API for custom checkout flows.
When to pick Square
- Best for in-person sales (2.6% + $0.15).
- Free POS hardware and software to get started.
- Combined online + in-person in one dashboard.
Other comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Stripe or Square?+
On a $100 sale, Stripe keeps more of your money. Stripe charges $3.20 on $100 (you keep $96.80); Square charges $3.60 (you keep $96.40). The answer can flip on very small or very large orders — use the full calculators for your exact numbers.
When should I choose Stripe?+
Best for online-only businesses and developers. Lower online card rate (2.9% + $0.30). Powerful API for custom checkout flows.
When should I choose Square?+
Best for in-person sales (2.6% + $0.15). Free POS hardware and software to get started. Combined online + in-person in one dashboard.
Can I use both Stripe and Square?+
Yes — many sellers cross-list to spread reach and compare what sells where. Just price each listing to cover that platform's specific fees so you stay profitable on either.
Where do these fee numbers come from?+
Each platform's published 2026 fee schedule, verified against its official help center. We update the rates as they change — see our methodology for details.