Stripe vs Square

The developer's best friend for payments, until you realize you're paying for every single API call meets the small business savior that makes payments a breeze, but watch out for those sneaky fees. Here's our take.

Stripe

The developer's best friend for payments, until you realize you're paying for every single API call.

Pros

• Best DX
• Great docs
• Reliable
• All payment types
• Incredibly clean and well-documented APIs that just work
• Handles global compliance and fraud detection so you don't have to
• Seamless integration for subscriptions and recurring billing
• Extensive ecosystem with tools like Stripe Connect and Radar

Cons

• 2.9% + 30¢
• Complex for simple needs
• Account holds
• Transaction fees add up fast, especially for high-volume businesses
• Can get pricey for custom or advanced features beyond the basics

Square

Nice Pick

The small business savior that makes payments a breeze, but watch out for those sneaky fees.

Pros

• Dead-simple setup with no technical skills required
• All-in-one ecosystem from POS to payroll
• Transparent pricing with no long-term contracts

Cons

• Transaction fees can add up fast for high-volume sales
• Limited customization options for larger businesses

The Verdict

Use Square if: You want dead-simple setup with no technical skills required and can live with transaction fees can add up fast for high-volume sales.

Use Stripe if: You prioritize best dx over what Square offers.

The Bottom Line

Square wins

The small business savior that makes payments a breeze, but watch out for those sneaky fees.