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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Stax and Square use different payment-processing models. Stax charges a monthly subscription, direct-cost interchange, and a flat fee per transaction; Square offers a no-subscription Free plan with percentage-plus-fixed-fee processing, as well as paid plans with lower published rates and additional software. Which costs less for your business depends on your transaction mix, average sale, volume, software needs, and other account charges—not on a universal break-even figure.
This comparison reflects the providers’ published U.S. pages checked October 7, 2026. Rates, plans, equipment, eligibility, and terms can change; confirm current pricing and account terms before switching.
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How do Stax and Square fees compare?
Stax’s published model separates a monthly subscription from card-network interchange and a flat per-transaction charge. Square’s published rates combine a percentage and a fixed amount for each payment, with different pricing by plan and sales channel.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Stax Pay pricing
Stax lists subscription prices based on annual processing volume: $99 per month for up to $150,000 a year, $139 per month for $150,000–$250,000 a year, and $199 or more per month above $250,000. It says higher volumes can receive custom quotes. The subscription prices do not include cents per transaction. Stax lists an additional $0.08 per card-present transaction and $0.15 per card-not-present transaction, plus direct-cost interchange without a percentage markup. These published amounts are not a complete estimate of an account’s total cost; confirm the quote and all applicable charges with Stax. See Stax’s pricing page.
#1 Best Overall
- With Square Terminal, you can ring up sales, accept payments, and print receipts, all with one device. Use it at the counter or ring up customers anywhere in your store.
- Accept all major credit and debit cards and pay one low rate with no hidden fees and no long-term contracts.
- Process chip cards in just two seconds.
- Get your money as soon as the next business day.
- Use it cordlessly with the built-in battery, designed to last all day.
Square pricing by plan and channel
Square’s U.S. pricing page lists the following rates for card-present payments (tap, dip, or swipe) and online payments:
| Square plan | Card-present | Online | Subscription |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | 2.6% + 15¢ | 3.3% + 30¢ | No monthly subscription cost |
| Plus | 2.5% + 15¢ | 2.9% + 30¢ | Monthly charge; applies per location |
| Premium | 2.4% + 15¢ | 2.9% + 30¢ | Monthly charge; applies per location |
These are the rates published on Square’s U.S. plans page when checked October 7, 2026. Square lists separate prices for other payment types, including keyed transactions and ACH, so do not apply the table to those payments. The page does not state the paid plans’ monthly charges in the comparison above; check the current plan terms. See Square’s plans and pricing.
Rank #2
- Use the, easy-to-use, and customizable POS to get started.
- Accept contactless payments, chip cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay from anywhere, with improved connectivity, extended battery life, and enhanced security. Pay one low rate for every tap or dip.
- No long-term commitments or contracts, no monthly fees- and with offline payments, keep taking payments for up to 24 hours.
- Safely and securely accepts payments anywhere. Plus, get data security, 24/7 fraud prevention, and payment-dispute management at no extra cost.
- Use the, easy-to-use, and customizable POS to get started.
Square describes Free this way: “With Square Free, there are no monthly subscription costs — you only pay processing fees when you take a payment.” The absence of a subscription does not mean payments have no processing cost.
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Which is cheaper for your business?
The published rates alone cannot establish a winner. Square Free avoids a monthly subscription but charges a percentage of each eligible payment. Stax adds a recurring subscription and per-transaction charges, while its model passes through interchange without a percentage markup. A business with a larger volume of payments may weigh those structures differently from one with fewer sales, but no single break-even point applies to every merchant.
Rank #3
- Our team provides expert guidance, onboarding assistance, and payment processing consultation to help businesses deploy Square solutions effectively.
- Complete Business Payment Solution - Accept EMV chip cards, contactless payments, NFC wallets, and traditional credit and debit card transactions. Square Terminal combines payment acceptance, receipt printing, and business management tools in a compact all-in-one device.
- Expert POS Deployment Support - Unlike standard online purchases, SwyftPAY provides hands-on onboarding assistance from payment industry professionals with over 50 years of experience serving retail, restaurant, mobile, and service-based businesses.
- Designed for Growing Businesses - Ideal for retail stores, restaurants, food trucks, service contractors, salons, medical offices, professional services firms, and other businesses seeking a modern payment acceptance solution.
- Equipment ships after signup with Square, through SwyftPAY
To compare realistic monthly costs, use your own processing statement and obtain current quotes. Include:
- Monthly and annual processing volume, transaction count, and average ticket.
- The share of payments that are in person, online, keyed, or ACH.
- Card mix and the interchange shown on your statement.
- Subscription charges, including any per-location fees, and all other account charges.
- Needed software, hardware purchases, and any negotiated rates.
Stax’s fee-statement documentation identifies possible additional statement categories such as PCI, disputes, equipment, account updater, minimum billing, and other adjustments. Check which apply to your account rather than assuming the listed subscription and transaction rates are the whole bill. Read Stax’s fee-statement documentation.
Rank #4
- Practical Design: Comfortable handle for easy portability,Comes with specially mesh pocket for other accessories,Smooth but strong double zipper are easy for opening and closing, giving you a better using experience.
- Perfect Fit: Specially designed for Square Terminal.
- Great Protection: Stylish and Durable,prevents any damages or scratches caused by accidentally bumping,dropping, secures the device in good condition on travelling or outdoors.
- Eco-friendly Material: Made of High-density EVA and 1680D Material, premium Hard EVA to provide durability and a long-lasting performance.
- Note: This listing is an empty Case only. Any items shown in photos are for illustrative purposes only and are not included with the case.
What software and business features do they include?
Stax Pay
Stax says its subscription includes tools such as invoicing, payment links and hosted payment pages, recurring billing, analytics, data exports, integrations, fraud protection, and support. Confirm the exact package and account terms with Stax before comparing it with software you already use.
Square
Square presents a wider business toolkit across its plans, including point-of-sale software, online selling, item and inventory tools, invoicing, booking, and payment-related services. Its paid plans add features such as industry-specific POS tools, loyalty and marketing features, and lower published processing rates; Premium lists 24/7 priority support. Match those features to the work your business actually needs, and account for the per-location subscription charges. Review Square’s current plan details.
Best Value
- For Square Terminal Case Perfect fit: This storage bag is specially designed for square terminal, which collects credit card machine and all accessories together, ensuring its safety and reliability in any situation. Protective case for square terminal external size:8.2*6.8*3.2 inches(Case Only! Mobile POS and accessories not included) Note: Case designed for bare device only. Remove any protective cover before use to ensure proper fit!
- Multi-functional Structural Design for Square Terminal Cover: Travel case for square reader has well-planned internal space with 6 slots in total. Main slot is for square card reader, while 5 small slots are specifically designed for storing receipt paper rolls. This design allows each item to be stored separately, avoiding friction and collision damage, while also making storage and retrieval more convenient
- For Square Terminal Accessories Storage Premium materials: Made of high-quality material, carrying bag for square terminal credit card is sturdy, shock-resistant and drop-proof, which can protect your POS machine from scratches and dust. For square terminal container also absorbs external impact forces and ensures device safety
- Large capacity of Hard Case for Square Terminal: With zipper mesh pocket, for square receipt paper holder collects adapter, charging cables, and other accessories in one place. To prevent potential damage to credit card machine from these accessories, partition is designed inside storage bag to effectively separate. For square card reader case not only protects for square terminal, but also keeps accessories organized and easy to carry
- Portable & Lightweight: For square terminal printer paper pouch size is moderate, suitable for hand-carrying or placing in backpack. Sturdy handle design greatly enhances portability, making it an ideal choice for business professionals during business trips or daily office use. Storage bag for square terminal comprehensive protective design ensures POS machine can work stably and safely in various environments
What hardware do you need to accept in-person payments?
Stax equipment
Stax’s equipment page lists a Dejavoo QD2 wireless terminal at $495, a Dejavoo QD4 countertop terminal at $310, and a SwipeSimple B350 reader at $125, along with a Dejavoo D1 cloud register. The QD2 and QD4 are described as accepting chip, swipe, and contactless payments; the B350 connects by Bluetooth to iOS or Android. These are prices and listings shown on Stax’s page, not guaranteed current offers. Confirm availability, device compatibility, and total cost with Stax. See Stax’s equipment page.
Square hardware and hardware-free options
Square says hardware is not required for every payment method: its options include invoices, payment links, a virtual terminal, and Tap to Pay on supported iPhone and Android devices. It also offers a magstripe reader for use with a compatible phone or tablet. Device compatibility and accepted payment methods vary by option; do not assume that a Square reader works with Stax or that every Square device supports every payment method. See Square’s fee calculator and hardware-free options and Square’s magstripe reader details.
What should you compare before choosing?
Ask both providers for current terms, then compare the same business activity and time period. A useful review includes:
- Monthly and annual processing volume, average ticket, and transaction count.
- Payment-channel proportions: in person, online, keyed, and ACH.
- Card mix and interchange costs.
- Monthly plan costs and per-location charges.
- Required POS, invoicing, booking, inventory, and reporting features.
- Hardware purchase costs and compatibility with your devices and workflow.
- Support needs, account terms, and any additional statement charges.
Use your fee statement to identify what you pay today, and compare it with a provider quote that accounts for your actual transaction mix. Published headline rates are a starting point, not a personalized cost estimate.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
