Clover vs. Square: Which One is Better for Your Business?

Technology has made it easier than ever for small businesses to process payments. Instead of investing in major credit card processing equipment, business owners can sign up for a service like Clover or Square. Both service providers offer payment processing that’s designed around the operations of small businesses, but they have a few differences. Clover vs Square? What is the best way to go? Here’s an overview of both providers to help business owners choose the right one for their company. 

What Business Owners Should Know about Clover

Clover offers complete Point of Service (POS) software. This includes trademark equipment and a setup that small businesses need for credit card processing. Clover mixes and matches different systems and services to create the best arrangement for their clients. It will allow small business owners to construct the proper payment processing setup for their company because it blends different hardware systems and software platforms. 

A great thing about Clover is that the company offers a variety of systems for businesses to choose from, which include: 

 • Clover Go 

 • Clover Flex 

 • Clover Mini 

 • Clover Station 

Clover Go 

Clover Go is designed for small business owners who use smartphones or tablets to run payments. In reviewing Clover Go vs Square, business owners will appreciate that Clover Go processes credit cards with security chips and magstripes. The service also handles contact-free payments made with a smartphone or another device. 

Clover Flex

Small business owners who use handheld devices to process payments will appreciate the Clover Flex system. It operates via Wi-Fi and handles the same payment options as Clover Go. The system also scans printed receipts, barcodes, and capture signatures. 

Clover Mini 

The Clover Mini system works a lot like Clover Flex, but it is a small countertop device that business owners can use for a more professional operating setup. A base model is available as is an option for those who need to run payments using Wi-Fi and LTE. 

Clover Station

Clover Station is a powerful, safe, and fast POS countertop option. When considering Clover POS vs Square, business managers should know that Clover Station comes with a cash drawer in addition to credit card processing equipment and a large display screen in HD. Those who go with this system will appreciate the added business management features. 

Business owners can purchase Clover systems from various banks and different merchant service providers throughout the country. Because of this, there are different software pricing, hardware options, and payment processing systems available, which means that Clover is customizable. 

Consider Square 

Many business owners use Square because of its ease and convenience. It was one of the first providers of handheld POS systems, and it has become a popular way for small businesses to process payments.

Square offers small business owners POS processing systems using mobile devices like iPads, iPhones, or Androids. Like Clover, Square has different system setups available, which include: 

 • Square Register 

 • Square Terminal 

 • Square Stand 

Square Register 

Square Register is a comprehensive payment processing system that businesses can place on their countertops. The system comes with a display for a business’s clients. Square Register processes credit cards with security chips, magstripe cards, and payments made using contactless devices like Apple Pay. When a company signs up for Square, the setup comes with the Square POS app. 

Square Stand 

The Square Stand system connects iPads to POS equipment, allowing a company to use wireless devices to process payments. 

Businesses have the option of purchasing different Square card readers. Choices include the Square Contactless and Chip Reader, the Square Magstripe Reader, and the Square Chip and Magstripe Reader. 

Clover Vs Square 

Clover and Square are both great payment processing solutions for small businesses, making it hard to choose the best one. Square is a simple and popular payment system that offers the basics, but Clover is a more scalable option. 

Square doesn’t charge a separate contract for credit card processing. Along with this, businesses won’t face a contractual commitment. Small businesses can sign up for Square free of charge. They can decide later if they want to use the system without taking additional steps. Square does not charge a cancelation fee or a monthly membership unless a business requests additional features. 

There is a monthly software cost for Clover. This is to use the system’s basic POS equipment with the card terminals. When considering Square vs Clover, one major reason to go with Clover is that the company’s POS gear includes expandable software. A business can expand Clover using helpful apps that can be downloaded to Clover terminals. 

Both payment providers have apps available that allow businesses to supplement each system’s main features. Some of the apps are free while others come with a monthly fee following a free trial period. The apps are helpful since business owners can use them to customize the service according to their needs. However, owners should consider the extra apps that come with a cost carefully to stay within their budgets. 

Clover’s additional apps range from employee management programs to inventory management and more. Product syncing is also a helpful option with Clover. The payment processing software is safe and dependable. It even comes with an offline system mode that ensures businesses can continue to run payments when the internet is down. 

Clover’s equipment features built-in card reading systems that include encryption software. The extra security makes it tough for internet thieves and hackers to gain access to a company’s customer data. Clover gives a business the ability to email, print, and text customer receipts. It also tracks when employees clock in and out. It even processes transaction reports. These features give business owners a better idea about what their customers are purchasing, helping them understand their buying interests to stock popular products. 

Business owners will appreciate Clover’s business management assistance. It allows owners to track their inventory list, saving them time and money. It will help companies avoid purchasing unnecessary merchandise. 

Clover is an intuitive system, one that’s easy for everyone to use. It makes a business operate smarter since it is more focused on data. It keeps business owners up to date on how their company is running. Clover also ensures that owners know how their companies are doing so that they can make modifications right away. Clover POS systems implement advanced technology to stay current on safety measures and processing methods. 

Choosing Between Clover and Square 

 Square and Clover are both great POS payment solutions for small businesses. When reviewing Square vs Clover, business owners will appreciate that Clover allows them to customize their systems.