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Two point-of-sale platforms with opposite rate structures, crossing at an unusually low $33.33.
Two point-of-sale platforms with opposite rate structures — Clover has the far lower fixed fee and the far higher percentage, which produces an unusually low crossover.
Published standard rates for domestic cards. Neither figure is a negotiated rate, and both providers may quote you something different.
The answer flips at a $33.33 average transaction. Below that Clover is cheaper, because the fixed fee dominates; above it Square is, because the percentage does.
Cheaper of the two, by average transaction
Paydude is shown for reference, not as the answer to the question in the title. Excludes international, premium-card and dispute fees, which differ between all three.
| Square | Clover | |
|---|---|---|
| Card rate | 2.9% | 3.5% |
| Fixed fee | 30¢ | 10¢ |
| Monthly fee | $0 | $0 |
| Pricing model | Flat rate | Flat rate, online |
Clover's 10¢ fixed fee is a third of Square's 30¢, but its 3.5% online rate is well above Square's 2.9%. Below a $33.33 ticket Clover is cheaper; above it Square is.
Ticket size, and channel. Both are point-of-sale platforms, so also compare their card-present rates rather than the online figures used here, and weigh the hardware and software subscriptions each charges separately.
The calculator above also shows Paydude, which publishes 2.6% + 25¢ improving with volume. It is there as a third data point rather than as the answer to a question about Square and Clover — for every provider side by side see the full processor fee table.
GOOD QUESTIONS
Below a $33.33 average transaction, yes — Clover's 10¢ fixed fee beats Square's 30¢ by enough to cover its higher percentage. Above $33.33, Square is cheaper. The rates here are the online figures; both price card-present transactions differently.
At $33.33. Below that Clover's much lower fixed fee wins; above it Square's lower percentage does.
Both are point-of-sale platforms with payments attached. Clover is hardware-led with a wide app marketplace; Square is stronger on self-serve setup and online integration. Their rate structures are close to opposite, which is why ticket size decides.
Both are publicly published standard rates for domestic card payments as of September 2026. Neither is a negotiated or promotional rate, and either provider may quote you something different from its list price.