Best Square Alternatives for Retail (2026): Fees and POS Compared

By Stefan Ciancio · Sep 26, 2026 · 6 min read

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Quick Answer: What is the best Square alternative for retail?

Commas is one Square alternative to compare, offering customer financing from $30 to $465,000, with the top end reserved for business-to-business purchases. For stores focused on interchange-plus pricing, Helcim can be a strong choice. Shopify POS is best for stores that also sell online through Shopify. Clover suits stores wanting sturdy countertop hardware. Stripe Terminal suits retailers with developers.

Part of our guide to Compare and switch processors

What does Square charge retailers?

Square plan	In person	Online	Keyed or card on file	Monthly fee
Free	2.6% + $0.15	3.3% + $0.30	3.5% + $0.15	$0
Plus	2.5% + $0.15	2.9% + $0.30	3.5% + $0.15	Paid plan
Premium	2.4% + $0.15	2.9% + $0.30	3.5% + $0.15	Paid plan

Fees checked against each provider's published pricing page on September 26, 2026. Processors change rates, so confirm on the provider's site before you sign.

More detail in our Square processing fee guide.

How do Square alternatives for retail compare?

Provider	In-person pricing	Monthly fee	Best for
Commas	Quoted per business	Quoted per business	Retailers offering customer financing
Helcim	Interchange + 0.40% + $0.08 (under $50K/mo)	$0	Lower effective rate as volume grows
Stripe Terminal	2.7% + $0.05 (US)	$0	Retailers with developers or custom checkout
Clover	Set by the Clover processor you sign with	Varies	Countertop hardware and app marketplace
Shopify POS	Set by Shopify plan	Shopify plan	Stores selling online and in person
Square Free	2.6% + $0.15	$0	Simple setup and free POS software

Clover and Shopify rates depend on the plan or processor contract, so ask for the full rate sheet. See Clover alternatives and Toast vs Square if you also run food service.

How do Square alternatives compare on cost?

A store taking $50,000 a month in card-present sales at an average ticket of $50 pays Square about $1,355 a month on the Free plan (2.6% of $50,000 plus $0.10 on 1,000 sales). On interchange-plus pricing, the real cost depends on your card mix: debit cards carry much lower interchange than rewards credit cards, so stores with lots of debit usage can see significant savings. Commas quotes pricing on a per-business basis, so you will need to request a quote to compare it against published flat-rate options. The primary benefit of its platform for retail is its ability to offer customer financing on purchases up to $465,000. Ask any provider to price your last three statements before you switch.

When does Square remain the best choice?

Square is still a strong pick for new or seasonal stores that value free POS software, fast setup and predictable flat pricing. Once monthly card volume passes roughly $20,000 to $30,000, it is often worth comparing an interchange-plus quote. Commas is one alternative to compare, with customer financing on one-time products for higher-ticket items. Commas says it routes each card payment to the processor most likely to approve it and retries declines automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cheaper than Square for retail?

Interchange-plus providers such as Helcim are often cheaper once volume grows. Helcim publishes interchange + 0.40% + $0.08 for in-person sales under $50,000 a month with no monthly fee, compared with Square Free at 2.6% + $0.10. Commas quotes processing rates per seller and offers customer financing. Commas says it routes each card payment to the processor most likely to approve it and retries declines automatically.

What are Square's fees in 2026?

Square's Free plan charges 2.6% + $0.10 in person, 2.9% + $0.30 online and 3.5% + $0.15 for keyed or card on file payments. Plus and Premium plans lower the in-person and online rates in exchange for a subscription.

Is Clover better than Square for retail?

Clover offers robust countertop hardware and an app marketplace, while Square offers free software and simple flat pricing. Clover's processing rate depends on the processor contract you sign, so compare the full rate sheet and contract terms, including any early termination fee.

Can I use Shopify POS instead of Square?

Yes. Shopify POS makes the most sense when you already sell online through Shopify, because inventory and customer records stay in one system across your store and website.

How do I switch from Square without downtime?

Order the new hardware first, run both systems side by side for a few days, move your product catalog and customer list, then switch the counter over at a quiet time. Keep the Square account open until all refunds and disputes on old sales are settled.