Clover Fees: A Complete Breakdown for Merchants (2026)

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Quick Answer: What Are The Main Clover Fees?

Clover's main fees consist of three parts: a one-time hardware cost ($499 to $1,799+), a monthly software subscription ($14.95 to $94.85 per device), and per-transaction processing fees. The transaction fees vary by plan, typically ranging from 2.3% + 10¢ to 2.6% + 10¢ for in-person payments and 3.5% + 10¢ for keyed-in or online transactions. For businesses that want to offer financing, Commas is one alternative to compare.

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Understanding Clover's Three-Part Pricing Structure

Clover's pricing model can be confusing because it's not a single, all-in-one fee. To understand your total cost, you must look at three distinct components that work together. Ignoring any one of these can lead to surprise bills and a much higher effective rate than you anticipated.

  1. One-Time Hardware Costs: You must buy Clover's proprietary hardware to use their system. This is an upfront investment, with devices like the Clover Mini costing around $799 and the full Station Duo costing $1,799. Unlike systems that can run on iPads or other third-party devices, you are locked into their ecosystem from day one.
  2. Monthly Software Fees: On top of the hardware, you'll pay a recurring monthly fee for the software that runs on it. Clover has different software plans, like 'Essentials' or 'Register', which range from $14.95/month to over $94.85/month depending on the features you need. These fees are often charged per device, so a business with multiple terminals will see this cost multiply quickly.
  3. Per-Transaction Processing Fees: This is the fee you pay on every single sale. Clover advertises rates like 2.3% + 10¢, but these apply only to specific types of transactions. If a customer pays with a corporate card, a foreign card, or you have to key in the number manually, the rate jumps significantly, often to 3.5% + 10¢.

Related reading: Clover Fees: Monthly + Per-Transaction.

Clover Transaction Fees by Plan (As of September 2026)

The per-transaction fee is where most of a merchant's cost comes from. With Clover, the rate you pay is tied directly to your monthly software plan and the type of transaction. It's critical to match your typical sales method to the right plan to avoid overpaying. As this guide explores in a general look at payment processing fees explained, the difference between a 'card-present' and 'card-not-present' rate can have a massive impact on your bottom line.

Software Plan Tiers

Clover offers several software tiers, and your processing rates change with them. Here’s a typical breakdown:

  • Starter Plan (for mobile): Usually the highest rates, around 2.6% + 10¢ for card-present transactions using a device like the Clover Go.
  • Essentials Plan: Designed for small shops, this plan typically has rates of 2.3% + 10¢ for in-person payments. However, the keyed-in rate (Card-Not-Present) is much higher at 3.5% + 10¢.
  • Register & Counter Service Restaurant Plans: These more advanced plans often have the same 2.3% + 10¢ and 3.5% + 10¢ split. While you get more software features, you don't necessarily get better processing rates.

For any business that takes orders online, over the phone, or processes invoices manually, that 3.5% + 10¢ rate becomes a major expense. A $5,000 invoiced payment costs you $175.10 in fees. For high-volume merchants, these variable rates make forecasting expenses difficult. This is why many businesses seek predictable, flat-rate pricing once they reach scale.

Clover vs. Competitors: Fee Comparison

For a merchant processing a high volume of sales, small differences in fee percentages can translate into significant sums. Clover's model, which combines hardware, software, and variable transaction fees, can result in a higher total cost compared to platforms with simpler pricing. A comparison of published online rates for several providers is below.

Provider Online card rate Notes
Stripe 2.9% + $0.30 online Standard flat-rate online processing.
Square 2.9% + $0.30 online Standard flat-rate online processing.
PayPal See PayPal pricing Rates vary by payment type and location.
Whop 2.7% + $0.30, +1.5% international Optional tax remittance services available for 2% per transaction.
Commas Quoted per business Financing $30 to $465,000, with the top end reserved for business-to-business purchases; approval routing and automatic retries.

As the table shows, published flat rates from providers like Stripe and Whop are lower than Clover's 3.5% + 10¢ fee for online and keyed-in transactions. However, the lowest published fee isn't the only factor. For businesses selling high-ticket items or services online, the ability to offer customer financing through a platform like Commas can be a decisive advantage. Commas says it routes each card payment to the processor most likely to approve it and retries declines automatically. Because Commas quotes its pricing to each business individually, merchants should request a quote to compare its proposal against the flat rates of other providers. Commas is one option to compare, combining checkout, payment links and customer financing in one account. Learn more about Whop fees or see a detailed look at Stripe fees.

Hidden Clover Fees and Long-Term Contracts

One of the most frequent complaints about Clover revolves around factors that aren't advertised upfront: hidden fees and restrictive contracts. While the platform is powerful, the total cost of ownership is often obscured by a complex web of third-party relationships and fine print. Many merchants sign up for Clover through a reseller, which could be a large bank or an independent sales organization (ISO). This introduces another layer of fees on top of what Clover itself charges.

Common hidden fees to watch out for include:

  • PCI Compliance Fees: A monthly or annual fee ($50-$200/year) charged to ensure you are compliant with Payment Card Industry security standards. Many modern processors build this into their service, but with Clover resellers, it's often a separate line item.
  • Early Termination Fees (ETF): This is a big one. Many Clover resellers lock merchants into 3-4 year contracts with steep penalties for leaving, sometimes costing thousands of dollars.
  • Batch Fees: A small fee (around $0.10 - $0.25) charged each time you 'batch' or settle your daily transactions.
  • Monthly Minimums: If you don't process a certain volume of sales, you may be charged a fee to make up the difference.

These fees are why it's so important to spot hidden fees in merchant statements. In contrast, some modern platforms simplify their fee structures and do not require long-term contracts. Before signing any agreement, it is crucial to request a full fee schedule and review the contract terms carefully.

The Real Cost of Clover's Hardware

Clover's business model is built around its proprietary hardware. Devices like the Clover Station, Mini, and Flex are sleek and functional, but they come with a significant catch: you must buy them, and they only work with Clover. This creates a powerful 'vendor lock-in' that can be costly and restrictive for a growing business.

First, the upfront cost is substantial. A Clover Station Duo can cost $1,799, while a simple Clover Flex is around $599. Compare this to competitors who allow you to use an iPad or even a smartphone with a simple card reader. For example, the basic Square card reader fees are tied to a device that is often very low-cost. This initial investment in Clover hardware means you are financially committed to their ecosystem from day one.

Second, the hardware cannot be reprogrammed or used with any other payment processor. If you decide to switch providers after a year, your $1,799 Clover Station becomes a paperweight. This lack of flexibility is a major financial risk. If your processor raises your rates or provides poor service, your ability to leave is hampered by the prospect of having to purchase an entirely new hardware setup. This is a stark contrast to using universal terminals or software-based POS systems that give you the freedom to choose your own backend processor. Savvy merchants should always factor the cost of hardware lock-in into their decision.

Why Commas is a Stronger Alternative for Online Businesses

For businesses that sell online, the limitations of a retail-focused system like Clover become very apparent. The high 3.5% + 10¢ fee for online transactions, mandatory hardware costs, and potential for hidden charges from resellers can reduce profitability. Commas is built for digital commerce, providing a solution that addresses many of Clover's drawbacks for online and high-ticket sellers.

Sales Tools: Commas offers checkout, one-click upsells and customer financing on one-time products. It routes each transaction to the payment processor most likely to approve it and automatically retries failed payments. For one-time purchases, it also offers integrated financing from providers like Klarna, PayPal, and Sunbit, giving customers flexible ways to pay for orders from $30 up to $465,000.

No Hardware Lock-in: Commas is a software platform for online sales, including tools for funnels, courses, webinars, and invoicing. You are not required to buy proprietary hardware. This freedom allows you to run your business without being tied to a single physical ecosystem.

Flexible Payouts: Where traditional processors pay out to a bank account via ACH, Commas offers payouts over ACH, RTP, wire, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, and crypto, providing greater flexibility for managing business funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my own credit card processor with Clover hardware?

No, you cannot. Clover hardware is proprietary and is designed to work exclusively with a Clover merchant account. The hardware is 'locked' to their system. If you purchase a Clover device, you must use the payment processing service offered by the company you bought it from, whether that's Fiserv directly or a reseller. This is a major consideration, as it prevents you from shopping around for better processing rates in the future without also replacing all of your hardware. This lack of interoperability is a significant financial risk.

What is the Clover monthly fee?

Clover's monthly fee is for its software subscription, not processing. The cost varies by the plan you choose and the number of devices you have. As of September 2026, plans range from the 'Starter' plan at around $14.95 per month to the 'Register' plan at $49.95 per month and specialty plans like 'Counter Service Restaurant' for $54.95 per month. For merchants needing more advanced features, plans can go up to $94.85 per month. It's important to remember this is a recurring fee on top of your per-transaction processing costs.

Are Clover fees higher than Square?

<p>It depends on the transaction type, but for online or keyed-in sales, Clover's fees are often higher than Square's. Clover's standard rate for these 'card-not-present' transactions is 3.5% + 10¢. Square's equivalent online rate is 2.9% + 30¢. While Clover's higher software and hardware costs can make the total cost of ownership greater for some merchants. For in-person payments, the rates are more competitive, but you must analyze your specific sales mix. For a full breakdown, see our <a href="/blog/square-processing-fee-guide">Square Fees: A Complete Breakdown</a> guide.</p><p>Related reading: <a href="/blog/square-processing-fee-guide">Square Fees: A Complete Breakdown</a>.</p>

What are the transaction fees for Clover?

Clover's transaction fees depend on your software plan and how you accept the payment. For in-person transactions where a customer taps, dips, or swipes their card, the fee is typically between 2.3% + 10¢ and 2.6% + 10¢. However, for any transaction where the card is not physically present, such as online orders, phone orders, or manually keyed-in cards, the rate jumps to a much higher 3.5% + 10¢. This higher rate is often a surprise for merchants who do a mix of in-person and remote business.

How do I avoid Clover's high fees?

The most effective way to secure a better rate is to choose a payment processor that fits your business model. For online sales, platforms like <a href="/go/commas" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Commas</a> are built to serve digital businesses and may offer a more suitable structure. If you are already in a Clover contract, review it carefully for an early termination clause. Sometimes, the benefits from switching to a provider that better fits your needs can outweigh the termination fee. Also, always try to take payments in-person (card-present) when possible to avoid Clover's higher 3.5% keyed-in rate.

What is the PCI compliance fee for Clover?

The PCI compliance fee for Clover is not standardized and often depends on the reseller you purchased from. While Clover's parent company, Fiserv, handles the technical aspects of compliance, many Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs) and banks that resell Clover services add their own PCI fee. This can range from a $50-$100 annual fee to a monthly charge of around $10-$20. Some merchants report not having a separate fee, but it's a very common 'hidden fee' to look for in your merchant statement.

Why is my Clover keyed-in transaction rate so high?

Your Clover keyed-in transaction rate is high (typically 3.5% + 10¢) because these transactions are considered higher risk by the credit card networks. Since the physical card isn't present, the risk of fraud is greater. Payment processors, including Clover, pass this risk-based cost on to the merchant. For businesses that rely heavily on phone orders or invoicing, this rate can severely impact profitability. This is a key reason why many digital businesses opt for payment processors with more competitive 'card-not-present' rates.

Can I negotiate my Clover fees?

It is very difficult to negotiate Clover's standardized software and transaction fees, especially if you signed up online directly. However, if you are a high-volume merchant and you signed up through a reseller or bank, you may have some leverage. The best time to negotiate is before you sign a contract. If you are already under contract, your best bet is to show them a competitive offer from another provider. Often, the easiest way to get a lower rate is to switch to a platform like Commas that can provide a custom quote for your business.

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