Square · Payment processors
Square review
Square is the simplest way for Canadian businesses to start taking card payments in person: a flat 2.65% on credit cards, including international ones, 0.75% + 7¢ on Interac debit, and a free point-of-sale app with no monthly fee on its free plan. Online and invoice payments cost 2.9% + 30¢, so higher-volume businesses may save with interchange-plus pricing.
Who Square is best for
Retail, restaurants and service businesses selling in person and small businesses wanting simple, predictable fees.
High-volume businesses that could negotiate interchange-plus and saaS companies needing advanced subscription billing.
Square is the simplest way for Canadian businesses to start taking card payments in person: a flat 2.65% on credit cards, including international ones, 0.75% + 7¢ on Interac debit, and a free point-of-sale app with no monthly fee on its free plan. Online and invoice payments cost 2.9% + 30¢, so higher-volume businesses may save with interchange-plus pricing.
Fees, features and eligibility
| Recurring billing | Recurring invoices available |
|---|---|
| Card rate | 2.65% in-person credit (incl. international); 0.75% + 7¢ Interac debit; 2.9% + 30¢ online and invoices; 3.4% + 15¢ keyed-in |
| Monthly fee | $0 monthly on the free plan |
| Type | Payment processor with point of sale |
| Coverage | CAD |
| Best fit | Canadian businesses |
Source: Square published product information.
What stands out
Pros
- Flat 2.65% in person, including international credit cards
- Low Interac debit rate
- Free point-of-sale app and online store
- Free dispute management
Cons
- Online and invoice payments cost 2.9% + 30¢
- Keyed-in payments cost 3.4% + 15¢
Square: common questions
What does Square charge in Canada?
2.65% for in-person credit card payments, including international cards; 0.75% + 7¢ for Interac debit; 2.9% + 30¢ for online and invoice payments; and 3.4% + 15¢ for keyed-in or card-on-file payments.
Does Square charge a monthly fee?
Not on its free plan; you pay processing fees per transaction.
Is Square good for online sales?
It works well for small online stores and invoices at 2.9% + 30¢, though higher-volume online businesses may pay less with interchange-plus pricing.
Used Square? Help other businesses choose.
