Square vs takepayments – compare card readers

Square and takepayments both offer card readers for small businesses, but which one is better? We compare both card machine providers in this guide.

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Square is one of the most popular card reader providers but how does the UK-based takepayments compare?

Square vs takepayments: provider overview

Square has just 2 products: the basic, mobile Square Reader, and the larger, more versatile Square Terminal. takepayments has a range of 4 – Mobile, Portable, Countertop and Plus – but does it offer twice the quality?

Square
ProductsSquare Reader, Square Terminal
Payment methodsContactless, Chip and Pin
Alternative payment methodsPayment link,Over the phone
Apple PayYes
Google PayYes
ConnectivityBluetooth
Requires connection to a phone or tabletYes
Battery lifeDesigned to last all day
Warranty period24 months
takepayments
Productstakepaymentsplus, A920 Pro
Payment methodsContactless, Chip and Pin
Apple PayYes
Google PayYes
ConnectivitySIM card,Bluetooth,WiFi
Requires connection to a phone or tabletNo
Battery lifeAll day

The Square Reader vs the takepayments Mobile: product overview

The lightweight takepayments Mobile is takepayments’ equivalent to Square’s flagship Square Reader: here’s how they compare.

Square Reader

Square Reader

takepayments Mobile

takepayments Mobile

Compare rates and fees

One of the most important things to look at when you’re comparing card readers is the difference in the rates and fees each provider charges: not just the headline cost of each product, but the more ‘hidden’ fees too. For further explanations of the different charges you might come across in your research, use our handy guide.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to compare takepayments card readers against other providers when it comes to fees and rates, because takepayments doesn’t advertise its costs upfront, but offers personalised quotes instead.

ProductSquare Readertakepayments Mobile
Product NameSquare Readertakepayments Mobile
ContractNo contract12 month
Initial cost£19
Monthly cost£0
Transaction cost1.75%
Transaction cost (card not present)2.5%N/A
Settlement 1 working day1 working day
Money-back guaranteeNoNo
Chargeback cost£0

Compare features

Since we can’t directly compare the costs of these 2 card readers, let’s have a look at how else they differ. Both accept contactless as well as chip and PIN; both have batteries that last all day so you can charge them overnight. One difference is that the takepayments Mobile has an integrated receipt printer, whereas you’ll need to hook the Square Reader up to a third party printer if you want to provide physical receipts.

For a full insight into the different features you should look out for when comparing card readers, you can use our helpful guide.

ProductSquare Readertakepayments Mobile
Product NameSquare Readertakepayments Mobile
Networksgoogle pay iconapple pay iconamerican express iconvisa iconmastercard icongoogle pay iconapple pay iconamerican express iconvisa iconmastercard icon
ConnectivityBluetoothSIM card, Bluetooth, WiFi
Payment methodsContactless, Chip and PinContactless, Chip and Pin
Alternative payment methodsPayment link, Over the phone
Requires connection to phone or tablet
Battery lifeDesigned to last all dayAll day
Printer attached
Add ons
  • Dock

  • Phone mount

  • Compatible with a range of third-party receipt printers and barcode scanners

Bottom line

We don’t love takepayments’ lack of clarity around pricing: Square are straight up about fees and charges, and we like that. However, it’s clear that takepayments’ approach is all about being tailored to your business: you’ll be quoted a bespoke price and takepayments will send a consultant out to help you choose the best card reader for you. However, we’d advise against being pressured into accepting takepayments’ quote straight away, when Square or another provider might be a better fit for you. Once you’ve got a better idea of what you’d pay for the takepayments card reader(s) you need, compare it against the Square range below to make sure you’re choosing the right card reader for your business.

Compare the Square and takepayments range

10 of 11 results
Initial cost Monthly cost Transaction cost Contract Networks Key benefits
Subject to status
£20
1.4%
google pay iconapple pay icon
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takepaymentsplus image
Subject to status
Subject to status
Subject to status
12 month
google pay iconapple pay iconamerican express iconvisa iconmastercard icon
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takepayments Countertop image
Subject to status
Subject to status
Subject to status
12 months
google pay iconapple pay iconamerican express iconvisa iconmastercard icon
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takepayments Virtual Terminal image
Subject to status
£0
google pay iconapple pay iconamerican express iconvisa iconmastercard icon
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Square Online Free image
Subject to status
£0
1.4%
google pay iconapple pay icon
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Square Virtual Terminal image
Subject to status
£0
1.4%
american express iconvisa iconmastercard icon
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Square Online Plus image
Subject to status
£20
1.75%
google pay iconapple pay icon
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Square Terminal image
£99.83
£0
1.75%
google pay iconapple pay iconamerican express iconvisa iconmastercard icon
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Square Reader image
£19
£0
1.75%
google pay iconapple pay iconamerican express iconvisa iconmastercard icon
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Stripe terminal (BBPOS WisePOS E) image
£179
Subject to status
1.4% + 10p
google pay iconapple pay iconamerican express iconvisa iconmastercard icon
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Showing 10 of 11 results
Table: sorted by transaction cost, promoted deals first
Our “Best for” picks highlight top options in specific categories based on our independent evaluation (see our full methodology), while “Promoted” tags indicate sponsored placements. Selected products may not suit everyone. We track selected market offers, which may not cover every product. Products are listed in no particular order unless specified, and inclusion or ordering may be influenced by popularity or commercial agreements. Most comparison table data is provided by Defaqto or sourced directly from providers. Always evaluate your own circumstances and consider independent advice before making major financial decisions.
Grace Fletcher-Hackwood's headshot

Grace was a Finder writer specialising in credit and loans. She's been writing about personal finance for several years and enjoys helping consumers sort the facts from the fluff. See full bio

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