We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you.
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?
| Products | Square Reader, Square Terminal |
|---|---|
| Payment methods | Contactless, Chip and Pin |
| Alternative payment methods | Payment link,Over the phone |
| Apple Pay | Yes |
| Google Pay | Yes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Requires connection to a phone or tablet | Yes |
| Battery life | Designed to last all day |
| Warranty period | 24 months |
| Products | Takepayments Plus, Countertop, Portable, Mobile |
|---|---|
| Payment methods | Contactless, Chip and Pin |
| Apple Pay | Yes |
| Google Pay | Yes |
| Connectivity | SIM card,Bluetooth,WiFi |
| Requires connection to a phone or tablet | No |
| Battery life | Designed to last all 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
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.
| Product |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Square Reader | takepayments Mobile |
| Contract | Pay as you go | 12 month |
| Initial cost | £19 | £0 |
| Monthly cost | £0 | |
| Transaction cost | 1.75% | 0.3% - 2.5% (subject to status) |
| Transaction cost (card not present) | 2.5% | N/A |
| Settlement | 1 working day | 1 working day |
| Money-back guarantee | No | No |
| 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.
| Product | | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Square Reader | takepayments Mobile |
| Networks |      | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | SIM card, Bluetooth, WiFi |
| Payment methods | Contactless, Chip and Pin | Contactless, Chip and Pin |
| Alternative payment methods | Payment link, Over the phone | |
| Requires connection to phone or tablet | ||
| Battery life | Designed to last all day | Designed to last all day |
| Printer attached | ||
| Add ons |
|
The 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
Table: sorted by transaction cost, promoted deals first
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