{"id":470266,"date":"2022-11-29T11:18:40","date_gmt":"2022-11-29T11:18:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/?p=470266"},"modified":"2024-01-11T13:50:35","modified_gmt":"2024-01-11T13:50:35","slug":"square-vs-takepayments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/card-readers\/square-vs-takepayments","title":{"rendered":"Square vs takepayments – compare card readers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Square is one of the most popular card reader providers but how does the UK-based takepayments compare?<\/p>

Square vs takepayments: provider overview<\/h3>

Square has just 2 products: the basic, mobile Square Reader, and the larger, more versatile Square Terminal. takepayments has a range of 4 \u2013 Mobile, Portable, Countertop and Plus \u2013 but does it offer twice the quality?<\/p>

\"Square\"
<\/figure>
\n \n
Products<\/th>Square Reader, Square Terminal<\/td><\/tr>
Payment methods<\/th>Contactless, Chip and Pin<\/td><\/tr>
Alternative payment methods<\/th>Payment link,Over the phone<\/td><\/tr>
Apple Pay<\/th>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Google Pay<\/th>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Connectivity<\/th>Bluetooth<\/td><\/tr>
Requires connection to a phone or tablet<\/th>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Battery life<\/th>Designed to last all day<\/td><\/tr>
Warranty period<\/th>24 months<\/td><\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table><\/div><\/div>
\"takepayments\"
<\/figure>
\n \n
Products<\/th>Takepayments Plus, Countertop, Portable, Mobile<\/td><\/tr>
Payment methods<\/th>Contactless, Chip and Pin<\/td><\/tr>
Apple Pay<\/th>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Google Pay<\/th>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Connectivity<\/th>SIM card,Bluetooth,WiFi<\/td><\/tr>
Requires connection to a phone or tablet<\/th>No<\/td><\/tr>
Battery life<\/th>All day<\/td><\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table><\/div><\/div><\/div>

The Square Reader vs the takepayments Mobile: product overview<\/h3>

The lightweight takepayments Mobile is takepayments\u2019 equivalent to Square\u2019s flagship Square Reader: here\u2019s how they compare.<\/p>

\"Square
<\/figure>

Square Reader<\/em><\/p><\/div>

\"takepayments
<\/figure>

takepayments Mobile<\/em><\/p><\/div><\/div>

Compare rates and fees<\/h4>

One of the most important things to look at when you\u2019re 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 \u2018hidden\u2019 fees too. For further explanations of the different charges you might come across in your research, use our handy guide<\/a>.<\/p>

Unfortunately, it\u2019s hard to compare takepayments card readers against other providers when it comes to fees and rates, because takepayments doesn\u2019t advertise its costs upfront, but offers personalised quotes instead.<\/p>

\n \n
Product<\/th>\"Square<\/a><\/td>\"takepayments<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Product Name<\/th>Square Reader<\/td>takepayments Mobile<\/td><\/tr>
Contract<\/th>No contract<\/td>12 month<\/td><\/tr>
Initial cost<\/th>\u00a319<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Monthly cost<\/th>\u00a30<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Transaction cost<\/th>1.75%<\/td><\/span><\/td><\/tr>
Transaction cost (card not present)<\/th>2.5%<\/td>N\/A<\/td><\/tr>
Settlement <\/th>1 working day<\/td>1 working day<\/td><\/tr>
Money-back guarantee<\/th>No<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
Chargeback cost<\/th>\u00a30<\/td><\/td><\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table><\/div>

Compare features<\/h4>

Since we can\u2019t directly compare the costs of these 2 card readers, let\u2019s 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\u2019ll need to hook the Square Reader up to a third party printer if you want to provide physical receipts.<\/p>

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

\n \n
Product<\/th>\"Square<\/a><\/td>\"takepayments<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Product Name<\/th>Square Reader<\/td>takepayments Mobile<\/td><\/tr>
Networks<\/th>\"google\"apple\"american\"visa\"mastercard<\/td>\"google\"apple\"american\"visa\"mastercard<\/td><\/tr>
Connectivity<\/th>Bluetooth<\/td>SIM card, Bluetooth, WiFi<\/td><\/tr>
Payment methods<\/th>Contactless, Chip and Pin<\/td>Contactless, Chip and Pin<\/td><\/tr>
Alternative payment methods<\/th>Payment link, Over the phone<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Requires connection to phone or tablet<\/th><\/use><\/svg><\/td><\/use><\/svg><\/td><\/tr>
Battery life<\/th>Designed to last all day<\/td>All day<\/td><\/tr>
Printer attached<\/th><\/use><\/svg><\/td><\/use><\/svg><\/td><\/tr>
Add ons<\/th>
  • Dock<\/li>
  • Phone mount<\/li>
  • Compatible with a range of third-party receipt printers and barcode scanners<\/li>
    <\/ul><\/td>
<\/use><\/svg><\/td><\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table><\/div>

Bottom line<\/h3>

We don\u2019t love takepayments\u2019 lack of clarity around pricing: Square are straight up about fees and charges, and we like that. However, it\u2019s clear that takepayments\u2019 approach is all about being tailored to your business: you\u2019ll be quoted a bespoke price and takepayments will send a consultant out to help you choose the best card reader for you. However, we\u2019d advise against being pressured into accepting takepayments\u2019 quote straight away, when Square or another provider might be a better fit for you. Once you\u2019ve got a better idea of what you\u2019d pay for the takepayments card reader(s) you need, compare it against the Square range below to make sure you\u2019re choosing the right card reader for your business.<\/p>

Compare the Square and takepayments range<\/h3>
\n
\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
{\"userFilters\":[{\"config\":{\"MULTISELECT\":true,\"VALUES\":\"Amex,Visa,Mastercard\"},\"dataSelector\":{\"recordType\":\"product\",\"fieldCode\":\"FEATURES.NETWORKS\"},\"dataType\":\"TEXT\",\"label\":\"Networks\",\"order\":1},{\"config\":{\"MULTISELECT\":true,\"VALUES\":\"Contactless,Chip and Pin,Magnetic swipe\"},\"dataSelector\":{\"recordType\":\"product\",\"fieldCode\":\"FEATURES.PAYMENT_METHOD\"},\"dataType\":\"TEXT\",\"label\":\"Payment method\",\"order\":2},{\"config\":{\"MULTISELECT\":true,\"VALUES\":\"SIM card,Bluetooth,WiFi,Ethernet\"},\"dataSelector\":{\"recordType\":\"product\",\"fieldCode\":\"FEATURES.CONNECTIVITY\"},\"dataType\":\"TEXT\",\"label\":\"Connectivity \",\"order\":3},{\"config\":{},\"dataSelector\":{\"recordType\":\"product\",\"fieldCode\":\"FEATURES.PRINTER\"},\"dataType\":\"BOOLEAN\",\"label\":\"Printer attached\",\"order\":4},{\"config\":{},\"dataSelector\":{\"recordType\":\"product\",\"fieldCode\":\"FEATURES.REQUIRES_CONNECTION\"},\"dataType\":\"BOOLEAN\",\"label\":\"Requires connection to a phone or tablet\",\"order\":5},{\"config\":{},\"dataSelector\":{\"recordType\":\"product\",\"fieldCode\":\"FEATURES.APPLE_PAY\"},\"dataType\":\"BOOLEAN\",\"label\":\"Apple pay\",\"order\":6},{\"config\":{},\"dataSelector\":{\"recordType\":\"product\",\"fieldCode\":\"FEATURES.GOOGLE_PAY\"},\"dataType\":\"BOOLEAN\",\"label\":\"Google pay\",\"order\":7},{\"config\":{},\"dataSelector\":{\"recordType\":\"product\",\"fieldCode\":\"FEATURES.CASHBACK_FILTER\"},\"dataType\":\"BOOLEAN\",\"label\":\"Cashback\",\"order\":8},{\"config\":{},\"dataSelector\":{\"recordType\":\"product\",\"fieldCode\":\"FEATURES.MONEY_BACK_GUARANTEE\"},\"dataType\":\"BOOLEAN\",\"label\":\"Money-back guarantee \",\"order\":9},{\"dataSelector\":{\"recordType\":\"UI_FILTER_COMPONENT\",\"fieldCode\":\"SPECIAL_OFFERS\"},\"dataType\":\"BOOLEAN\",\"label\":\"Special offers\",\"componentType\":\"SpecialOffersFilter\",\"config\":{\"VALUES\":\"1\",\"fields\":[{\"value\":\"exclusive_only\",\"label\":\"Finder Rewards & exclusives\"},{\"value\":\"all_offers_no_rewards\",\"label\":\"All offers\"}]},\"options\":{\"comparator\":\"eq\"}},{\"config\":{},\"dataSelector\":{\"recordType\":\"product\",\"fieldCode\":\"GENERAL.PROVIDER_ID\"},\"dataType\":\"UUID\",\"label\":\"Provider\",\"order\":10}],\"niche\":{\"currencySymbol\":\"\\u00a3\",\"decimalPoint\":\".\",\"decimalPlaces\":\"2\",\"thousandsSeparator\":\",\",\"filterBoundsMap\":{\"product.FEATURES.NETWORKS\":null,\"product.FEATURES.PAYMENT_METHOD\":null,\"product.FEATURES.CONNECTIVITY\":null,\"product.FEATURES.PRINTER\":null,\"product.FEATURES.REQUIRES_CONNECTION\":null,\"product.FEATURES.APPLE_PAY\":null,\"product.FEATURES.GOOGLE_PAY\":null,\"product.FEATURES.CASHBACK_FILTER\":null,\"product.FEATURES.MONEY_BACK_GUARANTEE\":null,\"product.GENERAL.PROVIDER_ID\":null}},\"prefilled\":false,\"experimental\":false}<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
10 of 11 results<\/span><\/small><\/div>
<\/use><\/svg>Updated\n\t\t\t\t\tregularly<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/use><\/svg>Share<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
\n Initial cost\n <\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/th>\n Monthly cost\n <\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/th>\n Transaction cost\n <\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/th>\n Contract\n <\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/th>\n Networks\n <\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/th>\n Key benefits\n <\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/use><\/svg><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
\n Subject to status\n <\/div><\/td>
\n \u00a320<\/span><\/div><\/td>
\n 1.4% <\/span><\/div><\/td>
<\/use><\/svg><\/div><\/td>
\"google\"apple<\/div><\/td>
Go to site<\/a><\/use><\/svg> View details <\/a>
Compare product selection<\/legend>
<\/div>
\"takepayments<\/a>
<\/div>
takepayments Plus<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/td>
\n Subject to status\n <\/div><\/td>
\n Subject to status\n <\/div><\/td>
\n Subject to status\n <\/div><\/td>
\n 12 month\n <\/div><\/td>
\"google\"apple\"american\"visa\"mastercard<\/div><\/td>
Go to site<\/a><\/use><\/svg> View details <\/a>
Compare product selection<\/legend>
<\/div>
\"takepayments<\/a>
<\/div>
takepayments Countertop<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/td>
\n Subject to status\n <\/div><\/td>
\n Subject to status\n <\/div><\/td>
\n Subject to status\n <\/div><\/td>
\n 12 months\n <\/div><\/td>
\"google\"apple\"american\"visa\"mastercard<\/div><\/td>
Go to site<\/a><\/use><\/svg> View details <\/a>
Compare product selection<\/legend>
<\/div>
\"takepayments<\/a>
<\/div>
takepayments Virtual Terminal<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/td>
\n Subject to status\n <\/div><\/td>
\n \u00a30\n <\/div><\/td>
<\/div><\/td>
<\/use><\/svg><\/div><\/td>
\"google\"apple\"american\"visa\"mastercard<\/div><\/td>
Go to site<\/a><\/use><\/svg> View details <\/a>
Compare product selection<\/legend>
<\/div>
\"Square<\/a>
<\/div>
Square Online Free<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/td>
\n Subject to status\n <\/div><\/td>
\n \u00a30\n <\/div><\/td>
\n 1.4% <\/span><\/div><\/td>
<\/use><\/svg><\/div><\/td>
\"google\"apple<\/div><\/td>
Go to site<\/a><\/use><\/svg> View details <\/a>
Compare product selection<\/legend>
<\/div>
\"Square<\/a>
<\/div>
Square Virtual Terminal<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/td>
\n Subject to status\n <\/div><\/td>
\n \u00a30\n <\/div><\/td>
\n 1.4% <\/span><\/div><\/td>
<\/use><\/svg><\/div><\/td>
\"american\"visa\"mastercard<\/div><\/td>
Go to site<\/a><\/use><\/svg> View details <\/a>
Compare product selection<\/legend>
<\/div>
\"Square<\/a>
<\/div>
Square Online Plus<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/td>
\n Subject to status\n <\/div><\/td>
\n \u00a320\n <\/div><\/td>
\n 1.75% <\/span><\/div><\/td>
<\/use><\/svg><\/div><\/td>
\"google\"apple<\/div><\/td>
Go to site<\/a><\/use><\/svg> View details <\/a>
Compare product selection<\/legend>
<\/div>
\"Square<\/a>
<\/div>
Square Terminal<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/td>
\n \u00a399.83\n <\/div><\/td>
\n \u00a30\n <\/div><\/td>
\n 1.75%\n <\/div><\/td>
<\/use><\/svg><\/div><\/td>
\"google\"apple\"american\"visa\"mastercard<\/div><\/td>
Go to site<\/a><\/use><\/svg> View details <\/a>
Compare product selection<\/legend>
<\/div>
\"Square<\/a>
<\/div>
Square Reader<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/td>
\n \u00a319\n <\/div><\/td>
\n \u00a30\n <\/div><\/td>
\n 1.75%\n <\/div><\/td>
<\/use><\/svg><\/div><\/td>
\"google\"apple\"american\"visa\"mastercard<\/div><\/td>
Go to site<\/a><\/use><\/svg> View details <\/a>
Compare product selection<\/legend>
<\/div>
\"Stripe<\/a>
<\/div>
Stripe terminal (BBPOS WisePOS E)<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/td>
\n \u00a3179\n <\/div><\/td>
\n Subject to status\n <\/div><\/td>
\n 1.4% + 10p <\/span><\/div><\/td>
<\/use><\/svg><\/div><\/td>
\"google\"apple\"american\"visa\"mastercard<\/div><\/td>
<\/use><\/svg> View details <\/a>
Compare product selection<\/legend>
<\/div>