The verdict
- Pick Square if you want to know your price before you sign. Square publishes 2.5% per in-person credit card sale, 0.75% + 7¢ for Interac debit, and $0 a month on its Free plan.
- Look at Clover only with a written quote. Clover doesn’t publish any Canadian rates or plan prices. It says it gives each business “a free demo and custom quote.”
- Clover hardware works only with Clover processing. Clover says its devices “cannot be used with other payment processors.”
- Watch Square’s debit price. At 0.75% + 7¢, debit costs more on big sales than a flat per-payment fee would. Cards issued outside Canada add 1.5%.
| Feature | Square Checked Oct 19, 2026 | Clover Checked Oct 19, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Flat rate | Quote |
| In person | 2.5% | By quote |
| Online | 2.8% + 30¢ | By quote |
| Keyed in | 3.3% + 15¢ | By quote |
| Interac debit | 0.75% + 7¢ | By quote |
| Monthly cost | $0 (Free plan) | Not published |
| Contract | Month to month | Set by the reseller; termination fees vary |
| Payouts | Next business day free, or instantly for a fee | Not published |
| True cost: first year at $10K/month | $3,069 (est.) | Not calculable from published prices |
| Visit | Visit Square | Visit Clover |
Clover’s rate rows show “By quote” because its Canadian pricing page doesn’t list rates or plan prices.
What a month costs
These are estimates for Square only. They use Square’s Free plan, cards issued in Canada, and an even split between credit and Interac debit. We can’t price Clover, because it publishes nothing to price.
Example 1: a small shop, $5,000 a month, 200 payments, half by debit.
- Credit: 2.5% × $2,500 = $62.50
- Debit: 0.75% × $2,500 = $18.75, plus 100 × 7¢ = $7.00, for $25.75
- Monthly fee: $0
- Square estimate: about $88.25 a month
Example 2: a busier shop, $20,000 a month, 800 payments, half by debit.
- Credit: 2.5% × $10,000 = $250
- Debit: 0.75% × $10,000 = $75, plus 400 × 7¢ = $28, for $103
- Monthly fee: $0
- Square estimate: about $353 a month
Clover: not published. To compare fairly, give Clover these same numbers (your monthly sales, number of payments and debit share) and ask for the total in writing. Include the credit rate, debit fee, monthly software and hardware cost, and any termination fee. Then check it against your own month in the fee calculator.
Differences that matter beyond rates
Published prices. Square lists its rates, plans and hardware. Clover says merchants “can expect to pay a monthly software fee plus processing rates per transaction,” with fees that “vary depending on your business type.”
Hardware lock-in. Clover devices can’t be used with other processors, so leaving means new hardware. Square lists its Reader at $69, Stand at $249, Handheld at $449 and Register at $999.
Who sells it. Clover is sold directly and by partners. Clover says contract terms and termination fees “can vary based on your service provider.”
What Clover says it doesn’t charge. Clover’s Canadian pricing page claims “NO PCI CHARGE” and “NO BATCH CLOSE FEES.”
Payouts. Square says transfers arrive as soon as the next business day, free, or instantly for 1.95% per transfer. Clover doesn’t publish payout timing.
Square’s extra fees. Cards issued outside Canada add 1.5%. Square’s Canadian pricing page doesn’t list a chargeback fee.
Pick Square if
- You want to see every price before you sign up.
- You want $0 a month on the Free plan and the freedom to leave.
- Most of your customers pay by credit card, so the debit price matters less.
Pick Clover if
- You get a written quote that costs less than Square on your own month.
- You’re fine with hardware that only works with Clover processing.
- You want an in-person consultant. Clover says its Canadian business consultants are available in person or by phone.
More on each: our full pages on Square fees in Canada and Clover pricing. Also comparing others? See Square vs Moneris and Helcim vs Square.
Common questions
Is Clover cheaper than Square in Canada?
We can't say, because Clover doesn't publish its Canadian rates or plan prices. Clover says it gives each business a custom quote. Square publishes 2.5% per in-person credit card sale, 0.75% + 7¢ for debit and $0 a month on its Free plan. Get Clover's quote in writing and compare it with Square on the same month.
Can I use Clover hardware with another processor?
No. Clover says that while its devices "may be purchased or leased from other entities, they cannot be used with other payment processors." If you buy or lease Clover hardware and later want to switch, you'll need new hardware. Square lists its Canadian hardware prices, from a $69 reader to a $999 register.
Does Clover have a contract in Canada?
Clover says contract terms and any termination fees can vary based on your service provider, whether that's Clover directly or one of its partners. So the answer depends on who sells it to you. Square says you can cancel its Plus plan anytime, and its Free plan has no monthly fee. Ask Clover for the exit cost in writing.
What does Square charge for debit in Canada?
Square charges 0.75% + 7¢ per Interac debit payment. That's 22¢ on a $20 sale and $1.57 on a $200 sale. Many other Canadian providers charge a flat fee per debit payment instead. Clover doesn't publish its debit price, so ask for it on your quote if many customers pay by debit.