payware vs Square
Compare small business payment processing: account-to-account (A2A) payments vs traditional card processing. See how payware delivers 81-83% cost savings with modern payment initiation methods.
Quick comparison
| Feature | payware | Square |
|---|---|---|
| Online Payment Rate | 0.5% | 2.6% + $0.10 |
| In-Person Rate | 0.5% | 2.9% |
| Cost on $50k Monthly | $250 | $1,450+ |
| Settlement Time | Real-time to T+1 | 1-2 days |
| Payment Initiation Methods | 7 methods | Cards, wallets |
| Hardware Cost | $0 (QR/NFC) | $49+ (reader) |
| Dispute Risk | Lower (A2A) | Higher (cards) |
| POS Software | API integration | Full suite |
Cost comparison by business size
Micro Business
$10,000/month | 50 transactions
Save $2,580/year
81% cost reduction
Small Business
$50,000/month | 200 transactions
Save $14,400/year
83% cost reduction
Growing Business
$150,000/month
Save $41,400/year
82% cost reduction
Feature Comparison
| Feature | payware | Square |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Initiation Methods | QR, NFC, BLE, Link, Text, Barcode, Soundbite | Cards, digital wallets |
| Settlement Speed | Real-time to T+1 | 1-2 business days |
| Dispute/Chargeback Risk | Lower (A2A authentication) | Standard card risk |
| POS Software | Full webPOS suite included + API integration | Full POS suite included |
| Inventory Management | Web-based and Built-in + Third-party integration | Built-in |
| Developer API | RESTful, open standard | RESTful |
Beyond cost savings: New business models
payware enables innovative revenue streams and business opportunities that traditional card networks can't support
Revenue Sharing Models
Create partner ecosystems where ISVs, merchants, and payment institutions share transaction value—impossible with card network fee structures
Embedded Payment Platforms
ISVs can become payment facilitators with white-label solutions, earning recurring revenue from every transaction their platform processes
Instant Settlement Services
Build premium services around real-time money movement—merchants pay for instant access to funds, creating new revenue streams
Context-Aware Payments
7 initiation methods (QR, NFC, text, link, barcode, BLE, soundbite) enable payments in contexts where cards don't work—events, vending, transit, IoT
Multi-Sided Marketplace Revenue
Platform economics where payment institutions, ISVs, and merchants all participate in network growth—each new participant increases value for all
Data & Analytics Services
Lower transaction costs free up budget for value-added services—fraud detection, customer insights, financial reporting that generates recurring revenue
Which Solution is Right for You?
Choose payware if you:
- Want to reduce payment costs by 81-83% and unlock new revenue models
- Build embedded payment platforms or revenue-sharing ecosystems
- Already have POS/inventory software or want API integration
- Instant settlement creates competitive advantage
- Want innovative payment initiation methods (QR, NFC, text, link, barcode, BLE, soundbite)
- Prefer transparent pricing and open standards
Choose Square if you:
- Need all-in-one POS solution
- Must accept traditional card payments
- Want built-in inventory management
- Need employee management tools
- Prefer turn-key solution over API integration
- Can absorb higher processing costs for convenience
Perfect for Small Business Transition
Save Thousands
Small businesses save $3,000-$16,000+ annually by switching from Square to payware
Simple Integration
Easy API integration for QR codes, NFC, and text-based payments - no hardware required
Faster Cash Flow
Get paid instantly or same day instead of waiting 1-2 business days for settlement
Ready to keep more of what you earn?
Save 81-83% on fees, get instant settlement, and accept payments in ways your competitors can't
Calculate Your Savings Join NetworkFrequently Asked Questions
How much can I save switching from Square to payware?
Businesses typically save 81-83% on payment processing fees. payware charges as low as 0.5% with no fixed fees (rates vary by region) compared to Square's 2.6% + $0.10 for online payments and 2.9% + $0.30 for keyed transactions.
Is payware as easy to use as Square?
Yes! payware provides a developer-friendly API and offers innovative payment initiation methods like QR codes, NFC, and text payments that are simple to integrate and use.
Can I still accept in-person payments with payware?
Yes, payware supports multiple in-person payment initiation methods including QR codes, NFC contactless, and BLE proximity payments - starting from 0.5% with no per-transaction fees (rates vary by region).
Do I need to buy hardware like Square's card reader?
No hardware required! payware uses QR codes, NFC, and other digital methods that work with customers' smartphones and your existing devices.
Can I use both Square and payware together?
Absolutely! Many businesses use payware for most transactions to save on fees, while keeping Square available for customers who prefer traditional card payments.
Ready to Save Up to 83%?
See exactly what you'll pay with transparent pricing from €0/month. All plans include low flat % transaction fees and instant settlement (rates vary by region).
View Pricing PlansTurn payment costs into growth capital
What could you do with an extra $14,000+ per year? Hire staff, expand inventory, or open new channels
Calculate Your Savings Join Network