Pricing model comparison
Same terminal. Same POS. Lower bill.
This isn't PayWavez vs. Square or Clover — we sell and support both. This is about the pricing model underneath: the default merchant-paid rate most processors charge, versus PayWavez's self-service Surcharging, Dual Pricing, and Flat Rate programs.
Let's be clear
We're not against Square or Clover — we sell them
PayWavez supports 2,000+ POS integrations, including Clover, Dejavoo, PAX, and Square-compatible hardware. If you love your terminal, keep it. What we're changing is who processes the transaction and what pricing model applies — not the hardware on your counter.
The default rate most merchants are on
What card processing typically costs today
| Processor / plan | In-person rate | Monthly fee | Who pays the fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square — Free plan | 2.6% + $0.15 | $0/mo | Merchant |
| Square — Plus | 2.5% + $0.15 | $49/mo | Merchant |
| Square — Premium | 2.4% + $0.15 | $149/mo | Merchant |
| Clover | ~2.3%–2.6% + $0.10 | $14.95–$239/mo + hardware | Merchant |
| Toast — Point of Sale plan | 2.49% + $0.15 | $0–$69+/mo | Merchant |
| Toast — Starter Kit | 3.09%–3.69% + $0.15 | Pay-as-you-go | Merchant |
Rates shown are published, standard in-person rates as of 2026 and can vary by plan, card type, and processor. Sources: Square fee calculator, Merchant Insiders, Clover pricing, NerdWallet Clover review, NerdWallet Toast review, Restaurantify Toast pricing breakdown.
The PayWavez alternative
Three self-service programs, one goal: pay less
Surcharging
3% — $0 merchant fee
The card cost is passed to the cardholder on credit transactions only. Debit is never surcharged. Fully card-network compliant.
Learn more →Dual Pricing
3.5% — $0 merchant fee
One cash price, one card price — the difference covers the card cost, so you keep 100% of the cash price either way.
Learn more →Flat Rate
2.5% + $0.15/txn
Merchant-paid, like a traditional processor — but one simple rate, no statement fees, no PCI fees, no hidden downgrades.
Learn more →Same equipment, different processor
You don't have to give up your terminal
Already run Clover or a Square-compatible setup?
PayWavez supports 2,000+ POS integrations. We can equip you with Clover hardware directly, or work with the terminal you already have — the switch is on the processing side, not the countertop.
Want a free smart terminal instead?
PayWavez also places free smart POS terminals for qualifying merchants — no upfront hardware cost. See the terminal lineup.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Does switching to PayWavez mean I have to change my terminal or POS system?
How is PayWavez pricing different from what Square, Clover, or Toast charge by default?
Is surcharging legal and compliant?
See your numbers, not just ours.
Run your own volume through the calculator, or apply directly — approval takes about 2 minutes.