Honest Comparison

Renegade Payments vs Square:
An Honest Comparison

We'll show you exactly how we stack up — and where Square might actually be the better fit.

Head-to-Head

Feature-by-feature breakdown

A side-by-side look at what you actually pay. No spin, just numbers.

ComparisonSwipe to compare
Feature
Renegade Payments
Interchange+
Square
Pricing ModelInterchange-plusFlat rate
In-Person RateIC + 0.20% + $0.082.6% + $0.15 (Free), 2.5% + $0.15 (Plus), 2.4% + $0.15 (Premium)
Online RateIC + 0.30% + $0.153.3% + $0.30 (Free), 2.9% + $0.30 (Plus, Premium)
Keyed-In / Card-on-File RateIC + 0.30% + $0.153.5% + $0.15 (all plans)
Monthly Fee$0$0 – $149/location
ContractsNone — cancel anytimeNone
Early Termination Fee$0$0
PCI Compliance Fee$0 (included)$0 (included)
Funding SpeedNext-day1–2 business days (instant for fee)
Hardware CostFree terminal program$0 (magstripe), $49–$799 for readers/terminals
Customer SupportDedicated account managerEmail/chat, phone for paid plans
Best ForBusinesses wanting lowest ratesNew/micro businesses wanting simplicity
Effective Rate on $25K/mo ($35 avg. ticket, in person)~2.74% ($684, est.)~3.03% ($757, Free plan)
The Full Picture

Where each processor wins

We believe in honesty. Here's where Square has the edge — and where we do.

Where Square Wins

Brand recognition

Square is a household name with 4M+ merchants. You've seen their white card readers everywhere from farmer's markets to food trucks.

Free POS software

Full POS system at no monthly cost on the free plan. For brand-new businesses, that's hard to beat out of the gate.

Ecosystem

Banking, payroll, lending, online store, appointments — all in one platform. If you want everything under one roof, Square delivers.

Instant deposits

Available same-day for a 1.95% fee per transfer. If cash flow timing is critical, this can be a lifesaver.

No minimum volume

Process $1/month or $1M/month. Square never penalizes you for low volume — ideal for seasonal businesses.

Where Renegade Payments Wins

Lower effective rates

About 10% less than Square Free: ~$73/mo on a typical $25K month at a $35 average ticket, plus zero junk fees and no monthly SaaS fees. Estimate based on an average card mix.

Zero hidden fees

No PCI fees, no statement fees, no batch fees, no regulatory fees. Your rate is your rate — period.

Dedicated account manager

A real human who knows your business, not a chatbot queue. Call them directly whenever you need help.

Interchange-plus transparency

See exactly what Visa/Mastercard charges vs our markup on every single transaction. No guessing.

AI-powered rate monitoring

We continuously optimize your rates as interchange tables change. You always pay the lowest possible rate.

Built for empathy and merchant empowerment.

Real Savings

Savings by monthly volume

Here's what businesses actually save when switching from Square to Renegade Payments, based on typical card mixes.

SavingsSwipe to compare
Monthly VolumeSquare Cost
Renegade Payments
Cost
Monthly SavingsAnnual Savings
$10,000$303$274$29$351
$25,000$757$684$73$879
$50,000$1,514$1,368$146$1,757
$100,000$3,029$2,736$293$3,514

Assumes in-person payments at a $35 average ticket. Square Free plan: 2.6% + $0.15 (published rate, October 2026). Renegade Payments: estimated interchange (1.80% + $0.10) and card-network fees (0.15% + $0.025) passed through at cost, plus our 0.20% + $0.08 markup. Actual interchange depends on your card mix.

Client Stories

Verified Client Experiences

See what real clients say about service, rates, billing, funding, onboarding, and switching support.

Switching over from Elavon was seamless. Someone was always there to walk us through the details and support us every step of the way. We've saved thousands of dollars a year in processing costs.

GR
Gary Richardson
GW Richardson Heating and AC · Valencia, CA

Their team delivers true customer service whenever you need them. On top of that, in all our time in business, no one has ever been able to beat their rates.

JA
Junior Ayala
Fresh Window Tint · Valencia, CA

The payment setup makes invoicing simple and straightforward. Our clients receive their bills and pay right away without any friction, which keeps our receivables moving smoothly.

JO
Jesse Okray
Adrenaline Detail · Lake Havasu City, AZ
Ready to Save?

See your exact savings in 30 seconds

Upload your current statement or tell us your monthly volume. We'll show you exactly how much you'd save switching from Square.