Switch from Square — Personalized Rates for Retail & Service Businesses
Stop overpaying 2.6% + 15¢ on every swipe. Our tailored flat, tiered and interchange‑plus options beat Square’s pricing, include free terminals and unlock next‑day funding and a powerful merchant portal.
Why Switch from Square
- Square’s flat 2.6% + 15¢ in‑person rate inflates costs for growing merchants.
- No automatic rate reductions or volume discounts — you must negotiate.
- Funds may be subject to reserves or holds.
- Hardware must be purchased; no equipment credits.
- Minimal reporting and re‑evaluation only upon request.
Your Personalized Offers
Flat Rate
2.35% + 12¢ (10k–30k volume)
2.25% + 10¢ (30k–60k)
2.15% + 9¢ (60k–100k)
Simple all‑in pricing beats Square’s flat rate. Best for quick‑service shops and new businesses.
Tiered
2.30% / 2.50% / 3.50% + 10¢ (10k–30k)
Lower qualified rate rewards debit and non‑reward cards. Mid and non‑qual tiers priced to ensure profitability.
Works well for merchants with mostly card‑present debit transactions.
Interchange‑Plus
+0.40% + 8¢ (10k–30k)
+0.35% + 7¢ (30k–60k)
+0.30% + 6¢ (60k–100k)
Pay the true interchange plus our small markup. Best for established businesses with varied card types.
Upload statements for custom pricing; starter rates available without history.
Savings Estimator
Adjust your monthly volume and average ticket to estimate your effective rates and monthly savings versus Square. Use the toggle if you don’t have statements.
Square Effective Rate: %
Our Effective Rate: %
Estimated Monthly Savings: $
Confidence: High
Estimates for merchants with verifiable history/volume. Final pricing after underwriting. Starter rates are available without prior history.
Get Started Right Away (No History)
If you’re a new business or prefer to skip document uploads, choose our 2.60% + 10¢ starter rate (flat). Submit the quick form below and get approved in minutes. You can always upload statements later to qualify for custom pricing.
Recommended Devices (Free Placement Program)
Every plan includes modern devices on loan. Choose the right combination based on your transaction volume. Device capabilities include EMV, NFC, magstripe, built‑in printers, 4G/Wi‑Fi and barcode scanners. Payments Hub offers virtual terminal, invoicing, reporting, chargeback tools, tokenization/encryption, and next‑day/same‑day funding options.
| Transactions per Month | Use Case | Suggested Devices |
|---|---|---|
| ≤1,000 | Solo retail/service | 1 Desk/3500 or Smart Keypad; optional handheld (A77) |
| 1,000–3,000 | Café, boutique | 1 Countertop + PIN pad; 1–2 handhelds |
| 3,000–8,000 | Busy restaurant/retail | Smart POS+ + Countertop + PIN pad + 2 handhelds |
| 8,000+ | Multi‑lane retail | Multi‑lane POS+ with PIN pads per lane + handhelds |
All shown devices are included in Critical BS Inc. Free Equipment Placement (program terms apply).
Apply Now
Choose your application path. Provide statements for our best rates or start with our starter rate and minimal paperwork. Our secure form collects only the necessary information and allows you to select devices. You must acknowledge the equipment placement terms before submitting.
FAQ
How often do you re‑evaluate my rates?
We review your account every three months or whenever your volume changes by 25%, your average ticket shifts substantially, or your card‑present/card‑not‑present mix changes. You’ll be notified of any downward rate adjustment.
When will I get funding?
Next‑day funding is our default for card‑present transactions. Same‑day funding is available for an additional fee if batches are closed by 10:30 AM ET.
How long does it take to receive my devices?
Once approved, your devices ship within two business days. Setup is plug‑and‑play, and our 24/7 support team will help you configure them.
What if I don’t have statements?
No problem—choose the starter rate option. You’ll get an instant decision based on your industry and projected volume, and you can upload statements later to lower your rate.