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Square vs Zettle by PayPal: card fees compared
Square and Zettle by PayPal both charge 1.75% for in-person card payments (UK cards for Square), with no monthly fee or contract. Where they differ is the reader price, online payments, non-UK cards and how you get paid.
Figures come from each provider's own UK pricing pages, with the date we checked them. For your own takings, use the card machine fees calculator or see every provider on the comparison table.
Square and Zettle by PayPal side by side
| Square | Zettle by PayPal | |
|---|---|---|
| Plan compared | Free | Pay as you go |
| Monthly fee | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| In-person rate | 1.75% | 1.75% |
| Online / payment links | 1.4% + 25p | 2.5% |
| Amex / commercial cards | Same as standard rate | Same as standard rate |
| Reader (buy, ex VAT) | £19.00 | £29.00 |
| Contract | None | None |
| Payouts | 2 working days | Same day |
| Prices checked | 19 October 2026 | 19 October 2026 |
What each would cost: worked examples
Estimated cost for three example businesses taking all payments in person, using the published rates above. The first-year figure includes the reader.
| Example business | Square per month | Zettle by PayPal per month | Square first year | Zettle by PayPal first year | Cheaper in year one |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low: £800/month, £15 average sale | £14.00 | £14.00 | £187.00 | £197.00 | Square |
| Medium: £3,000/month, £20 average sale | £52.50 | £52.50 | £649.00 | £659.00 | Square |
| Higher: £12,000/month, £35 average sale | £210.00 | £210.00 | £2,539.00 | £2,549.00 | Square |
Verdict: Square or Zettle by PayPal?
In person they cost the same per payment, so Square's cheaper reader (£19 against £29) makes it the cheaper start. Square is also the better choice if you sell online, since PayPal says Zettle's Payment Links are temporarily unavailable to new sellers. Zettle suits businesses already on PayPal, and its single rate covers American Express and mobile wallets; Square adds 1.95% for non-UK cards.
Choose Square if
- You also want online payments: 1.4% + 25p with UK cards
- You want Square's free point-of-sale apps, including versions for restaurants and appointments
- You want the cheaper reader (£19 plus VAT)
Choose Zettle by PayPal if
- You already use PayPal and want takings there within minutes
- You want one flat rate that PayPal says covers American Express and mobile wallets
- You mainly sell in person and don't need online checkout
For the full breakdown of each provider, including what to check before signing, see Square card machine fees and Zettle by PayPal card machine fees.
Check current prices on Square's website and Zettle by PayPal's website.
More head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is Square or Zettle cheaper?
Which is better for online sales, Square or Zettle?
How do Square and Zettle pay out?
Sources and last checked
- Square UK pricing — checked 19 October 2026
- Square: reader — checked 19 October 2026
- Zettle by PayPal UK pricing — checked 19 October 2026
Last reviewed 19 October 2026 by Oliver Burton. Editorial policy.