PortalPay vs Square: Pay Less, Get More

Lower processing fees, free POS software, instant settlement, and accept crypto payments. Perfect Square alternative for restaurants, retail, and services.

71%

Lower Fees

$3,180

Average Annual Savings

Instant

Settlement Time

Feature Comparison

Feature	PortalPay	Square
Processing Fee	0.5-1%	2.6% + 10¢
Monthly POS Fee	$0	$60-300
Annual Software Cost	$0	$720-3,600
Settlement Speed	Instant	1-2 business days
Chargebacks	Zero	Yes (1-2% loss)
Accept Crypto	✓	✗
Accept Cards	✓	✓
Bank Account Required	✗	✓
Restaurant POS	Free	$60/mo
Retail POS	Free	$60/mo
Inventory Management	Free	Included
Customer Directory	Free	Included
Hardware	Use any device	Buy Square hardware
Multi-Location	Free	$60+/location
Payroll	Coming soon	$35/mo + $6/person

Real-World Savings Examples

Coffee Shop ($7k/month)

With Square:$2,904/year

With PortalPay:$630/year

You Save:$2,274

78% annual savings

Restaurant ($12k/month)

With Square:$4,272/year

With PortalPay:$1,080/year

You Save:$3,192

75% annual savings

Retail Boutique ($8k/month)

With Square:$3,288/year

With PortalPay:$720/year

You Save:$2,568

78% annual savings

Service Business ($5k/month)

With Square:$2,220/year

With PortalPay:$450/year

You Save:$1,770

80% annual savings

How to Switch from Square to PortalPay

1
Export customer and product data from Square
2
Set up PortalPay account with crypto wallet
3
Import your product catalog
4
Test transactions with small amounts
5
Train staff on new QR code system (5 minutes)
6
Display QR codes at checkout or on receipts
7
Run both systems in parallel for 1 week (optional)
8
Fully switch to PortalPay

Why Businesses Switch to PortalPay

Problems with Square

✗High processing fees (2.60% + 0.1¢)
✗Monthly software fees ($60+)
✗Slow settlement (1-3 business days)
✗Chargeback losses
✗Requires traditional bank account
✗Limited crypto support

Benefits of PortalPay

✓Ultra-low fees (0.5-1% total)
✓No monthly fees ever
✓Instant settlement (seconds)
✓Zero chargebacks
✓No bank account required
✓Accept both crypto and cards
✓Free enterprise features included

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to switch from Square to PortalPay?

No! Most businesses complete the switch in under an hour. You can export your data from Square, set up your PortalPay account, and start accepting payments the same day. Many merchants run both systems in parallel for a week to ensure a smooth transition. Our support team helps with the migration.

Will my customers need crypto wallets?

No. While crypto enthusiasts can pay directly with their wallets, any customer can pay using credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay through our onramp. We handle the crypto conversion instantly. Your customers won't even know it's crypto - they just see a simple payment experience.

How much will I really save?

On average, businesses save 70-85% on total payment processing costs. The exact savings depend on your monthly volume and current Square plan. Use our cost calculator above to see your specific savings. Most businesses save between $2,000-10,000 annually.

Do I need a bank account to use PortalPay?

No! This is a major advantage over Square. Payments go directly to your crypto wallet. You can hold as crypto, convert to stablecoins, or cash out to your local currency. Perfect for international businesses or new companies that struggle with traditional banking.

What about features I use in Square?

PortalPay includes all essential features for your industry - and they're all free. We have specialized POS systems for restaurants, retail, hotels, and more. Check the feature comparison table above to see specific capabilities. In most cases, you'll get more features than Square offers, at no extra cost.

Is settlement really instant?

Yes! Crypto transactions settle in seconds, not days. Compare this to Square's 1-3 business day wait. You have immediate access to your funds for restocking, payroll, or any other needs. No more waiting for batch processing or dealing with hold times.