Prices verified on 2026-10-03 at squareup.com/ca/en
Compare before you choose: Square devices, then Square versus a rented terminal
The two comparisons our clients ask for most, laid out in tables. First the devices against each other, then the Square model against the classic 'rented terminal plus contract' model used by most providers in Canada.
Square devices, side by side
| Device | Price | Standalone | Prints receipts | Connectivity | Battery | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Square Reader |
$69 | No — with phone or tablet | No | Bluetooth | Long-lasting | Self-employed and in-home services |
 Square Terminal |
$399 or 12 × $34 |
Yes | Yes, built in | Wi‑Fi, Ethernet (dock) | All day | Replacing a terminal rented at $30–$60 a month |
 Square Handheld |
$449 or 12 × $38 |
Yes | No (compatible printer) | Wi‑Fi | All day | Table service and patios |
 Square Stand |
$249 or 12 × $21 |
No — with iPad | No (kit available) | Through iPad | Mains | Shops and cafés that already own an iPad |
 Square Kiosk |
$249 or 12 × $21 |
No — with iPad and main POS | No | Through iPad | Mains | Quick service and high-volume counters |
 Square Register |
$999 or 12 × $84 |
Yes | No (kit available) | Ethernet, Wi‑Fi | Mains | Busy counters and established shops |
All prices in Canadian dollars, taxes extra. 0% APR financing in 3, 6 or 12 instalments for orders from $49 to $5,000, first payment at checkout, on credit approval (Square Technologies, Inc.). One-year limited warranty (two years on the Register). Free returns for 30 days.
Square vs a rented terminal: two models, not two prices
In Canada most providers (Moneris, Global Payments, Chase, the banks and Clover distributors) run a terminal-rental model with a contract and a fee grid by card category. Square runs a purchase model with no contract and a single rate. The table compares the models; traditional providers' numbers depend on each contract and must be read on your statement.
| Square (with Rive) | Traditional provider (common model) | |
|---|---|---|
| Processing fees | 2.5% in-person credit; 0.75% + $0.07 Interac; 2.8% + $0.30 online. Same rate for every card. | Interchange-plus or tiered ('qualified / non-qualified'); the effective rate depends on your card mix. Calculate: total fees ÷ volume. |
| Hardware | Purchase: Reader $69, Terminal $399, Register $999. Yours once paid (0% financing available). | Monthly rental (often $30 to $60 per terminal), sometimes a buyout at the end of the lease. |
| Contract | No minimum term, no termination fee. | Often 24 to 60 months, automatic renewal, written notice, early termination fees. |
| Fixed fees | $0 (free account). Optional plans from $35/mo. | Statement fees, PCI compliance fees, monthly minimum, sometimes 'program' fees. |
| POS software | Included (Square Point of Sale), reports, invoices, basic online store. | Terminal only; the register is often separate (subscription) or a paid integration. |
| Deposits | Next business day, free. Instant transfer 1.5% optional. | Usually 1 to 2 business days; sometimes deposit fees. |
| Best choice for | Low to medium volume, small tickets, businesses that want zero commitment and software included. | Very high volume with a large average ticket, where well-negotiated interchange-plus can beat 2.5% — check with real numbers (Square also offers custom pricing). |
Square figures verified October 3, 2026 at squareup.com/ca/en. Traditional-provider characteristics describe the most common model seen on the contracts our clients show us; every contract differs. Rive is an authorized Square reseller.
Frequently asked questions
Is Square always cheaper than a rented terminal?
No, not always. Square almost always wins on fixed fees (rental, statement, PCI) and on small tickets. Very high volume with a large ticket and well-negotiated interchange-plus can beat 2.5%; in that case, ask us for Square custom pricing and compare both offers.
Which Square device replaces a classic rented terminal?
The Square Terminal ($399): standalone, prints receipts, all-day battery, Wi‑Fi or phone hotspot.
Can I compare with my current statement?
Yes. Send us your statement: we calculate your real effective rate (total fees ÷ volume) and compare it with Square, line by line, with no commitment.
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