Software Alternatives & Startups

Square VS First Data

Compare Square VS First Data and see what are their differences

Square

Square helps millions of sellers run their business-from secure credit card processing to point of sale solutions. Get paid faster with Square. Sign up today!

Square Homepage
Rating
0 reviews
First Data

First Data Corporation provides electronic commerce and payment solutions for merchants, financial institutions and card issuers.

First Data Landing page
Rating
0 reviews

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Square seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 41 times since March 2021.

social mentions
41 vs 0
Payments Processing popularity
99% vs 1%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 57

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Square
First Data
Website squareup.com firstdata.com
Company Startup from the United States
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Square 6 features
First Data 5 features
  • Ease of Use
    Square's platform is known for being user-friendly and easy to set up, making it accessible for small business owners with little technical expertise.
  • Transparent Pricing
    Square offers straightforward, flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees, which helps businesses understand their costs upfront.
  • Integrated Solutions
    Square provides a comprehensive suite of tools including POS systems, online store, invoicing, payroll, and more, enabling seamless business operations.
  • No Long-Term Contracts
    Square does not require long-term contracts or commitments, allowing businesses flexibility in choosing their service provider.
  • Omnichannel Capabilities
    Square supports sales across various channels, including in-person, online, and mobile, offering versatility for different business models.
  • Next-Day Deposits
    Square offers next-day deposits, ensuring that businesses have quick access to their funds, which is critical for cash flow management.

Possible disadvantages

  • Processing Fees
    While the pricing is transparent, the fees per transaction can add up, especially for businesses with high sales volumes or low margins.
  • Account Stability
    Some users have reported sudden holds or terminations of their Square accounts, which can disrupt business operations.
  • Limited Customer Support
    Square's customer support can be limited, particularly for smaller businesses or during high-demand periods, which can affect issue resolution time.
  • Additional Costs for Advanced Features
    Some advanced features and integrations may incur additional costs, making it more expensive for businesses that need these functionalities.
  • Geographic Limitations
    Square is primarily available in certain countries, which may be restrictive for businesses with international operations or customers.
  • Wide Range of Services
    First Data provides an extensive array of financial services and payment solutions, including merchant acquiring, point-of-sale systems, credit card processing, and fraud protection, making it a versatile choice for various business needs.
  • Global Presence
    With a strong global footprint, First Data caters to businesses in numerous countries, enabling seamless international transactions and offering support for global commerce.
  • Innovation and Technology
    First Data invests heavily in technology and innovation, offering advanced solutions like mobile payment options and digital wallets, which can be beneficial for businesses looking to stay competitive in the digital age.
  • Scalability
    The solutions provided by First Data are scalable, which means they can support businesses both small and large, adapting to growth and increasing transaction volumes over time.
  • Partnerships and Integrations
    First Data has partnerships with many major financial institutions and offers a variety of integrations with third-party services and software, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.

Possible disadvantages

  • Complex Pricing Structure
    The pricing models of First Data can be complex and challenging to understand, which might lead to businesses not knowing exactly what they will pay or encountering unexpected fees.
  • Customer Support Issues
    Some users report experiencing challenges with customer support, including long wait times and difficulties in resolving issues, which could be a downside for businesses needing prompt assistance.
  • Contract Terms
    First Data often requires long-term contracts that can include early termination fees, which may not be ideal for businesses that value flexibility or are uncertain about their long-term needs.
  • Customizability Limitations
    While First Data offers a wide range of services, the customization options for some of these services may be limited, potentially affecting businesses that require highly tailored solutions.
  • Integration Complexities
    Integrating First Data's systems with existing business infrastructure can sometimes be complex and time-consuming, which may present challenges for businesses without dedicated technical resources.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Square
First Data

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Square is generally considered a good choice for businesses looking for an all-in-one payment and business management solution. It is particularly praised for its user-friendly interface, competitive pricing, and reliable customer support.

Why this product is good

  • Square, known for its point of sale solutions, has built a strong reputation for its ease of use, transparent pricing, and comprehensive features suited for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers seamless integration with various hardware, software, and payment processing services, which are particularly appreciated by users who want a straightforward setup. The platform also provides useful analytics, invoicing, and inventory management features that help businesses efficiently manage their operations.

Recommended for

    Square is recommended for small to medium-sized businesses, especially in the retail, food and beverage, and service industries, who need a versatile and scalable payment processing and business management solution. It is particularly beneficial for those who prefer a cloud-based service with seamless integration across multiple devices.

No analysis of First Data yet.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Square 9 videos + Add
First Data 2 videos + Add

Square vs PayPal 2020: A Side by Side Comparison

More videos

  • Demo - Square Mobile Credit Card Reader Review | Squareup Demo | Pros & Cons
  • Review - I switched from Square to Paymentech. IMO, Squareup merchant services is garbage.
  • Review - What is Square - Square Review - Square Pricing Plans Explained
  • Review - 6 days left to dump Square merchant services before they begin screwing small businesses
  • Review - Square Eftpos Terminal Review 2023
  • Review - Square Review | Is It the BEST POS System for Online Payments & Invoicing?
  • Review - Square For Small Business: Is Square Right For You? [Square Explained]

Review of First Data POS

More videos

  • Review - When To Start Applying To Your First Data Analyst Job

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Square
First Data
99% 99%
1% 1%
99% 99%
1% 1%
98% 98%
POS
2% 2%
100% 100%
0% 0%

User comments

Share your experience with using Square and First Data. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Square no reviews yet
First Data no reviews yet

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We have no reviews of First Data yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Square 41 mentions
First Data 0 mentions
  • Advertisement - Help Finding a Global Entry Appointment
    This is an advertisement and I want to provide all the details.. I am a software developer and avid traveler. I own this website and am the sole developer who wrote the entire software! This idea came about when I signed up for Global... Source: about 3 years ago
  • How common is card/contactless payment?
    And now with Square it's dirt simple to accept credit card transactions, and the software even integrates into the NFC transceiver in modern iPhones--so even street vendors and local artists accept contactless payment cards. Source: over 3 years ago
  • FREE GAME 💳💰💰
    Https://squareup.com/us/en - Better with aged account and/or verified business. Do custom amount charges on phone and type in card info manually. Source: over 3 years ago

View more

Tracking First Data since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to Square and First Data

When comparing Square and First Data, you can also consider the following products.