If you're launching a subscription-based business, whether it's a
pet grooming app
, a
barber shop app
, or a
pizza shop app
, you'll eventually face a critical question: Square vs Stripe, which billing platform is right for you? While both offer recurring payment tools, the way they handle subscriptions, automation, fees, and integrations can dramatically impact your revenue operations. For service businesses using Subport to build branded mobile apps, understanding the difference between Square Recurring Billing and Stripe Subscriptions is essential for delivering a seamless experience to your customers.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Stripe vs Square for recurring payments, from billing flexibility and developer control to pricing, dashboards, and real-world use cases. Whether you're a solo business owner looking for simplicity or a SaaS startup that needs deep billing logic, you'll find out which platform fits your needs, and how Subport integrates seamlessly with both. By the end, you’ll have a clear recommendation, plus the option to book a free demo to see how it all works inside your own branded app.
TL;DR – Key Takeaways
- Stripe is best for SaaS businesses, mobile apps, and global companies needing advanced billing logic, usage-based pricing, and deep API control.
- Square is ideal for local businesses like pet groomers, salons, and mobile service providers who want a fast, easy way to launch memberships and recurring plans.
- Both platforms support recurring billing, but Stripe offers more flexibility, while Square offers faster setup with POS integration.
- Subport integrates seamlessly with both Stripe and Square, letting you launch a branded subscription app with no code or full API control.
- You’re not locked in—start with either platform, and switch later without disrupting your business.
| Feature | Stripe | Square |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | SaaS, global billing, advanced dev workflows | Local businesses, retail, mobile service providers |
| Subscription Flexibility | Extremely customizable (billing logic, proration, trials) | Simple, easy-to-use membership billing |
| Payment Methods | Cards, ACH, Apple Pay, Google Pay, international wallets | Cards, Apple Pay, Square POS |
| Integration with Subport | ✅ Full integration | ✅ Full integration |
| Developer Friendliness | API-first, SDKs in 8+ languages | Plug and play setup, less code needed |
| Fees | 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction (US avg) | 2.6% + 10¢ card-present; 2.9% + 30¢ online |
💡 Recommendation:
Choose Stripe if you're a SaaS platform, mobile app, or international business needing deep flexibility
Choose Square if you're a local pet groomer, salon, or in-person service provider who wants speed and simplicity
🔹 Both work flawlessly with Subport. Want help choosing? Book a free demo
Square Recurring Billing vs Stripe Subscriptions
When choosing how to manage subscriptions for your grooming business, med spa, dog daycare, or field-service company, two platforms dominate the conversation: Square and Stripe
Both support recurring payments, but their design philosophy, capabilities, and target audiences are very different. If you're building your subscription experience with Subport, understanding these differences is key to offering a seamless mobile experience for your customers
What is Square?
Square is a user-friendly, hardware-integrated POS and payments solution. It's tailored for small businesses who want a frictionless, all-in-one system for in-person and online transactions
Main Features of Square
- POS integration with reader and terminal hardware
- Recurring invoices with card-on-file billing
- Customer self-enrollment via QR codes or payment links
- Simple membership setup and billing start dates
- Built-in integrations with Square Appointments, Loyalty, and Marketing
Who is Square for?
- Pet groomers and barbers
- Nail salons and massage studios
- Subscription meal prep businesses
- Mobile field pros and freelancers
Pros of Square
- ✅ Simple to use, no dev required
- ✅ Optimized for local and mobile teams
- ✅ Connects with Square's full tool suite
- ✅ Supports Apple Pay, chip cards, and POS payments
Cons of Square
- ❌ Rigid billing logic; no metered or usage-based plans
- ❌ Limited international payment support
- ❌ Little control over automation or retry logic
- ❌ Less insight into churn and advanced metrics
What is Stripe?
Stripe is a payments infrastructure provider built for developers and global businesses. It supports advanced billing models and powers recurring revenue for massive platforms like Shopify and Slack
Main Features of Stripe
- Flexible billing engine: trials, coupons, usage metering
- Smart dunning and retry logic for failed payments
- Multi-currency, global support
- Complete control via Webhooks and REST APIs
- Full Subport integration via secure backend tokens
Who is Stripe for?
- SaaS founders
- Global marketplaces
- Developers building mobile-first apps
- Teams needing advanced subscription modeling
Pros of Stripe
- ✅ Extremely customizable via API
- ✅ Works globally and supports dozens of currencies
- ✅ Deep billing logic (e.g., proration, seat pricing)
- ✅ Seamless with Subport mobile apps
Cons of Stripe
- ❌ Setup can be complex without dev support
- ❌ Not optimized for brick-and-mortar POS
- ❌ Requires more ongoing maintenance
Comparison Between Stripe vs Square
Square Recurring Billing vs Stripe Subscriptions
| Category | Square | Stripe |
| Recurring Billing | ✅ Basic flat-rate billing | ✅ Advanced, usage-based logic |
| Subscription Tiers | Fixed only | Flexible, dynamic tiers |
| Trial Support | Basic optional trials | Full-featured trials with discounts |
| Onboarding Flow | QR codes, links | APIs or hosted portals |
| Customer Portal | Minimal self-service | Full-featured portal UI |
| Subport Integration | Built-in connector | Token-secured webhook integration |
Dashboard and Analytics
| Feature | Square | Stripe |
| Sales Dashboard | ✅ POS-driven insights | ✅ Fully customizable |
| Churn or Retention Metrics | ❌ Basic reporting | ✅ Cohort and behavior analytics |
| Heatmaps or Filters | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Advanced segmentation |
| Mobile Dashboard | ✅ Square POS App | ✅ Web and mobile dashboard |
Subport consolidates key performance metrics from both Stripe and Square, giving business owners a unified view of their membership revenue, retention, and growth
Stripe and Square Fees
| Fee Type | Stripe | Square |
| Online Payments | 2.9% + 30¢ | 2.9% + 30¢ |
| In-Person | Not supported | 2.6% + 10¢ |
| Recurring Billing | No added fee | No added fee |
| Chargebacks | $15 (waived if won) | $0-$20 (varies) |
| Payout Time | ~2 days | ~1-2 days |
Subport Tip: Pick based on your hardware and audience. If you're mobile-first, Stripe's global coverage is a win. For POS-heavy shops, Square is streamlined
Ease of Use
| User Type | Stripe | Square |
| Solo Owner | ⚠️ Needs help | ✅ Easy setup |
| SaaS Startup | ✅ Ideal fit | ⚠️ Limited logic |
| Multi-location Franchise | ✅ Robust scaling tools | ✅ Simple rollout via QR onboarding |
| Mobile Business | ✅ With Subport | ✅ With Subport |
How Subport Integrates with Stripe and Square
Subport is the only white-label mobile app builder for service businesses with deep subscription logic baked in. Whether you're building a grooming business, a med spa, or a mobile food truck app, Subport lets you:
- Choose your gateway: Stripe or Square
- Sync plans, customers, and transactions in real time
- Offer trials, upsells, loyalty, and retention automation
- Launch a branded mobile app that lives in the App Store
- Track everything in a central CRM and billing dashboard
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Square if you:
- Already use Square POS or Appointments
- Sell services in person
- Don’t need complicated billing logic
- Want a no-code launch
Choose Stripe if you:
- Sell internationally
- Need dynamic pricing, usage billing, or dunning
- Are a developer or have one on staff
- Want to scale subscriptions inside your own app
Subport supports both. You're never locked in
FAQ
Can I switch between Stripe and Square? Yes. Subport makes it easy to migrate
Do I need a developer to use Stripe with Subport? Not required. Subport can handle everything, or your dev team can customize via API
Does Subport support international payments? Yes, via Stripe
Can Subport work with my POS? If you’re using Square POS or Stripe Terminal, it connects natively
Final Thoughts
Both Square and Stripe are capable subscription platforms, but they serve very different types of businesses. What makes Subport powerful is that it integrates with both, letting you choose the platform that fits your needs today and change it tomorrow without friction
No matter your industry, Subport gives you a branded mobile subscription system built to grow recurring revenue
