🤔Why do people look for Square alternatives?
- ⚠️Higher online fees
- ⚠️Limited online store customization
- ⚠️Customer support can have wait times
What to look for in an alternative
💰
Transparent pricing
No hidden fees or surprises
⚡
Quick setup
How fast can you start
🛟
Good support
Quick help when you need it
#1 Recommendation
PayLinks
Simple payment links for everyone
Ideal for freelancers and small businesses who want to collect payments quickly, without complications. 30-second setup, no business registration required, no website needed.
2%
Fee
$0
Monthly fee
30s
Setup
Yes
No Business Req.
30 second setupNo business registration required - start as individualNo website or technical knowledge requiredAll payment methods: Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Revolut Pay
Other Square Alternatives
Stripe
Financial infrastructure for the internet
1.5% + 1 RON (standard SEE cards)
Fee
$0
Monthly
Yes
Apple Pay
No
No Business
Best API for developersExcellent documentation in EnglishHigher fees than local competitors
Ideal for: Tech startups with developer teamCompare with PayLinks →
Shopify
The All-in-One Commerce Platform for Businesses
1.5% - 2.9% + $0.30
Fee
from $29/month
Monthly
Yes
Apple Pay
No
No Business
Extremely scalable and powerful platformEasy to create complete online storeExpensive (monthly subscription + fees)
Ideal for: Online stores of any sizeCompare with PayLinks →
Mollie
Online and in-person payments – built for businesses of every size
Varies (e.g., 1.8% + €0.25 for European cards)
Fee
$0
Monthly
Yes
Apple Pay
No
No Business
Transparent per-transaction pricingNo monthly or hidden feesLimited to European (EEA), UK and Swiss businesses
Ideal for: Businesses of any size operating in EuropeCompare with PayLinks →
PayU
Online payments for your business
0.99% + 0.3 RON
Fee
0 RON (becomes 25 RON from June 1, 2026)
Monthly
Yes
Apple Pay
No
No Business
Global presence in 50+ countriesBuy Now Pay Later (BNPL) availableMandatory monthly fee of 25 RON
Ideal for: Online stores with constant trafficCompare with PayLinks →
Quick Comparison
| Solution | Fee | Monthly | Setup | No Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PayLinks | 2% | $0 | 30 seconds | ✓ |
| Square | 2.6% + 10¢ (in-person) / 2.9% + 30¢ (online) | $0 | Varies | ✗ |
| Stripe | 1.5% + 1 RON (standard SEE cards) | $0 | Varies | ✗ |
| Shopify | 1.5% - 2.9% + $0.30 | from $29/month | Varies | ✗ |
| Mollie | Varies (e.g., 1.8% + €0.25 for European cards) | $0 | Varies | ✗ |
| PayU | 0.99% + 0.3 RON | 0 RON (becomes 25 RON from June 1, 2026) | Varies | ✗ |
Which alternative is right for you?
Choose PayLinks if:
- ✅Freelancers and solopreneurs
- ✅Individuals wanting to collect online
- ✅Private tutors and teachers
- ✅Trainers and coaches
Choose Stripe if:
- ☑️Tech startups with developer team
- ☑️SaaS businesses
- ☑️Companies with international customers
Questions about Square alternatives
It depends on your needs. PayLinks is ideal for freelancers and small businesses who want to collect payments simply, without a website. If you need advanced e-commerce integrations, consider Stripe.