Invoice Simple vs Square: which is better for a new business? (2026)
Choose Invoice Simple if: Solo owners sending a handful of invoices monthly
Skip it if: You need job scheduling, a client portal, or lower online card fees.
Visit Invoice SimpleChoose Square if: New businesses wanting $0/month card payments and invoicing
Skip it if: You run field crews that need dispatching with route optimization.
Visit SquareQuick verdict
| Higher OwnerUnlocked score | Square (8.1 vs 9.4) |
|---|---|
| Lower starting price | Square (From $7/mo vs Free plan) |
| Better public ratings | Invoice Simple (4.6 vs 4.4 / 5) |
| More Spanish help | Square (Spanish website vs Spanish app and support) |
Side by side
| Best for | Solo owners sending a handful of invoices monthly | New businesses wanting $0/month card payments and invoicing |
|---|---|---|
| Skip if | You need job scheduling, a client portal, or lower online card fees. | You run field crews that need dispatching with route optimization. |
| Free plan or trial | 14 days | Free plan |
| Spanish | Spanish website | Spanish app and support |
| Support | Email 24/7; in-app chat | Chat, phone M-F 6am-6pm PT; Free plan phone first 90 days |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Public rating | 4.9/5 (App Store, 122,779) | 4.8/5 (App Store, 605,470) |
| Monthly price | From $6.99/mo ($69.99/yr) | $0 (Free); Plus $49/mo per location |
| In-person card fee | 2.79% + 49¢ (Stripe Tap to Pay) | 2.6% + 15¢ (Free plan) |
| Online/invoice card fee | 3.49% + 49¢ (Stripe or PayPal cards) | 3.3% + 30¢ (Free); 2.9% + 30¢ paid plans |
| Bank transfer (ACH) fee | 1% + 30¢, $15 cap | 1% ($1 min) via invoice |
| Card reader | No reader listed; Tap to Pay on phone | Reader $59; Tap to Pay on phone free |
| Payout speed | 1-2 business days (first 7-14); instant 1.5% | Next business day free; instant 1.95% |
| Scheduling | No | Yes |
| Quotes and estimates | Yes | Yes |
| Client portal | No | Not published |
| QuickBooks sync | Not listed; built-in bookkeeping instead | Yes, via QuickBooks Online app |
| Route planning | No | No |
| Automatic reminders | Automatic payment reminders (Plus and up) | Yes (appointment and invoice) |
| Team | 1 login; support can add team emails | No staff limit on booking calendars |
| Free trial | 14 days of Premium features | 30 days on Plus/Premium |
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What card fees will cost you
| Tool | Fees + plan per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Invoice Simple | $180 | $2,160 |
| Square | $155 | $1,860 |
Standard published card rates on each tool's cheapest plan (annual billing where offered). Amex, keyed-in cards and instant payouts can cost more.
Invoice Simple
- Plans start at $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year.
- Tap to Pay on your phone costs 2.79% + 49¢, no reader needed.
- Bank (ACH) payments cost 1% + 30¢, capped at $15.
- Instant payouts arrive in about 30 minutes for a 1.5% fee.
- Online card payments cost 3.49% + 49¢, above Square, Jobber, Housecall Pro.
- Essentials allows 3 invoices a month; unlimited requires $21.99/mo Premium.
- First Stripe payout can take 7 to 14 business days.
Square
- Free plan: $0/month; in-person cards cost 2.6% + 15¢.
- Next-business-day transfers are free; instant transfers cost 1.95%.
- Tap to Pay on your phone needs no hardware; reader costs $59.
- Free plan includes invoices, estimates, booking calendar and an online site.
- Online and invoice card payments cost 3.3% + 30¢ on Free plan.
- Keyed-in or card-on-file payments cost 3.5% + 15¢ on all plans.
- Free plan includes phone support only for the first 90 days.
Also worth a look
Questions
Is Invoice Simple or Square cheaper?
Square starts lower: From $7/mo for Invoice Simple vs Free plan for Square. Compare the plan you'd actually use, including add-ons.
Which has better reviews?
Invoice Simple, with 4.6/5 on average across the public ratings we checked.
Which one helps in Spanish?
Invoice Simple: Spanish website. Square: Spanish app and support.
Can I switch from one to the other later?
Yes, though switching mid-year takes some setup. Export your records before you cancel, and check for annual contracts or cancellation notice periods.
Facts from each company's own pages and public rating sites, checked Oct 4, 2026. How we rate.