How does Square make money?

Answered by John Hunt

Square, the popular payment processing company, primarily generates revenue through its P2P Cash App service. As a user of the Cash App, I have found it to be a convenient and user-friendly platform for transferring funds. One of the key reasons Square is able to make money is by offering the basic version of the app for free to consumers.

When I transfer money to friends or family using the Cash App, I don’t have to pay any fees. This makes it an attractive option for individuals looking for a hassle-free way to send money to their loved ones. However, Square also caters to businesses and charges them a fee for each eligible transaction.

For businesses, Square charges a flat fee of 2.75% for each transaction made through the app. This fee is applicable to transactions that meet certain criteria, such as being made with a debit or credit card. Through this pricing model, Square is able to generate a steady stream of revenue from businesses using its payment processing services.

In addition to the fees charged to businesses, Square also offers expedited fund transfers for consumers who are willing to pay a fee. When I need to transfer money urgently, Square allows me to expedite the process by paying a fee of 1.5% of the transferred amount. This service is optional and provides an added convenience for those who require immediate funds.

Square’s revenue model is designed to cater to both individual consumers and businesses. By offering the basic version of the Cash App for free to consumers, Square attracts a large user base. This, in turn, drives business adoption of their payment processing services, where they charge a percentage fee for each transaction.

In my personal experience, Square’s pricing structure has been transparent and easy to understand. The flat fee for businesses and the option to expedite transfers for consumers provide flexibility and cater to different needs. Square’s revenue model seems to strike a balance between offering a free service to consumers while generating revenue from businesses and optional fees for expedited transfers.

It’s worth noting that Square also offers additional services that contribute to its overall revenue. These include Square Register, a point-of-sale system for businesses, and Square Capital, which provides loans to eligible merchants. However, the primary driver of Square’s revenue remains its P2P Cash App service and the transaction fees associated with it.