Is the Square Reader vs Tide Card Reader better for your UK small business?
We compare both machines based on real user reviews, prices and what features they each offer.
You can also find our comparison of all the best card machines here.
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Square Reader vs Tide Card Reader: The Basics
| Square Reader | Tide Card Reader | |
| Payment Company Name | Square | Tide |
| Machine Type | Card Machine | Card Machine |
| Where To Buy It? | Click Here To Buy The Square Reader | Click Here To Buy The Tide Card Reader |
Square Reader vs Tide Card Reader: Which Is Cheaper
Below we compare the cost of buying the Square Reader compared to the Tide Card Reader and how much each charge you to use them.
You can also see if either qualify as one of the 7 Cheapest Card Readers.
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| Square Reader | Tide Card Reader | |
| Price For The Machine (excluding VAT) | £19 | £49 |
| Minimum Monthly Fee | None | None |
| Standard Debit Card Transaction Fee | 1.75% | 1.50% |
| Standard Credit Card Transaction Fee | 1.75% | 1.50% |
| Amex Card Fee | 1.75% | No |
| Standard Card Not Present Fee | 1.4% + 25p for UK cards 2.5% + 25p for non-UK cards | 1.50% |
| Contract Required | No | No |
| Minimum Transaction Amount | £1 | £5 |
| How Soon Can You Get Your Money | Next Buisness Day or Instant Option for 1% Fee | 1-3 business days |
Square Reader vs Tide Card Reader Reviews
Does the Square Reader or the Tide Card Reader have better reviews? We compare Trustpilot, iPhone and Android app reviews below.
| Square Reader | Tide Card Reader | |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Number of Trustpilot Reviews | 2,290 | 18,090 |
| iPhone App Rating | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Number of iPhone Reviews | 10,300 | 64,800 |
| Android App Rating | 4.8 | 3.9 |
| Number of Android Reviews | 213,000 | 16,200 |
Square Reader vs Tide Card Reader Accepted Cards
Both the Square Reader and Tide Card Reader accept standard debit and credit cards issued by Visa and Mastercard. But do they accept other card types? We compare below:
| Square Reader | Tide Card Reader | |
| Accept Visa | Yes | Yes |
| Accept Mastercard | Yes | Yes |
| Accept Amex | Yes | No |
| Accept Apple Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Accept Google Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Accept Union Pay | No | No |
| Accept JCB | No | No |
| Accept Discover | No | No |
Square Reader vs Tide Card Reader Features
Square Reader | Tide Card Reader | |
| Mobile Phone Required | No | Yes |
| Built-In Printer | No | No |
| Touch Screen | No | Yes |
| Take Phone Payments | Yes | Yes |
| Take Online Payments | Yes | Yes |
| Business Bank Account Included | No | Yes |
Square Reader Features
- Chip and PIN and contactless card reader
- 24/7 fraud prevention and payment dispute management at no extra cost
- Get money in your bank account as soon as the next working day, or instantly for a fee
- Packs a powerful battery in a pocket-sized POS
- Square Reader stays connected to your device
Tide Card Reader Features
- Lightweight and compact, for taking payments on the move
- Tide app required to initiate payments
- Proof of transaction by email only
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