Which Restaurant Pos has the Lowest Transaction Fees?
Based on standard published fees for 2026, Clover offers the lowest base transaction rate among the primary providers listed. However, actual costs depend on the pricing model you choose.
Standard Transaction Rates
According to current industry snapshots, standard flat-rate fees are as follows:
- Clover: 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction.
- Toast: 2.5% + $0.15 per transaction.
- Square: 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction.
- Lightspeed: 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction.
Transparent Pricing Models
For many restaurants, interchange plus pricing is the most cost-effective and transparent option. Instead of a flat rate, this model passes through the wholesale cost of the transaction from card networks plus a fixed markup from the processor. This is particularly beneficial for high-volume establishments as it often result in the lowest net costs.
Reducing Fees to Zero
If your goal is to eliminate transaction fees entirely, you may consider a restaurant cash discount program. This program allows you to apply a surcharge to credit card transactions, effectively shifting the processing expenses to the customer and reducing your merchant costs to nearly zero.
Providers like Payment Depot also offer competitive wholesale rates using an interchange-plus model, typically charging 0.15% + 10¢ per transaction with a flat monthly fee.
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