Why Businesses Are Ditching Square for Adyen: The Real Reasons Revealed
In the fast-evolving world of payment processing, businesses are always on the hunt for a solution that’s efficient, scalable, and cost-effective. For years, Square has been a go-to choice for small businesses and startups, thanks to its easy-to-use tools and affordable pricing. But lately, there’s been a noticeable shift — more and more businesses are moving away from Square and choosing Adyen.
Why? It’s not just about pricing or features — it’s about long-term growth, global reach, and enterprise-grade capabilities. Let’s break down the real reasons businesses are ditching Square for Adyen — and why you might want to consider it too.
- Adyen Offers Better Global Reach 🌍
Square: Primarily focused on the US, Canada, Australia, and a few European countries.
Adyen: Operates in over 100 countries and supports 150+ currencies and 200+ local payment methods like:
- iDEAL (Netherlands)
- Bancontact (Belgium)
- Alipay and WeChat Pay (China)
Why it matters:
For businesses planning to scale internationally, Adyen’s global capabilities offer seamless cross-border transactions without the hassle.
- Advanced Payment Technology and Smart Routing 🚀
Square: Uses fixed routing paths for transactions, which can lead to higher decline rates.
Adyen: Uses intelligent payment routing, sending transactions through local acquirers for faster approvals and higher success rates.
Why it matters:
You get fewer declined payments, higher conversion rates, and smoother customer experiences.
- Superior Fraud Prevention with RevenueProtect 🛡️
Square: Offers basic fraud protection, mostly automated with limited customization.
Adyen: RevenueProtect provides AI-driven fraud detection with customizable risk settings, like:
- Behavioral analytics
- Device fingerprinting
- Real-time fraud monitoring
Why it matters:
You minimize fraud losses while maximizing legitimate sales, thanks to tailored risk management.
- Flexible Pricing Model 💸
Square: Charges a flat fee (2.6% + 10¢) for most transactions, which adds up quickly for high-volume businesses.
Adyen: Uses an interchange++ pricing model, offering transparent fees and volume-based discounts.
Why it matters:
For businesses processing large transaction volumes, Adyen’s pricing can significantly reduce costs.
- Advanced Subscription and Recurring Payments 🔄
Square: Offers limited subscription tools and basic recurring billing.
Adyen: Supports sophisticated subscription management, including:
- Automatic card updates
- Smart retry logic for failed payments
- Flexible billing cycles
Why it matters:
You retain more customers and minimize churn with smooth, automated billing.
- Unified Commerce and Real-Time Analytics 📊
Square: Provides separate dashboards for online and in-store sales, leading to fragmented data.
Adyen: Offers a unified commerce solution, giving you:
- Real-time transaction data across all channels
- Customer insights for better personalization
- Streamlined reporting for faster decision-making
Why it matters:
You get a 360° view of your business, improving strategy and customer experience.
- White-Label Solutions with Adyen for Platforms 🏗️
Square: Operates under Square’s brand, offering limited customization for third-party platforms.
Adyen: Adyen for Platforms lets you white-label payment services, meaning:
- Your brand stays front and center
- Faster onboarding for sub-merchants
- Split payments and global compliance
Why it matters:
You build trust with your customers while scaling your platform with ease.
- Faster Settlement and Better Cash Flow Management 💥
Square: Typically holds funds for 1-2 business days before settling.
Adyen: Offers faster payouts, sometimes same-day settlements with direct acquiring capabilities.
Why it matters:
Improved cash flow means better financial flexibility for your business.
- Customizable Checkout Experience 🎨
Square: Provides templated checkout options with limited customization.
Adyen: Allows API-based checkout customization, offering:
- Tailored branding
- Optimized user experience across devices
- Advanced payment method options
Why it matters:
You create a seamless, branded checkout process that drives conversions.
- Enterprise-Grade Scalability and Reliability 🏢
Square: Best suited for small businesses and startups.
Adyen: Designed for fast-scaling businesses and global enterprises, trusted by brands like:
- Netflix
- Spotify
- Uber
Why it matters:
As your business grows, Adyen grows with you, providing reliable, scalable infrastructure.
FAQs: Adyen vs. Square
- Is Adyen more expensive than Square?
For small businesses with low volume, Square’s flat fees may seem cheaper. But for high-volume businesses, Adyen’s interchange++ pricing often leads to lower costs. - Can Adyen handle in-person payments like Square?
Yes! Adyen offers POS solutions with hardware integrations and unified commerce capabilities. - Which platform has better global coverage?
Adyen wins by a landslide, with 100+ countries and 200+ local payment methods. - Does Adyen support subscription billing?
Yes — and it’s more advanced than Square, with automatic card updates, smart retries, and flexible billing cycles. - Which is better for large enterprises?
Adyen, hands down. It offers enterprise-grade infrastructure, advanced data analytics, and global scalability.
The Verdict: Why Adyen Comes Out on Top
While Square works well for small businesses and local retailers, Adyen’s advanced features and global capabilities make it the better choice for growing and enterprise businesses. With better fraud prevention, payment optimization, and scalable infrastructure, Adyen offers more long-term value.
Considering making the switch?
If you’re scaling globally, need enterprise-level tools, or want to maximize your revenue, Adyen is the platform you’ve been looking for.