The quick difference
Square is a broad small-business commerce platform covering invoicing, checkout, point of sale, appointments and industry-specific upgrades. Zeller is an Australian financial and payments platform combining EFTPOS, invoices, payment links and business accounts.
For a simple domestic invoice, Zeller's published 1.7% plus 25 cents can undercut Square's 2.2% rate once the invoice is above roughly $50. Square's fee has no fixed component, so the exact difference depends on average payment size.
- ✓ Square invoice and online payments: 2.2%
- ✓ Zeller domestic invoice payments: 1.7% + $0.25
- ✓ Square in person: 1.6%
- ✓ Zeller in person: 1.4%
What $15,000 of monthly invoices may cost
At $15,000 a month across one hundred $150 domestic-card invoice payments, Square's published 2.2% rate produces an estimated $330 in fees. Zeller's published 1.7% plus 25 cents produces an estimated $280. The illustrative difference is $50 a month or $600 a year.
That calculation excludes refunds, chargebacks, international cards, hardware, optional software and negotiated rates. It demonstrates why a business should use its own volume and average payment rather than comparing percentages in isolation.
- ✓ Change the volume in the InvoiceChoice calculator
- ✓ Run domestic and international card mixes separately
- ✓ Ask about custom rates above $250,000 annual card volume
Where Square is stronger
Square's advantage is breadth. A business can connect invoices with point of sale, online selling, appointments, inventory and a large ecosystem. That can be worth more than a small rate difference when it replaces other software or reduces administration.
Its simple percentage-only fee is also easy to forecast. Businesses with very small remote transactions are not penalised by a fixed cents component, although the higher percentage becomes more material on larger invoices.
Where Zeller is stronger
Zeller's published domestic rates are attractive, its product is built around Australian businesses, and the same ecosystem covers accounts, cards, EFTPOS, invoices and payment links. It is particularly persuasive for service businesses that want competitive remote and in-person rates.
The decision should still include support, hardware, settlement destination, accounting integration and the handling of international cards. Trial both workflows and confirm current prices before switching a live business.
Provider fees, offers and product terms can change. Confirm the current Australian terms with the provider. This article is general information, not accounting, legal or financial advice.