Zeller vs. Square

In-person payments

Both Zeller and Square offer several options for taking in-person payments with built-in POS software. While Square has a wider array of hardware options, Zeller Terminal makes up for these in lower pricing, ability to integrate with over 600 POS providers, and additional functionality such as split payments, Pay at Table, and customisable screensaver. Additionally, all of Square’s in-person terminals rely on WiFi connectivity, whereas Zeller Terminal can also be used with a SIM card, making it a great option for mobile businesses or those whose WiFi is unstable.

Both Zeller and Square offer Tap to Pay on iPhone and Android, however Zeller’s offering here is more affordable and advanced with the ability to add transaction notes and to enable surcharging and tipping. 

Online payments

Zeller and Square's invoicing solutions differ in their pricing structure. At $30 per month on top of the 2.2% transaction fee per invoice paid — Square invoicing offers some premium features such as creating milestone-based payment schedules, or the ability to organise files into a project workspace. Zeller Invoices does not come with any monthly fees, and the transaction fee is lower, at 1.7% +25c per invoice paid. What’s more, a number of features — such as the ability to customise layouts, save and reuse customised invoice templates, add custom fields, and build a library of products that can be shared with Zeller’s built-in POS system — are available for free with Zeller, whereas these same features are only available in Square’s premium paid subscription.

Business accounts

Where Zeller really sets itself apart from Square is in its offering of financial management tools. Unlike Square, Zeller’s ecosystem is designed for businesses to manage their money from start to finish, from accepting payments, to storing and saving funds, paying for and managing expenses, and monitoring cash flow. When you sign up for Zeller, you're given access to a free business transaction account, a savings account, debit cards, and corporate cards. Money flowing in and out of your account can be analysed in detail and managed via Zeller’s online dashboard, and on the go via Zeller App. So, while Zeller and Square will both enable your business to accept payments – Square’s solution is reliant on a third-party bank account, whereas Zeller is an all-in-one alternative to your traditional business bank.

Other services

As an Australian company, Zeller offers local support to merchants 24 hours a day, 7 days a week over the phone, and via email or SMS. Dedicated Account Managers who offer specialised, in-person support are also available Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. Square also offers phone support, however only between the hours of 9AM and 5PM, Monday to Friday.

Settlement

When you settle funds into a Zeller Transaction Account, funds are available nightly, 365 days a year including public holidays. If you choose to settle into a third-party bank account, funds are deposited the next business day. At Square, settlements (referred to as ‘automatic transfers’) for sales made prior to midnight will arrive in your linked bank account the following day — including weekends, but excluding public holidays. Instant settlement is available, however comes at an added cost of 1.5% per transfer.