Stripe vs Square: The Payout Game Every New Business Needs to Know
When you’re just starting your business, waiting for your money can feel like starving in plain sight.
That’s not an exaggeration. Recently, a Stripe payout delay left me literally unable to eat. The funds were marked “available” — but didn’t hit my account for another day. When you’re bootstrapping with nothing to fall back on, a single day matters.
That experience pushed me to look into alternatives. Enter: Square.
We haven’t switched to Square just yet, but we’ve made one thing clear: we’re no longer accepting payments through Stripe. The next steps are already in motion and we’ll be finalizing our transition by tomorrow.
Stripe vs. Square: Payout Comparison
| Feature | Stripe | Square |
|---|---|---|
| First Payout Delay | Up to 7 days for new accounts | Next business day — even first |
| Standard Transfer Time | 2–3 days (bank-dependent) | Next business day if before 8 PM ET |
| Instant Payout Option | Yes (fees vary, some limits apply) | Yes (1.75% fee, same-day availability) |
| Funds Available Instantly | Delayed until payout clears | Available immediately in Square Balance |
| Support Clarity | Mixed | Clear & helpful (chat verified) |
Square support told me directly:
“If someone pays through your site, the amount is available immediately. You can then transfer it instantly if you choose.”
Why This Matters for Freelancers, Small Biz Owners, and New Creators
When you’re just starting out, you don’t have time to wait. You’re not sitting on venture capital. You’re trying to grow, pay rent maybe eat today.
Delayed payouts = real consequences. Stripe might be solid for scaling later, but right now? Square wins for new businesses that need fast, reliable access to funds.
How This Ties to Your Website Launch
I built a Free Website Launch Kit for people just like me and maybe you.
If you’re a:
- Freelancer
- Coach or consultant
- Small business owner
- Course creator
… and you’re tired of platform headaches, tech delays, and “available” balances that don’t actually show up this is your guide.
What You’ll Learn in the Launch Kit
- Set up your business online in 7 days (no code, no stress)
- Build traffic without ads using SEO + automation
Grab your copy here: Free Website Launch Kit
Want help building it? Start a project with us.
Final Thought: Get Paid, Not Played
If you’re just starting out, use tools that move at your speed not ones that hold your funds for “processing.”
Square gets it. Stripe doesn’t. At least, not yet.
So let me ask you: have you ever been burned by a payout delay?
Let’s talk. And let’s build better systems together.