Quick verdict
Different tools. Dojo is built for busy hospitality and higher-volume retail that want fast payouts and hands-on support (quote-based, with a contract). Square is the free, no-contract all-rounder for cafés, shops and service businesses.
Side by side
 Dojo4.1 |  Square4.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | From ~£15/mo (quote-based) | £0 (paid POS tiers available) |
| Transaction fee | Tailored rates (quote-based, often blended) | 1.75% in-person (no monthly/setup fee on standard) |
| Card reader from | Hardware/payment-plan pricing (quoted) | £19 + VAT |
| Contract | Contract terms vary - check carefully | No contract (pay-as-you-go) |
| Payout speed | Next-day, as fast as same-day payouts | Next working day (instant transfer for a fee) |
| No monthly fee | ||
| No contract option | ||
| Restaurant features | ||
| Inventory | ||
| Online payments | ||
| Tap to Pay | ||
| Fast payouts |
Choose Dojo if…
Choose Dojo if you're a busy café, bar, restaurant or higher-volume shop that wants reliable card machines, next or same-day payouts and account management - and you're comfortable with a contract and quote-based pricing.
Choose Square if…
Choose Square if you want no monthly fee, no contract and genuinely good free POS software with inventory, online store and invoices. Ideal for independents starting out or keeping costs predictable.
Best for different businesses
| Business | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Busy hospitality | Dojo | Fast payouts, reliability and hands-on support. |
| Café / small retail | Square | Free POS, no contract, easy to run. |
| Higher-volume retail | Dojo | Tailored rates can beat a flat 1.75%. |
| Online + in-person | Square | Free online store and stock sync. |
FAQs
Is Dojo cheaper than Square?
It depends on volume. Square's flat 1.75% is simple and cheap at lower volumes; Dojo's quote-based rates can undercut it at higher turnover, but come with a contract. Run your numbers in our fee calculator.
Does Square offer fast payouts like Dojo?
Square pays out next working day as standard, with instant transfer for a fee. Dojo is known for next-day and even same-day payouts, which is why busy hospitality businesses favour it.