Last updated: August 22, 2025

CLOVER REVIEW (2025): POS HARDWARE, SOFTWARE PLANS, AND DIRECT PROCESSING

Merchant Services USA Advisor

Staff Editor

Overview

Clover (a Fiserv company) is a popular small‑business POS ecosystem with proprietary hardware (Go, Flex, Mini, Station), software subscriptions, an App Market, and built‑in payment processing when purchased direct. Clover Direct emphasizes 24/7 support and business management tools, but note that Clover devices are tied to Clover processing and subscriptions with specific terms.

Best for

Brick‑and‑mortar retailers, restaurants, and service businesses that want a polished all‑in‑one POS with hardware, software, and payments under one umbrella.

Key takeaways

Devices are proprietary and cannot be used with other processors; choose your sales channel (Clover Direct vs. bank/ISO partners) carefully.
Clover Direct subscriptions are non‑cancelable during the term; terms vary with partners.
Processing rates are shown as a percentage plus a per‑transaction fee and differ by industry and channel.

Pros

Intuitive interfaces simple for staff
Extensive app marketplace
Integrated hardware, software & payments
Comprehensive analytics tools
Suitable for businesses of all sizes

Cons

Higher upfront expense
Best with Clover’s own hardware
Mixed reviews on response times

Pricing and fees

Software plans: Starter/Standard/Advanced tiers vary by vertical. Transaction pricing is a percentage + cents and differs for card‑present vs. card‑not‑present. View current pricing by business type on Clover’s site.
Rapid Deposit: instant funding to your account (fee; see details).

Contract and onboarding

Subscriptions via Clover Direct are non‑cancelable (buyout/upgrade options exist). With partners (banks/ISOs), contract terms and any ETFs vary. Devices purchased elsewhere still require Clover processing.

Hardware and integrations

Clover Go, Flex, Mini, Station Solo/Duo, KDS, plus Virtual Terminal and online ordering. App Market supports hundreds of add‑ons.

Funding speed

Standard deposits typically within 1–2 business days; Rapid Deposit provides funds in minutes for a fee. Check your cutoff times.

Security and compliance

PCI scoped through Clover’s platform and terminals; best practices provided in Clover help and developer docs.

Real‑world cost example (illustrative)

A $50,000/month restaurant using Clover Direct on a higher‑tier plan pays a monthly software fee plus per‑transaction fees (in‑person vs. keyed/online). Compare with bank/ISO Clover offers if you want interchange‑plus.

Who it’s best for

SMBs that want a single vendor for POS, payments, and support.

Who should consider alternatives

High‑volume merchants that want processor‑agnostic hardware and interchange‑plus with negotiable basis‑points.

How to negotiate and implement

Decide “Clover Direct” vs. a bank/ISO partner upfront; ask about term length, cancellation/buyout options, and any hardware promotions or Rapid Deposit fees.

Reputation and trust signals

Wide U.S. bank distribution and industry recognition; ongoing product innovation and partner programs.

FAQs

Is Clover a POS system, a payment processor, or both?

Clover is an integrated POS platform with proprietary hardware (Go, Flex, Mini, Station) and payment processing. If you buy “Clover Direct,” your processing runs through Clover’s platform and subscription plan. Clover devices are designed for the Clover ecosystem and generally cannot be repurposed with non‑Clover processing. Many banks/ISOs also resell Clover; the commercial terms (pricing, contract, support) differ by sales channel.

What are Clover’s ongoing costs—software plans and transaction fees?

Clover charges a monthly software subscription (tier varies by industry and feature set) plus a per‑transaction fee that differs for in‑person vs. online/keyed transactions. Add‑ons—like online ordering, gift cards, loyalty, or advanced reporting—may carry incremental costs. Request a quote by business type and confirm every recurring fee, any hardware protection plans, and whether price increases can occur during your term.

Are Clover subscriptions cancelable mid‑term?

When purchased directly from Clover, subscriptions are often non‑cancelable for the duration of the term (buyout or upgrade paths may be available). If you buy via a bank/ISO, the term and ETF rules are governed by that partner’s agreement. Ask for the exact term length, cancellation policy, any auto‑renewal, and how to return or replace devices. Keep your original contract and any addenda.

How fast does Clover fund deposits, and is there an instant option?

Standard funding is typically 1–2 business days after batching. Many merchants can also enable an instant/expedited deposit option for a fee, which moves funds to your account within minutes or the same day, subject to eligibility. Confirm batch cut‑off times, weekend handling, and whether instant payouts have daily or per‑transfer limits.

Which Clover device should my small business choose?

• Clover Go: mobile reader for basic in‑person acceptance. • Clover Flex: handheld device with printer for curbside, tableside, or line‑busting. • Clover Mini: compact countertop POS for most SMBs. • Clover Station: full‑size POS with larger screen and peripherals. Choose based on lane count, receipt printing, kitchen integration, and whether you need inventory or advanced employee features.

Can Clover handle online ordering, invoices, and recurring payments?

Yes. Clover offers a Virtual Terminal, invoice links, and online ordering tools (varies by plan and vertical). For e‑commerce sites, you can connect supported carts or use hosted payment pages. Verify gateway fees, AVS settings, recurring billing options, and how taxes, tips, and surcharges/service charges are displayed at checkout.

What happens if a Clover device breaks or I need more terminals?

Ask about warranty length, accidental damage coverage, and replacement SLAs. If you scale, confirm device bundle discounts and how to clone menus/catalogs across terminals. Keep a spare reader for busy weekends. For multi‑location setups, check how centralized reporting and user permissions work across stores.

Does Clover support surcharging or dual pricing?

Clover‑based implementations can support compliant surcharging or dual pricing through apps or partner programs, subject to card‑brand and state rules. You must surcharge credit only (never debit), show the fee before payment, and print it on receipts. Confirm your app’s features, signage requirements, and how refunds handle the fee. Consider dual prices on menus and shelf tags if your state requires total credit price displays.