Clover POS System Review and Pricing

Why We Chose Clover as the Best All-in-One POS System

Most of the POS systems we reviewed offer essential POS system features that streamline operations and customer checkout, which is great if you’re just getting off the ground. However, a growing business requires software tools with more features, which is where Clover’s wide-ranging functionality impressed us. The vendor goes well beyond POS features to present retailers, restaurants and other organizations with an all-in-one solution for numerous business needs.

For example, Clover offers speedy and affordable payment processing, has an impressive variety of hardware options, and even allows for virtual terminal transactions if needed. The software can help your business with functions such as customer management, online ordering, loyalty programs and inventory management. It also supports robust reporting to help you make strategic business decisions.

Clover’s comprehensive payment management functions truly stand out from the competition. For example, if you need speedy payouts, you can access Clover Rapid Deposit for a small fee. Eligible vendors can also access Clover Capital if they need a cash advance. Although these features may not be essential for every business owner, many businesses need and welcome tools for better financial management.

For these reasons and more, Clover is our choice for the best POS system for businesses that need an all-in-one solution. 

Clover’s virtual terminal allows you to process payments and refunds while in your store or on the go. Source: Clover

Ease of Use

During testing, we found Clover’s POS software exceptionally user-friendly and intuitive. It’s easy to set up menus and item modifiers on the dashboard to help employees offer effective upselling and cross-selling options. It’s also easy to set permissions to control which specific functions employees can access in the POS software. Additionally, Clover’s extensive integration options increase its usability.

We appreciate that Clover’s POS software and hardware support numerous payment types, which boosts customer convenience. You can accept credit card payments and many contactless and digital payment methods, including NFC mobile payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.  

We particularly like that Clover’s virtual terminal lets you accept and process credit card payments without hardware — a functionality many competitors don’t offer. You can accept credit and debit card payments from your Clover web dashboard, while end-to-end encryption ensures e-commerce website security and PCI-compliant transactions. You can also use the dashboard to easily send invoices and receipts and set up recurring payments. 

Clover POS Features

Clover incorporates POS and payment processing features, making it an appealing option for businesses that want a one-stop shop for their customer-facing operations. Here’s a look at some of the notable features you’ll enjoy using Clover’s POS software and credit card processing solutions.

Customer Management

Clover’s customer management features, particularly its customer loyalty tools, impressed us during testing. Businesses can manage customer relationships and build loyalty with customized deals and loyalty programs. We like that you can chat privately with customers and address situations before they escalate, solicit customer feedback to improve your operations and service, offer physical and digital gift cards, and promote your business via social media marketing. We also like that you can use the software to create customer profiles and send birthday rewards, email and text promotions, and personalized offers.

We really appreciate that Clover’s customer management functions are mobile-friendly. For example, customers can receive receipts by text and opt in to rewards programs. They can also use the Clover mobile app to place on-the-go orders, track reward points, pay ahead and more.

Encourage repeat business with Clover’s loyalty and rewards features, which also help you solicit feedback and manage customer information. Source: Clover

Online Ordering

Clover is also considered one of the best restaurant POS systems, with robust features that eateries need to boost sales and engagement. In particular, Clover’s online ordering functions impressed us. You can create a digital menu, and customers can place orders online, through the Clover app, or via a QR code. They can even schedule orders ahead of time for curbside or in-person pickup.

Clover also integrates with DoorDash for delivery. And we were very impressed that Clover doesn’t charge commissions or setup fees for its online ordering options — something that sets it apart from many competitors.

Clover will help you build your online ordering page and process online orders without additional fees. Source: Clover 

Reporting

Clover’s POS reporting functions are helpful and on a par with industry standards. You can track real-time sales data and run detailed reports on sales, industry trends, inventory and customers. Business owners can drill down to discover trends, the best-performing locations, the top-selling (and worst-selling) items and more. You can also manage staffing levels and inventory based on the data you collect and analyze. 

We appreciate that Clover integrates with some of the best accounting software, such as QuickBooks Online and Xero, so you can export vital reporting data to your accounting solution. 

Clover’s robust analytics and reporting tools help businesses track revenue and performance. Source: Clover

Mobile App

POS system mobile apps make accepting and processing payments affordable and easy for even the smallest businesses. The Clover Go mobile app essentially turns your mobile device into a mobile POS system, allowing you to accept on-the-go payments. The app provides access to your POS reports and helps you manage your business from anywhere. (Clover also has an app, available in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play store, that helps customers track and earn rewards and perks.)

E-Commerce

Clover provides e-commerce tools to build an online store that is fully integrated into Clover’s payment, inventory and customer data systems. You’ll be able to synchronize orders and manage inventory and customer data. Through the Clover dashboard, businesses can sell products, accept online payments, create menus and allow customers to book appointments. 

We like that Clover’s partnership with the e-commerce platform BigCommerce gives businesses with existing websites more reach. Clover also integrates with marketplace platforms, like Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, Etsy and eBay.

Clover’s e-commerce tools will help you build an online storefront and connect your POS systems to it. Source: Clover

Merchant Cash Advance

Clover proves that it is a true all-in-one solution by offering financing options that many competitors don’t. For example, you can get a merchant cash advance through Clover Capital. Clover will advance cash to you and take a percentage of your credit card and debit card sales each day until the advance is paid back, making the process convenient and hassle-free. (There are fees you’ll need to consider before taking the advance.)

Clover Capital provides merchant cash advances to help businesses fund growth. Source: Clover

Rapid Deposit

Clover Rapid Deposit is another unique financial feature provided by Clover Capital. This service enables you to receive money from your card sales in minutes instead of the standard one or two days. 

Clover charges just a 1.5 percent fee for this financial service. We appreciate that Clover allows credit card transactions to be processed in seconds and that businesses can set up tax rates once for all transactions that will be applied automatically in the future — a real time-saver. 

Clover Rapid Deposit allows you to have transaction funds deposited into your account in minutes. Source: Clover

Clover Pricing 

Some vendors can be vague about POS system costs, so we were impressed that Clover transparently lists its hardware and software pricing online. We also like that it segments its offerings by industry, recognizing industry-specific needs. Clover offers Starter, Standard and Advanced packages for each of the six industries it covers. 

Starter package prices for each category are as follows: 

• Full-service dining: $1,699 plus $89.95 per month (or $165 for 36 months); includes a Station Solo 14-inch merchant-facing POS display with POS software
• Quick-service restaurant: $799 plus $59.95 per month (or $105 per month for 36 months); includes an 8-inch touchscreen POS with a built‑in receipt printer
• Retail shops: $799 plus $14.95 per month (or $60 for 36 months); includes an 8-inch touchscreen POS with a built-in receipt printer
• Professional services: $14.95 per month; no hardware included on the Starter level (you’ll use your device with Clover’s dashboard and mobile app)
• Personal services: $599 plus $14.95 per month (or $50 for 36 months); includes a Flex handheld POS device
• Home and field services: $14.95 per month; no hardware included on the Starter level (you’ll use your device with Clover’s dashboard and mobile app)

Credit Card Processing Costs

Clover’s credit card processing fee is a flat rate per charge plus a transaction fee (a percentage of the amount charged). Most packages incur charges of 2.6 percent plus 10 cents for in-person transactions and 3.5 percent plus 10 cents for card-not-present transactions. 

You’ll need to use Clover’s credit card processing services when you purchase a bundle from Clover. However, if you’re unhappy with the company’s payment processing, you can keep your equipment and switch to a compatible processor when your contact with Clover ends. 

Hardware Costs

Your specific Clover bundle will include hardware, except where indicated above. The Standard and Advanced packages typically include more hardware options than the Starter packages do. 

However, you can purchase additional hardware with varying levels of functionality directly from Clover or an authorized dealer. Costs range from $49 for a basic Clover Go handheld card reader to $1,799 plus $59.95 per month for a Clover Station Duo with a receipt printer. Kiosks, kitchen display systems and various accessories are also available.

Implementation and Onboarding

Clover’s implementation and onboarding processes are straightforward. When purchasing hardware and software bundles from Clover, you’ll need to contact a sales rep. The initial sales call takes about 30 minutes. The Clover sales rep will discuss your business’s needs to determine the best solution for you.

When purchasing from Clover, you must also apply for a merchant account to go along with Clover’s payment processing services; Clover typically approves these applications and ships equipment quickly. You’ll be able to start accepting payments immediately when you receive and activate your hardware. 

We like that your business can grow with Clover. The company doesn’t charge per employee, which means everyone on your team can access the software for no additional cost. The software is intuitive, so your employees can get up and running in no time.

Customer Support

We were impressed that Clover provides 24/7 customer support by phone or live chat. Clover recommends logging in to your Clover account and selecting Help to reach live support. You can also tap Help on any Clover device screen to reach live chat or access the Help option on your mobile app. If you prefer to talk to someone, you can call the customer service phone number provided on your statements. 

We appreciate that Clover offers several ways to reach out for support, which is on a par with industry standards.

Limitations

Clover is an excellent option for retailers, restaurants, service businesses and more, but we did identify the following limitations: 

• Payment processing incompatibility: Clover’s robust POS system and credit card processing services are conveniently bundled, but some businesses may prefer to use a different payment processor. This isn’t possible if you purchase a system through Clover; you’re tied to Clover’s credit card processing. However, after your contract ends, you can keep any Clover hardware you purchased and use it with a compatible payment processor. If you prefer a POS system with more flexibility and the option to work with multiple third-party payment processors off the bat, check out our Epos Now review.
• Proprietary hardware: Clover’s hardware is proprietary. So, if you have hardware from another brand you want to use with your new POS system, Clover may not be the right choice for you. Read our Lightspeed review to learn about a POS system that may let you reuse your hardware.
• Potentially high prices: Clover’s prices aren’t the cheapest around. In fact, designing a custom solution can get pricey, particularly for new and small businesses. Businesses on a tight budget should check out our review of Square. This vendor has a free basic tier that includes robust features such as inventory management and a virtual terminal.

Methodology

We researched and analyzed dozens of the best POS systems to identify the top industry solutions for businesses in the growth phase. We evaluated pricing, contracts, hardware, platform compatibility, features, reports, payment processing, integrations, usability and customer support. We watched product videos and demos and conducted hands-on testing when possible. When determining the best all-in-one POS system, we prioritized unique business features and add-ons, usability, comprehensiveness, affordability, customer support and integrations.

Bottom Line

We recommend Clover for …

• Small and midsize businesses that are looking for an all-in-one POS solution.
• Merchants that need a virtual terminal.
• Restaurants that want affordable and robust online ordering features.
• Companies that need advanced financing solutions like loans and rapid deposit.

We don’t recommend Clover for …

• Merchants that want to use a third-party payment processor with a Clover-purchased setup.
• Businesses that want to use non-Clover-brand hardware. 
• Companies on a tight budget that need a very affordable POS system.

Elizabeth Crumbly contributed to this review.