The Ultimate Guide to Event Payment Systems in 2025

Picking between Square, Stripe, and PayPal for your event payment systems? This decision could make or break how smoothly money flows during your event. I’ve studied these platforms obsessively (probably too much), and I’ve got opinions.

Here’s what each brings to the table. Square hands you a free mobile reader and throws in a bunch of tools for scheduling and inventory. Pretty sweet deal. Stripe processes a mind-boggling $1.4 trillion in payment volume every year and works with 135+ currencies. If you’re going international, that matters. PayPal’s got trust with 430 million active accounts across 200+ countries, plus your attendees already know and use it.

The fees hit differently, too. Square takes 2.6% + 10¢ when someone swipes in person. Stripe wants 2.7% + 5¢, plus another 10¢ for those Tap to Pay transactions. PayPal’s all over the place, anywhere from 2.9% + 30¢ to 3.49% + 49¢ depending on how people pay.

Are you tech-savvy enough to handle Stripe’s developer tools? Or do you need something you can just plug in and start using? Does your event draw international crowds? Do you need hardcore point-of-sale features?

I’ll break down exactly what each of these platforms does so you can stop overthinking this decision and just pick one already. Let’s go.

What Actually Matters for Event Payments

I’ve run enough events using various ticketing platforms to know that your payment system needs to work in all kinds of weird situations. Let’s get real about what actually matters when picking between Square, Stripe, and PayPal.

When the internet dies (and it will)

The internet goes down at events. Always. It’s like some cosmic law. Outdoor festivals, food trucks, pop-up shops, they all get hit with spotty connections at the worst possible time.

Square absolutely crushes it here. Their offline mode kicks in automatically when your connection drops. You can keep taking cards for up to 24 hours after you go offline. They encrypt and store all that data until you’re back online. Brilliant.

Stripe? They’ve got some offline options, but you’ll need a developer to set it up. Good luck with that if you’re running a small event.

PayPal’s Zettle thing has offline features too, but it’s not nearly as smooth as Square. When you’re in the middle of nowhere trying to sell tickets, this stuff really matters.

I’ve seen businesses boost sales by 30% just by going cashless. But you need that offline safety net when the internet inevitably fails you.

Handling all the money stuff: tickets, donations, merch

Events aren’t simple. You’re selling tickets, taking donations, moving merch, and selling food and drinks. Your payment system needs to handle all of it.

Stripe is killer for customization. They support 135+ currencies with automatic conversion. Perfect if you’ve got people coming from all over. Their API approach means developers can build exactly what you need, including subscription options for recurring events.

Square gives you built-in solutions for pretty much everything. Their system tracks inventory in real-time, shows you what’s selling, and lets you discount stuff on the fly when you need to move product fast.

PayPal has that trust factor. Studies show PayPal users buy twice as often from entertainment stuff, and it boosts checkout conversion by 46%. That’s huge. People just trust it.

For donation events, Square and PayPal both have solid tools. The best systems now capture everything from cash, checks, cards, crypto, bank transfers all in one place.

Setting up for pop-ups and temporary stuff

When you’re doing a quick pop-up event, you need something you can deploy fast that won’t confuse your staff.

Square is plug-and-play with a step-by-step setup. Their interface is so simple that even your most technology challenged volunteer can figure it out in minutes. Trust me, I’ve tested this with people who still use flip phones.

Stripe is powerful but requires developer help to set up properly. Great for customization, terrible for last minute events.

PayPal probably has the fastest initial setup of all three. You can start taking money almost immediately, but you miss out on some of Square’s specialized event features.

For pop-ups, I love that Square lets you customize staff permissions with a few taps. You can limit what your temporary workers can access without a whole IT project.

Most event people (myself included) now want mobile-first systems that work across all devices. Being able to take payments anywhere in your venue is a game changer.

The Hardware Battle: Square vs Stripe vs PayPal

Let’s talk about the actual hardware you’ll be using at your event. This stuff matters – nothing kills the vibe faster than payment devices that break down or confuse your temp staff.

Square: Free Reader That Actually Works

Square wins the budget game right off the bat. They’ll mail you a free magstripe reader just for signing up. It’s the simplest thing ever, just plug it into your phone’s headphone jack or lightning port and you’re ready to go. No battery, no charging, no headaches. If you want to level up, their contactless/chip reader is only $59 and handles all those fancy tap payments.

What makes Square truly shine for events is its offline mode. I’ve run pop-ups where the internet was total garbage, and Square kept chugging along. Their offline mode kicks in automatically when connectivity drops, and you can keep taking payments for 24 hours without internet. Lifesaver.

The training factor is huge, too. I’ve handed Square readers to volunteers who’ve never used them before, and they’re taking payments within minutes. The battery lasts all day, and the reader stays connected to your phone so you’re not constantly re-pairing the damn thing.

For the big events, Square’s got stands, docks, and full register setups. Pricing stays simple at 2.6% + 15¢ per swipe.

Stripe: Tech-Heavy Hardware That’ll Make You Hire a Developer

Stripe’s hardware game is… limited. They’ve basically got two options: the BBPOS WisePOS E reader and the Stripe Reader S700. Fancy names for devices that’ll give you a headache to set up.

Here’s the thing about Stripe terminals. They need “server-driven integration.” Translation: You need a developer. Their docs literally say it “uses the Stripe API instead of a Terminal SDK to connect to WisePOS E or Stripe Reader S700 smart readers”. If that sentence made your eyes glaze over, Stripe hardware isn’t for you.

That said, if you’ve got tech people, Stripe readers do have some cool features. You can customize the splash screens and collect customer input right on the device. And everything plays nicely with Stripe’s online payment system if you’re already using that.

PayPal: Zettle Readers That Won’t Break the Bank

PayPal’s hardware revolves around their Zettle system (they’re calling it PayPal Point of Sale now because why keep a name people know?). Their card reader is pretty affordable at $29 for your first one, then $79 for any others you need. It connects to your phone via Bluetooth and handles chip cards, contactless, Apple Pay, Google Pay, all that stuff.

If you want an all-in-one solution, they’ve got the Terminal for $199 (or $239 with a barcode scanner). This is a standalone device with the POS app built in, so you don’t need to bring a separate phone or tablet.

I like that the PayPal reader boots up in 2 seconds and processes tap payments in about 5 seconds. The battery lasts about 8 hours, depending on use which is enough for most event days.

Their in person transaction fee is 2.29% + $0.09, which is actually a bit lower than Square or Stripe. Every penny counts when you’re running events at scale.

Online Checkout and Ticketing Features

“Stripe is the leading brand for customized online payment platforms, making it popular with software developers. PayPal is a pioneer of easy-to-use online payment apps with a huge consumer base.” — Zachary Totah, Technology Advisor and Writer at Technology Advice

Your online checkout experience determines if attendees buy tickets or abandon their shopping carts. Each payment platform has its own way of handling digital transactions and ticketing.

Stripe: Custom checkout and subscription billing

Stripe stands out by offering highly customizable checkout experiences that developers can adapt to specific event needs. It supports 135+ currencies with automatic conversion, which helps events reach a global audience with minimal friction. Their developer-first approach lets you build sophisticated ticketing systems. You can add subscription billing options for recurring events or membership access.

Subscription models work great for event series. Attendees sign up once to access multiple events. Stripe’s subscription system tracks customer details, creates invoices, and handles recurring payments. Nonprofits can use this same system for recurring donations through social media, email, or website embedding.

Stripe’s platform needs developer help to work well. You get code samples and documentation, but technical expertise helps you use all the features. The checkout page adapts to your needs, from branding to legal policies, return rules, and customer payment autofill.

Square: Built-in eCommerce and donation tools

Square makes online ticketing simple with user-friendly eCommerce tools. Event planners can create free online stores to sell tickets without coding. The platform has quick ticketing and registration features. You can offer group tickets, early-bird discounts, and add-ons.

Square handles both in-person and virtual events. QR code tickets speed up check-ins, and marketing tools help you promote and sell tickets at once. The system works directly with Square POS systems. This keeps online and in-store orders in sync and makes inventory management easier.

Nonprofits and fundraisers benefit from Square’s donation features. The platform includes donation buttons, custom forms, and central donor data tracking. Square sends receipts right after donations and lets donors give regularly, which creates steady funding. Online donations cost 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction.

PayPal: Simple checkout with high brand trust

PayPal’s trusted name helps more people complete their purchases. Entertainment and leisure businesses using PayPal see 46% more completed checkouts than other payment methods. PayPal users buy twice as much from these merchants compared to other digital shoppers.

The platform keeps payments simple but flexible. Attendees can pay with PayPal accounts, Venmo, Pay Later options, or major credit cards. Mobile users find PayPal’s checkout especially helpful. Research shows PayPal customers are 28% more likely to have good buying experiences.

Event organizers can add PayPal in different ways. Payment Links work without a website, while bigger setups offer branded checkouts. The platform handles multiple ticket types and custom forms to collect attendee information.

Real results show PayPal’s effect on ticket sales. Ticket platform Spokeo added PayPal and saw 20% more sales in week one, growing to about 25% overall. PayPal made up 35% of total sales and brought in 14% of new customers after full setup.

Your choice between Square, Stripe, and PayPal for online ticket sales comes down to what you need most: Stripe’s customization, Square’s built-in tools, or PayPal’s proven sales boost.

Going Global: Currency Madness and International Payments

Taking your event international? Currency support suddenly becomes a big deal. Here’s how these platforms stack up when you’re collecting money from people around the world.

Stripe: Currency Champion (135+ options)

Stripe absolutely crushes the competition here. They handle more than 135 currencies. That’s not just showing off, it means you can sell tickets to people in their own currency, which boosts sales and cuts down on those annoying payment declines.

When someone pays in a currency that’s not your home currency, Stripe handles the conversion automatically. They use the mid-market rate but (of course) take their cut with a conversion fee between 2-4%. The fee structure is pretty straightforward:

• 4% for orders under $500
• 3% for orders between $500-$1,500
• 2% for orders over $1,500

If you’re running events in multiple countries and don’t want to deal with constant conversions, Stripe’s multi-currency settlement is clutch. You can get paid in different currencies without extra exchange fees. You’ll need separate bank accounts for each currency, though.

One feature I really dig: Stripe’s Adaptive Pricing automatically shows localized prices based on where your visitor is browsing from. Pretty slick for selling tickets across 150+ countries.

PayPal: The Global Standard (but fewer currencies)

PayPal supports 25+ currencies. Way less than Stripe, but covers all the major ones like USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, and JPY. The big advantage? They’re everywhere, operating in more than 200 countries.

One thing that trips people up with PayPal: they automatically convert incoming money to your account’s default currency. Some currencies only work for accounts actually based in those countries. Brazilian Real, Chinese Renmenbi, Malaysian Ringgit, you can only use these if your PayPal account is based in those places.

PayPal’s real strength is its massive user base. We’re talking 400 million active accounts globally. That’s a lot of potential ticket buyers who already have their payment info saved and ready to go.

Square: The Local Hero (with serious limitations)

Square is like that friend who never got a passport. They only process payments in your country’s official currency. They currently work in just eight countries: US, Canada, Australia, Japan, UK, Ireland, France, and Spain.

Sure, they can process cards issued internationally, but your customers might get hit with conversion fees from their banks since Square only deals in your local currency. Plus, Square hardware only works in the country it was designed for due to regulations.

Cross border payments? Forget about it. Square just doesn’t support them. If someone tries to pay from outside your country, the transaction will fail. This is a massive handicap if you’re targeting an international audience.

Bottom line: If you’re going global, Square is probably going to cause you headaches. Stick with Stripe if you need serious international firepower, or PayPal if you want that global recognition factor.

Breaking Down the Fees: Where Each Platform Takes Your Money

Let’s talk cash. Your event’s profit margin gets eaten alive by these transaction fees, so you need to know exactly how much each platform is skimming off the top.

Online ticket sales: they’re all identical (weird, right?)

Here’s something strange. All three platforms charge exactly the same for online transactions: 2.9% + 30¢ per sale. Seems like they all got in a room and agreed on this number.

But dig deeper, and the differences pop up. Square slaps you with 3.3% + 30¢ for invoices. PayPal’s even worse for invoice payments at 2.99% + 49¢ when paid with cards. Stripe keeps it simple by using their standard rate for most stuff, which I appreciate when I’m trying to forecast revenue.

In-person sales: tiny differences that add up fast

When someone buys merch or pays at the door, here’s what you’re giving up:

• Square: 2.6% + 10¢
• Stripe: 2.7% + 5¢
• PayPal: 2.29% + 9¢

Let me put this in real money. On a $50 t-shirt sale:

• Square takes $1.40
• Stripe takes $1.40 (different math, same result)
• PayPal takes $1.24

Stripe works out cheaper for small transactions under $50 because that lower fixed fee matters more. Above $50, Square starts winning.

Chargebacks and refunds: This is where it gets ugly

Square’s the clear winner on chargebacks. They actually don’t charge you at all (up to $250/month). That’s huge for events where things go wrong and people get angry.

Stripe hits you with $15 per chargeback, and PayPal wants $15-$20, depending on how the person paid. Both will give it back if you win the dispute, but you’re out that cash while you fight it.

For refunds, Square actually returns its processing fees when you refund someone. Stripe and PayPal? They keep their cut even when you give back 100% to your customer. That’s just mean.

If you’re running events where cancellations happen or you’re on a tight budget, these policies could literally make or break your profit margin. Don’t overlook this stuff.

Setting Up Each Platform: From Easy to “Where’s My Developer?”

Let me tell you about getting these platforms running for your event. It’s wildly different depending on which one you pick. Here’s the deal:

Square: Plug It In, Start Taking Money

Square is ridiculously easy to set up. You literally just follow the step-by-step guide they give you. I’ve watched volunteers with zero tech skills get running in minutes.

What I love: team members can set themselves up. Square just sends them a checklist of stuff to do; review their profile, set a passcode, done. Super simple.

All the boring document stuff happens right in the app. Your staff uploads their IDs, work agreements, food handler certificates, whatever, and it’s stored securely. Only you, your managers, and that specific team member can see it.

If you’re running an event business with Square, getting started takes minutes, not hours. No developers needed. Perfect if your tech team is… well, nonexistent.

Stripe: Got Developers? You’ll Need ‘Em

Stripe is powerful as hell, but demands technical knowledge. They’re all about server side SDKs and command line interfaces to talk to REST APIs. If those words mean nothing to you, Stripe is going to give you a headache.

Setting up Stripe typically needs actual developers, especially if you want to integrate hardware or build custom checkout flows. Sure, you can create unique payment experiences for different types of events, but you’ll need coding knowledge to make it happen.

They’ve got this CLI thing that helps development, but it assumes you know what you’re doing. Many small event organizations just don’t have those skills in house.

PayPal: The “I Just Need This Working Now” Option

PayPal is by far the fastest to get running. For basic ticket sales, you literally just enter your PayPal email and pick your currency. Done. The platform handles all the complex stuff.

You do need to enable something called Instant Payment Notification on your PayPal Business account to process ticket purchases correctly. After that, you can set PayPal to send users back to your site when they’re done paying.

The wild thing about PayPal integration? It takes seconds. As one event system puts it: “Connecting your PayPal account takes just seconds. Visit the Integrations page, find the PayPal section and click ‘Connect.'” That’s it. For small events or teams without tech people, PayPal is a no-brainer.

Comparison Table: The Cold Hard Facts

I spent way too much time putting this comparison together. But now you’ve got everything in one place, so you’re welcome.

Here’s the breakdown on all three platforms by fees, features, and where they each shine or suck:

The table doesn’t lie. Square’s giving you that sweet chargeback protection while PayPal’s hitting you with the lowest in-person fees. Stripe’s crushing it on international currency support, but good luck setting it up without a developer on speed dial.

Pick your poison based on what matters most for your specific event. Just don’t come crying to me when you choose based on the wrong feature.

Bottom line: Which one should you pick?

I’ve run through all the details of Square vs Stripe vs PayPal, and here’s what it all comes down to.

If you’re putting on a small or medium event and need something simple that works offline, Square is your best bet. They give you a free reader, make the system easy enough for even your tech-challenged uncle to figure out, and their offline mode keeps taking payments for a full day when the internet dies (which it will, at the worst possible moment). Plus, they’re the only ones not charging you those stupid chargeback fees up to $250 a month. That matters.

Stripe is the international player. With 135+ currencies and automatic conversion, it’s built for global events. But here’s the catch. You basically need a developer on speed dial to set this thing up properly. If you’ve got the technical chops (or people who do), great. If not, you’ll hate it.

PayPal is the fastest way to start taking money. Everyone knows it, everyone trusts it, and it’s in 200+ countries with 430 million active accounts. Their research shows they boost conversion rates by 46% for entertainment stuff. That’s no joke. People just click “PayPal” and don’t think twice.

So here’s my take:

• Running a local festival with spotty wifi? Square.
• Hosting an international conference with attendees from everywhere? Stripe (if you have tech people).
• Need to get up and running yesterday with something everybody recognizes? PayPal.

All three charge the same 2.9% + 30¢ for online payments, but PayPal is cheapest for in-person swipes at 2.29% + 9¢. That adds up fast when you’re doing volume.

Pick the event payment systems that match what your event actually needs, not what sounds coolest in a pitch deck. And don’t overthink it, they all take money. Some just make it less painful than others.

FAQs

Q1. Which payment platform is best for international events? Stripe is the top choice for international events, supporting over 135 currencies with automatic conversion. This makes it ideal for global events or those with participants from various countries.

Q2. What are the transaction fees for online payments across Square, Stripe, and PayPal? All three platforms charge the same base fee of 2.9% plus 30 cents per successful online transaction. This standardization makes it easy to compare costs for online ticket sales and merchandise purchases.

Q3. Which platform offers the best protection against chargebacks? Square provides the best chargeback protection, waiving fees entirely up to $250 per month. This offers significant peace of mind for event organizers, especially those running seasonal or first-time events where disputes might be more common.

Q4. How do the platforms compare for ease of setup? PayPal typically offers the quickest initial setup, followed by Square with its guided onboarding process. Stripe requires more technical expertise and often needs developer resources for full implementation, making it more suitable for organizations with technical staff.

Q5. Which platform is most suitable for events with unreliable internet connectivity? Square excels in offline capabilities, allowing for up to 24 hours of offline processing. This makes it ideal for outdoor festivals, food trucks, and pop-up markets that may struggle with reliable internet access.