What are typical card processing fees for salons?

Published in-person rates we found run from about 2.4% to 2.6% plus 10 to 30 cents: Square lists 2.4% to 2.6% + 15¢ depending on plan, Booksy 2.49% + 10¢ on its reader, StyleSeat 2.5% + 30¢ for tap to pay. Card-not-present payments cost more, often 2.9% + 30¢ or above.

Salon Card Processing Fees Explained (Published Rates Compared)

For a busy salon, card fees are often a bigger line than the software. A 0.2% difference on $25,000 of monthly card sales is $50 a month, or $600 a year.

Published Rates

Square: in person 2.6% + 15¢ (Free), 2.5% + 15¢ (Plus), 2.4% + 15¢ (Premium); online 3.3% + 30¢ on Free and 2.9% + 30¢ on paid plans.
Booksy: card reader 2.49% + 10¢, tap to pay 2.49% + 20¢, keyed in 2.69% + 30¢.
StyleSeat: 2.5% + 30¢ tap to pay, 2.6% + 30¢ card on file.
GlossGenius: online invoicing 2.9% + 30¢; instant payouts add 1.8%.
HoneyBook: card processing from 2.7% + 10¢ (its plan table lists 2.9% + 25¢); 1.5% for bank transfer.
Mindbody: a rate plus 10¢ to 30¢ per transaction; the rate was not on the page we read.

How to Compare

Split last month's card sales into in-person and online (deposits, card on file).
Apply each vendor's two rates and add the fixed fee per transaction.
Add payout fees if you need instant transfers.
Check for an early cancellation fee on merchant services: Vagaro lists $150 within 12 months.

Negotiating

Larger salons can ask for custom rates. Boulevard says it offers discounts based on volume, and Square invites businesses processing over $250,000 a year to ask. Bring a recent statement. See all rates on the pricing data page.

Common Questions

Can I Use My Own Card Processor?

Sometimes. Mangomint and Fresha say you can, but some features, such as deposits or express checkout, may require the built-in processor.

Why Is Online More Expensive?

Card-not-present payments carry more fraud risk, so processors charge more for card-on-file, deposits and invoices.

Sources

Basis: Published rates on vendor pages.