1. What is Square Manual Card Entry Fee?

The Square Manual Card Entry Fee is the charge applied when a merchant manually enters a customer's credit card information instead of swiping, dipping, or tapping the card. This typically incurs a higher fee due to increased fraud risk.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Square Manual Entry Fee formula:

Where:

• \( A \) — Transaction amount in dollars
• \( R_f \) — Manual entry fee rate (as decimal)
• \( F \) — Calculated fee amount

Explanation: The equation calculates the variable portion of the fee. Many processors also add a fixed fee per transaction (e.g., $0.15).

3. Importance of Fee Calculation

Details: Understanding processing fees helps merchants accurately predict costs, set appropriate pricing, and choose the most cost-effective payment methods.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the transaction amount in dollars, the manual entry fee rate as a decimal (e.g., 3.5% = 0.035), and optionally any fixed fee. All values must be valid (amount > 0, rate ≥ 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is manual entry more expensive?
A: Manual entry carries higher fraud risk since the card isn't physically present, leading to higher processing fees.

Q2: What are typical manual entry fees?
A: Square typically charges 3.5% + $0.15 for manually entered transactions, compared to 2.6% + $0.10 for swiped/dipped/tapped.

Q3: When should I use manual entry?
A: Only when necessary - for phone/mail orders or when the card reader isn't working. Avoid for in-person transactions.

Q4: Are there ways to reduce manual entry fees?
A: Some processors offer lower rates for verified virtual terminal transactions or recurring payments.

Q5: Does this include Square's other fees?
A: No, this calculates only the processing fee. Square may charge additional fees for instant transfers, chargebacks, etc.