Clover POS Review 2025: Complete Guide, Pricing & Expert Analysis
Our Verdict: Clover offers excellent hardware and a flexible app marketplace, but buyer beware: pricing varies dramatically by reseller. When purchased through the right channel at fair rates, Clover is a powerful small business POS. We recommend caution and due diligence before signing any contract.
Clover POS at a Glance
- Best For: Retail, restaurants, services (when purchased wisely)
- Price: $0 – $200+/month (varies by reseller)
- Processing: 2.3% – 3.5%+ (varies dramatically)
- Contract: Varies – READ CAREFULLY
- Hardware: Proprietary Clover devices
The Clover Reseller Warning
IMPORTANT: Clover is sold through hundreds of resellers and ISOs (Independent Sales Organizations). Pricing, contracts, and support vary wildly. Some resellers offer fair deals; others lock businesses into expensive, long-term contracts with inflated rates. Always:
- Get quotes from multiple resellers
- Read the entire contract before signing
- Understand total monthly costs including all fees
- Confirm equipment ownership vs. leasing terms
- Research the specific reseller reputation
What is Clover POS?
Clover is a point-of-sale platform owned by Fiserv (formerly First Data), one of the largest payment processors in the world. Launched in 2012, Clover combines sleek hardware with cloud-based software and an app marketplace of 400+ business applications.
Unlike Square or Toast, Clover does not sell directly to most businesses. Instead, it operates through reseller channels, which creates both flexibility and risk.
Clover Pricing in 2025
Official Clover.com Pricing (Direct Purchase)
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $0 | 2.6% + $0.10 |
| Standard | $14.95 | 2.3% + $0.10 |
| Advanced | $49.95 | 2.3% + $0.10 |
Reseller Pricing (Varies Widely)
- Monthly fees: $0 – $200+
- Processing: 2.3% – 4.0%+
- Equipment: Purchase, lease, or “free” with high rates
- Contracts: Month-to-month to 4+ years
- Early termination fees: $0 – $5,000+
Hardware (Official Pricing)
- Clover Go: $49 (mobile reader)
- Clover Flex: $499 (handheld)
- Clover Mini: $749 (compact terminal)
- Clover Station Solo: $1,349
- Clover Station Duo: $1,649
Key Features
Point of Sale
- Intuitive touch interface
- Product catalog with variants
- Discounts and promotions
- Multiple payment methods
- Customer-facing display option
- Receipts via print, email, text
Inventory Management
- Item tracking with quantities
- Low stock alerts
- Barcode scanning
- Category organization
- Variants (size, color)
App Marketplace
- 400+ third-party apps
- Industry-specific solutions
- Accounting integrations
- Marketing tools
- Loyalty programs
- Scheduling apps
Reporting
- Sales reports and trends
- Employee performance
- Payment method breakdown
- Shift reports
- Remote dashboard access
Employee Management
- User roles and permissions
- Time clock functionality
- Shift scheduling
- Tips management
- Sales by employee
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Premium hardware: Beautiful, durable devices
- App ecosystem: 400+ apps for customization
- Flexibility: Works for retail, restaurants, services
- Build your stack: Add only features you need
- Offline mode: Continue selling during outages
- Direct purchase option: Fair rates from Clover.com
What We Dislike
- Reseller variability: Huge pricing differences
- Contract traps: Some resellers use predatory terms
- Equipment leasing: Often a bad deal
- Hidden fees: Some resellers add unexpected charges
- Support fragmentation: May go to reseller, not Clover
- Proprietary hardware: Locked to Clover software
How to Buy Clover Safely
Recommended Channels:
- Clover.com direct: Transparent pricing, no intermediary
- Major banks: Some banks (Bank of America, PNC) offer Clover with standardized pricing
- Reputable processors: Research reviews before committing
Red Flags to Avoid:
- Equipment lease agreements (usually overpriced)
- Contracts longer than 2 years
- Early termination fees over $500
- Processing rates above 2.9%
- Pressure to sign immediately
- Unwillingness to provide written quotes
Who Should Use Clover?
Ideal For (When Purchased Wisely):
- Retail stores wanting premium hardware
- Restaurants needing flexibility
- Businesses wanting app customization
- Multi-location operations
- Businesses with existing Fiserv/First Data relationships
Consider Alternatives If:
- You want guaranteed transparent pricing (try Square)
- You prefer restaurant-specific features (try Toast)
- You want complete control over hardware (try Lightspeed)
- You are uncomfortable evaluating resellers
Clover vs Competitors
- Clover vs Square – Hardware vs. simplicity
- Square vs Clover – Pricing comparison
Customer Support
Support experience depends on your purchase channel:
- Clover.com purchases: Direct support from Clover
- Reseller purchases: Often through the reseller first
- Phone: Available 24/7
- Help center: Online resources and guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Clover prices vary so much?
Clover is sold through independent resellers who set their own pricing, contracts, and fees. Some are honest; others maximize their profit at your expense. Always compare multiple quotes.
Should I lease Clover equipment?
Generally no. Equipment leases often cost 2-3x the purchase price over time and may lock you into unfavorable contracts. We recommend purchasing equipment outright.
Can I switch processors with Clover?
Partially. Clover hardware is tied to the Fiserv ecosystem, but some third-party processors work with Clover. However, switching often means getting new equipment.
Is Clover a good POS?
The hardware and software are excellent. The buying process is the risk. Purchase through Clover.com or reputable sources and Clover can be a great choice.
What happens if my reseller goes out of business?
Your Clover system will continue working. You may be able to transfer to Clover direct support or another processor, though this can be complicated.
Our Bottom Line
Clover is a powerful, flexible POS with premium hardware, but the fragmented sales model creates real risks for buyers. If you do your homework, compare quotes, and avoid contract traps, Clover can serve your business well.
For guaranteed fair pricing with less research required, Square is safer. For those willing to navigate the reseller landscape, Clover offers premium hardware and extensive customization.
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