Comparison · Updated October 8, 2026
GlossGenius vs Square for salons
GlossGenius
B
GlossGenius is booking, point-of-sale, marketing and staff software for US salons, barbers, spas, medical spas and wellness and fitness studios, built in New York by twin sisters Danielle Cohen-Shohet, the chief executive, and Leah Cohen-Shohet. The company was incorporated in August 2015, raised a $44 million Series D at a $1.15 billion valuation in July 2026 and at the same time renamed itself Genius AI, with GlossGenius kept as its main product; it says more than 125,000 businesses use the platform. Card processing is built in and runs on Stripe: GlossGenius is the platform, Stripe is the processor, and every business gets a Stripe connected account rather than its own merchant ID. The published price is one flat 2.6% with no per-transaction fee, and it is the same whether the card is tapped, keyed, stored on file or used to pay a deposit online, which is unusual among salon platforms. Invoices cost 2.9% + $0.30 and buy-now-pay-later 6% + $0.30. A setting lets the business pass some or all of the fee to clients as a 2.5% or 3.5% convenience fee. The software costs $24, $48 or $148 a month billed annually ($28, $56 or $168 billed monthly), is month to month, and standard payouts are free, sent each evening Sunday to Thursday, and usually arrive the next day. The weak spots are the service record: a D- BBB rating for failing to respond to 24 complaints, and recent complaints from businesses whose payouts were held for verification.
Square
A
Square offers simple, transparent payment processing ideal for small businesses. Flat-rate pricing, no monthly fees, and excellent software make it a top choice — but account holds and limited support are key concerns.
VS
Overview
This is a US comparison of GlossGenius and Square Appointments for salons, spas and beauty professionals, using prices published in October 2026. The two charge for cards in different ways. GlossGenius charges one flat 2.6% with no per-transaction fee, whether the card is tapped, keyed, saved on file or used for an online deposit; only invoices (2.9% + 30¢) and buy now, pay later (6% + 30¢) cost more. Square's rate depends on the plan and on how the card is taken. In person it charges 2.6% + 15¢ on Square Free, 2.5% + 15¢ on Plus and 2.4% + 15¢ on Premium. Online and invoice payments are 3.3% + 30¢ on Free and 2.9% + 30¢ on the paid plans, and saved or keyed cards are 3.5% + 15¢ on every plan. The software is priced differently too. GlossGenius has no free plan: it costs $28, $56 or $168 a month ($24, $48 or $148 billed annually), and its cheaper plans limit how many team members you can add. Square Free costs nothing and has unlimited staff calendars. Plus is $49 and Premium $149 a month per location, and Square's no-show and cancellation fees start on Plus. GlossGenius costs less per payment, by the widest margin on deposits, saved cards and no-show fees. Square can cost less overall for a solo professional who takes few card payments, for large teams, and on in-person tickets above $75 on Premium. Payment Review grades Square A and GlossGenius B, and Square has the far stronger BBB rating.
Key Takeaways
- ✓GlossGenius is cheaper on online deposits and on saved or keyed cards. A $50 online deposit costs $1.30 on GlossGenius, $1.95 on Square Free and $1.75 on Square Plus. A $40 fee charged to a saved card costs $1.04 on GlossGenius and $1.55 at Square's card-on-file rate (3.5% + 15¢), though Square does not say which rate applies to a card held under its no-show protection.
- ✓In person the gap is small. A $100 service costs $2.60 on GlossGenius, $2.75 on Square Free, $2.65 on Plus and $2.55 on Premium. Square Plus is cheaper per sale above $150 and Premium above $75, before their $49 and $149 monthly fees per location.
- ✓Square Free costs $0 a month, while GlossGenius starts at $28 ($24 billed annually). The two rates are both 2.6% in person, but Square adds 15¢ per sale. So a business taking only in-person cards on Square Free pays less overall until it passes about 187 card sales a month (160 against GlossGenius's annual price). Online and saved-card payments narrow that gap quickly.
- ✓No-show protection: GlossGenius includes cancellation policies, card-on-file rules and deposits on every plan. Square includes deposits and prepayment on Free but sells cancellation and no-show fees only on Plus ($49 a month per location) and Premium.
- ✓Square holds a BBB A+ (accredited since April 2021) and a 3.6 Trustpilot score from 7,492 reviews. GlossGenius is rated D- by the BBB for failing to respond to 24 complaints and scores 2.2 on Trustpilot from just 10 reviews, too few to be representative. Square also lists businesses free on its Square Go booking marketplace.
GlossGenius
GlossGenius suits a solo professional or a team of up to nine that takes deposits online, keeps cards on file or charges no-show fees. It charges one flat 2.6% on all of these, includes no-show tools on its $28 plan, pays out instantly for 1.8%, and covers lost disputes on card-reader sales on Gold and above.
Square
Square suits a solo professional who takes few card payments and wants a $0 plan, a salon of ten or more staff, a business with several locations on the free tier, and anyone who wants a free marketplace listing or values Square's much stronger BBB rating. It costs more on online deposits and saved cards.
The Verdict
It Depends on Your Needs
Why?
Payment Review grades Square A and GlossGenius B, and the right choice depends on how your clients pay and how big your team is. GlossGenius costs less on the payments that matter most to appointment businesses. It charges one flat 2.6% on online deposits, saved cards and no-show fees, where Square charges 3.3% + 30¢ online on Free and 3.5% + 15¢ on saved cards. It includes cancellation and no-show fees on its $28 plan, pays out instantly for 1.8%, returns the processing fee on refunds and covers lost disputes on card-reader sales on Gold and above. Square is the better buy for a solo professional with modest card volume, who can run on Square Free for $0 a month. It also suits larger teams, since staff calendars are unlimited on every plan, and businesses that want a free Square Go marketplace listing. Square also has the much stronger BBB rating, an A+ against GlossGenius's D- for 24 unanswered complaints, which is the main reason to hesitate over GlossGenius.
Feature by feature
Detailed Comparison
Filter Options
Software plans (US, October 2026)
| Feature | GlossGenius | Square |
|---|---|---|
| Entry plan | $28 a month (Standard); $24 billed annually | $0 (Square Free) Winner |
| GlossGenius has no free plan; it offers a 14-day trial with no card required. Square Free has no monthly fee, and you pay only processing fees. Accounts opened on GlossGenius before 3 September 2025 may be on legacy pricing, and existing Square sellers on legacy plans such as the old Square Appointments subscription may also pay different rates. | ||
| Mid-tier plan | $56 a month (Gold); $48 billed annually | $49 a month per location (Plus) |
| Gold adds forms and waivers, a waitlist, Google booking integrations, room and resource management, booth-renter payouts and chargeback cover on card-reader sales. It is limited to nine account members in total. Square Plus adds cancellation and no-show fees, multi-staff booking, a waitlist, class booking, packages, email marketing and loyalty. Its staff calendars are unlimited. Square offers a 30-day free trial of Plus and Premium. | ||
| Top plan | $168 a month (Platinum); $148 billed annually | $149 a month per location (Premium) |
| Platinum is for teams of ten or more and adds customizable commission structures, team goal setting and Google and Meta marketing analytics. Square Premium adds resource management, a future-bookings report, service cost tracking and 24/7 phone support. Square also quotes custom pricing to businesses processing more than $250,000 a year. GlossGenius's medical-spa plans cost $168 or $298 a month ($148 or $248 billed annually). | ||
| Team size per plan | Standard 2 people, Gold up to 9, Platinum unlimited | Unlimited staff calendars on every plan Winner |
| Figures are from GlossGenius's plan comparison in its help center (updated May 2026) and Square's Appointments pricing page. A three-person salon needs at least GlossGenius Gold ($56 a month), while Square Free covers any number of staff calendars. Booking a single appointment with several staff members requires Square Plus. | ||
| Each extra location | Plan price less 15% | Plan price again ($0 on Free) |
| GlossGenius charges each additional location its plan price at a 15% discount. Square prices every plan per location, so a second location costs nothing on Free and another $49 or $149 a month on Plus or Premium. Which costs less depends on the plan you need. | ||
Entry plan
GlossGenius
$28 a month (Standard); $24 billed annually
Square
$0 (Square Free)
Winner
GlossGenius has no free plan; it offers a 14-day trial with no card required. Square Free has no monthly fee, and you pay only processing fees. Accounts opened on GlossGenius before 3 September 2025 may be on legacy pricing, and existing Square sellers on legacy plans such as the old Square Appointments subscription may also pay different rates.
Mid-tier plan
GlossGenius
$56 a month (Gold); $48 billed annually
Square
$49 a month per location (Plus)
Gold adds forms and waivers, a waitlist, Google booking integrations, room and resource management, booth-renter payouts and chargeback cover on card-reader sales. It is limited to nine account members in total. Square Plus adds cancellation and no-show fees, multi-staff booking, a waitlist, class booking, packages, email marketing and loyalty. Its staff calendars are unlimited. Square offers a 30-day free trial of Plus and Premium.
Top plan
GlossGenius
$168 a month (Platinum); $148 billed annually
Square
$149 a month per location (Premium)
Platinum is for teams of ten or more and adds customizable commission structures, team goal setting and Google and Meta marketing analytics. Square Premium adds resource management, a future-bookings report, service cost tracking and 24/7 phone support. Square also quotes custom pricing to businesses processing more than $250,000 a year. GlossGenius's medical-spa plans cost $168 or $298 a month ($148 or $248 billed annually).
Team size per plan
GlossGenius
Standard 2 people, Gold up to 9, Platinum unlimited
Square
Unlimited staff calendars on every plan
Winner
Figures are from GlossGenius's plan comparison in its help center (updated May 2026) and Square's Appointments pricing page. A three-person salon needs at least GlossGenius Gold ($56 a month), while Square Free covers any number of staff calendars. Booking a single appointment with several staff members requires Square Plus.
Each extra location
GlossGenius
Plan price less 15%
Square
Plan price again ($0 on Free)
GlossGenius charges each additional location its plan price at a 15% discount. Square prices every plan per location, so a second location costs nothing on Free and another $49 or $149 a month on Plus or Premium. Which costs less depends on the plan you need.
Best For Your Business
Recommendations based on your business type
Lash, brow or nail artist who takes deposits online and charges no-show fees
Recommended
GlossGenius
A $50 online deposit costs $1.30 on GlossGenius against $1.95 on Square Free, and a $40 no-show fee on a saved card costs $1.04 against $1.55 at Square's card-on-file rate. GlossGenius includes cancellation policies on its $28 Standard plan, while Square needs Plus at $49 a month per location for no-show fees.
Solo stylist or barber with modest card volume, paid mostly in person
Recommended
Square
Square Free costs $0 a month and charges 2.6% + 15¢ in person, against GlossGenius's 2.6% plus at least $24 to $28 a month. Square is cheaper overall until you pass about 160 to 187 in-person card sales a month. Deposits are included, but Square Free does not include no-show fees.
Salon or spa with ten or more staff
Recommended
Square
Square Plus costs $49 a month per location with unlimited staff calendars, while a GlossGenius team of ten or more needs Platinum at $168 a month ($148 billed annually). On a $60 average ticket Square Plus's 2.5% + 15¢ costs 9¢ more per in-person sale than GlossGenius's 2.6%, so the $119 monthly saving holds until about 1,300 card sales a month. Online deposits and saved cards still cost more on Square.
New business that wants clients to find it
Recommended
Square
Square Go gives beauty and personal-care businesses on Square Appointments a free marketplace profile where clients can discover, book and rebook. GlossGenius advertises no consumer marketplace.
Studio that wants protection against card-present chargebacks and fast access to cash
Recommended
GlossGenius
On Gold ($56 a month) and Platinum, GlossGenius covers the full loss on disputes it loses for card-reader and Tap to Pay sales. Square charges no dispute fee but advertises no loss cover. GlossGenius's instant payouts cost 1.8% against Square's 1.95%.
GlossGenius: Best for 2 use cases
Square: Best for 3 use cases
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Per payment, GlossGenius usually is. As of October 2026 it charges a flat 2.6% on in-person, online, keyed and saved-card payments; invoices are 2.9% + 30¢ and buy now, pay later 6% + 30¢. Square charges 2.6% + 15¢ in person on Square Free, 2.5% + 15¢ on Plus and 2.4% + 15¢ on Premium. Square's online and invoice rate is 3.3% + 30¢ on Free and 2.9% + 30¢ on the paid plans, and saved or keyed cards are 3.5% + 15¢ on every plan. Square Plus is cheaper on in-person tickets above $150 and Premium above $75, before their monthly fees. Overall cost also depends on the software: Square Free is $0 a month, while GlossGenius starts at $28 ($24 billed annually).
GlossGenius costs $28 (Standard, up to two people), $56 (Gold, up to nine) or $168 (Platinum, unlimited) a month billed monthly. Billed annually it is $24, $48 or $148, and each extra location is charged at its plan price less 15%. Square Appointments costs $0 (Free), $49 (Plus) or $149 (Premium) a month per location, with unlimited staff calendars on every plan. GlossGenius offers a 14-day trial and Square a 30-day trial of its paid plans.
No. Square's Appointments pricing table includes appointment deposits and prepayments on Square Free, but cancellation policies and no-show fees only on Plus and Premium. On those plans you can charge a flat fee per appointment, a flat fee per service or a percentage of the service price, up to 14 days after the appointment. GlossGenius includes cancellation policies and card-on-file rules on every plan, including its $28 Standard plan.
Standard payouts are free on both and usually arrive the next business day. GlossGenius sends them on Sunday to Thursday evenings, and Square pays payments taken before 5 pm PT the next business day. For faster access, GlossGenius charges 1.8% for instant payouts of up to $9,999 each. Square charges 1.95% for instant transfers, with a $25 minimum balance and a starting limit of one transfer a day of up to $2,000.
GlossGenius's Gold and Platinum plans cover the full loss when a dispute goes against you, but only on sales taken with a GlossGenius card reader or Tap to Pay. Cards on file, keyed cards, booking-site gift cards and buy now, pay later are excluded. Square charges no dispute fee and handles the dispute process with you. If you lose, the funds go back to the client and Square keeps the processing fee.
Neither requires a contract or charges a cancellation fee. GlossGenius is month to month, but its Terms of Service make fees already paid non-refundable, so annual billing paid up front is not refunded. Square's pricing page says you can cancel or switch plans at any time, and Square Free has no subscription at all.
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