Quick answer
Square Invoices is free to send, but Square is a payments company - it earns on the card fee every time a client pays. That’s great if nearly all your clients pay by card and you already use Square’s POS. Free Invoice App is invoicing-first and built for Australia: free bank-transfer details on every invoice (no processing fee), optional pay-by-card via Stripe, and GST, ABN, and ATO tax invoices handled by default.
Honest disclosure
We make Free Invoice App. Square is a polished product, especially if you also take in-person payments. This comparison is based on Square’s public 2026 documentation; card processing rates are set by Square and change, so check their current Australian pricing before deciding.
The real difference: how each one makes money
This is the whole comparison in one idea. Square gives away invoicing and makes its money on card processing fees - so the more your clients pay by card, the more you pay. Free Invoice App makes its money on affordable subscriptions (A$5 or A$20 a month) and lets clients pay by free bank transfer, with card payments as an option you control.
If most of your clients pay by bank transfer - common for tradies, freelancers, and B2B services in Australia - Free Invoice App keeps those payments fee-free. If most pay by card, compare Square’s per-transaction fee against Free Invoice App’s Stripe fee plus small platform fee.
Pricing (2026)
Free Invoice App Square Invoices Monthly cost Free / A$5 / A$20 Free to send How it earns Subscriptions Card processing fees Bank transfer Free N/A (card-focused) Card payments Stripe (optional) Square (built in) Setup cost A$0 A$0
Feature comparison
Free Invoice App Square Invoices Send invoices Yes Yes Free bank-transfer payment Yes Card-first GST / ABN handled natively Yes Basic ATO-compliant tax invoices Yes Basic Built for Australia Yes Global (payments) Recurring invoices Yes (Pro) Yes Scheduled send Yes (Pro) Limited Pay by card Yes (Stripe) Yes (Square) Custom email domain Yes (Pro+) No Per-service T&Cs Yes (Pro+) No AI receipt scanning Yes (all plans) No Expense tracking Yes Limited In-person card reader (POS) No Yes
Square’s standout is in-person payments - if you sell at a market stall or shopfront and want one tool for tap-to-pay and invoices, Square is compelling. For pure invoicing with Australian tax handled and a choice of free or card payment, Free Invoice App is the better fit.
Where Square is the right answer
- You already use Square POS for in-person sales and want invoices in the same place.
- Almost all clients pay by card and you’re comfortable with per-transaction fees.
- You sell in person and need a card reader plus invoicing together.
Where Free Invoice App is the right answer
- Your clients pay by bank transfer and you don’t want a card fee on every payment.
- You want GST, ABN, and tax invoices handled for you - see ATO tax invoice requirements.
- You want the choice on every invoice: free bank transfer or pay-by-card via Stripe, your call.
- You want extras like AI receipt scanning and expense tracking included.
How to decide
Ask how your clients pay. Mostly bank transfer, or you want Australian tax handled and a low flat cost? Free Invoice App. Mostly card, or you already run Square POS in person? Square. Start free - 7 sends per month forever, no card required.
Frequently asked questions
Is Square Invoices free in Australia?
Free to send; Square earns on card processing fees per payment. Free Invoice App is free to start and lets clients pay by bank transfer for free.
What are Square invoice fees in Australia?
A percentage plus a fixed fee on card payments (set by Square, check current rates). Bank transfers avoid those fees - which Free Invoice App supports for free.
Does Square produce ATO-compliant tax invoices?
Basic GST and business details, yes, but Australian tax formatting isn’t its focus. Free Invoice App is built around ATO requirements, GST, and ABN.
Which is better for getting paid?
Both take cards. Free Invoice App gives you the choice per invoice: free bank transfer, or pay-by-card via Stripe settling to your own account in AUD.