Clover Go
$199.00
Jason Feemster
Clover Go Review: Pricing, Fees & Comparison to Square
Updated: January 2026 • Verified Q1 2026
Table of Contents
Clover Go is a pocket-sized credit card reader from Fiserv (formerly First Data) that turns any iOS or Android device into a mobile payment terminal. It accepts contactless (NFC), chip (EMV), and swipe (magstripe) payments, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
The device connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone or tablet, then syncs all transaction data to the Clover web dashboard. This makes it ideal for businesses already using other Clover hardware like the Clover Station or Clover Mini — everything stays centralized.
Clover Go competes directly with the Square Reader, though pricing and features differ significantly. Let’s break down what you need to know.
Pros & Cons
- Clover ecosystem sync
- Lower per-transaction fee than Square (10¢ vs 15¢)
- Accepts all payment types
- Tap to Pay on iPhone support
- Monthly fees required for features
- Locked to Clover processing
- Pricing varies by reseller
- Contract may be required
Clover Go Pricing
Clover Go pricing has two components: hardware and software/processing. Hardware costs vary depending on where you purchase.
| Component | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clover Go Reader | $49-$199 | $49 as add-on to virtual terminal; $199 standalone from Clover |
| Clover Go Dock | $29 | Optional countertop charging stand |
| Payments Plan | $0/mo | Payment processing only, no POS features |
| Essentials Plan | $14.95/mo | Adds inventory, order management, reporting |
Processing Rates
| Transaction Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| In-Person (Tap/Dip/Swipe) | 2.6% + 10¢ (Essentials) or 2.3% + 10¢ (Growth plans) |
| Keyed-In/Online | 3.5% + 10¢ |
Key Features
Payment Acceptance
- All Payment Types: Contactless (NFC), chip (EMV), and magstripe swipe
- Mobile Wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay
- Tap to Pay on iPhone: Accept contactless payments directly on your iPhone without the reader
- Offline Mode: Process payments without internet (syncs when reconnected)
Business Management
- Clover Dashboard: View sales, transactions, and reports from any device
- Inventory Tracking: Basic item management on Essentials plan
- Employee Management: Track shifts and set role permissions
- Digital Receipts: Send via email or text
Security
- TransArmor Protection: End-to-end encryption and tokenization
- Tamper Detection: Built-in sensors alert you to tampering attempts
- PCI Compliant: Meets payment card industry security standards
Real User Feedback
✅ What Users Like
- Easy setup — charge, pair, and start accepting payments
- Seamless sync with other Clover devices
- Reliable Bluetooth connection
- Compact and portable design
❌ What Users Don’t Like
- Confusing pricing across different resellers
- Monthly fees add up compared to Square’s free option
- Can’t use with third-party processors
- Some report occasional connectivity issues in the field
Clover Go vs. Competitors
| Feature | Clover Go | Square Reader | PayPal Zettle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware Cost | $49-$199 | $59 (chip/tap) | $29 |
| Monthly Fee | $0-$14.95+ | $0 | $0 |
| In-Person Rate | 2.6% + 10¢ | 2.6% + 15¢ | 2.29% + 9¢ |
| Keyed-In Rate | 3.5% + 10¢ | 3.5% + 15¢ | 3.49% + 9¢ |
| Contract Required | Varies by reseller | No | No |
| Processor Choice | Fiserv only | Square only | PayPal only |
Who Should Use Clover Go?
✅ Best Fit For
- Existing Clover customers who need mobile payment capability
- Businesses wanting ecosystem integration with Clover Station, Mini, or Flex
- High-volume sellers who can benefit from lower per-transaction fees
- Service providers like contractors, delivery services, and field technicians
❌ Not Ideal For
- New businesses wanting the simplest free option (try Square)
- Merchants wanting processor flexibility (Clover locks you in)
- Very low-volume sellers where monthly fees don’t make sense
- Businesses wary of contracts (some resellers require 36-month commitments)
FAQ
How much does Clover Go cost?
Hardware costs $49-$199 depending on where you buy it. The Payments plan is free ($0/mo) but only includes basic payment processing. The Essentials plan adds inventory and reporting for $14.95/mo. Processing rates are 2.6% + 10¢ for in-person transactions.
Is Clover Go better than Square?
It depends on your needs. Clover Go has a lower per-transaction fee (10¢ vs Square’s 15¢) but requires monthly fees for POS features. Square offers a completely free plan with no monthly fees. If you’re already in the Clover ecosystem, Clover Go makes sense. For new businesses, Square is simpler.
What payment types does Clover Go accept?
Clover Go accepts contactless (tap), chip (dip), and magstripe (swipe) payments. It also supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. The Clover Go app also enables Tap to Pay on iPhone.
Do I need a contract for Clover Go?
This varies by where you purchase. Buying directly from Clover.com may require a 36-month contract for promotional pricing. Some third-party resellers offer month-to-month terms. Always read the fine print before signing.
Can I use Clover Go with a different payment processor?
No. Clover hardware only works with Clover’s payment processing through Fiserv. You cannot bring your own processor or switch to a different one while keeping the hardware.
Verdict
Clover Go is a solid mobile card reader that shines for businesses already invested in the Clover ecosystem. The seamless sync with Clover Station, Mini, and Flex devices keeps all your sales data centralized — a real advantage if you operate both a physical location and do mobile sales.
The pricing is competitive once you dig into the numbers. While Square’s free plan sounds appealing, Clover Go actually charges 5¢ less per transaction (10¢ vs 15¢). For businesses processing significant volume, that adds up. However, Clover’s monthly fees and potential contract requirements make it less attractive for very small or new businesses.
Recommendation: If you’re already using Clover devices, Clover Go is the obvious choice for mobile payments. For new businesses starting from scratch, Square offers a simpler, no-commitment option. High-volume sellers should compare total costs carefully — Clover’s lower per-transaction fee may offset the monthly fees.
Jason Feemster
POS systems expert and founder of POSUSA.com, a trusted industry resource since 2011. With over a decade of hands-on experience testing and reviewing point-of-sale systems, Jason helps restaurant and retail owners find solutions that fit their needs and budget.
Specification: Clover Go
|
Videos: Clover Go
Photos: Clover Go
3 reviews for Clover Go
Add a review
DO NOT GET CLOVER FOR MERCHANT SERVICES. YOU WILL BE SORRY YOU DID. THERE IS VERY LIMITED CUSTOMER SERVICE. THEY WILL TAKE YOUR MONEY AND HOLD IT. IF YOU DO IT, YOU WILL BE SORRY. They have been holding over $800 OF MY MONEY. 0 rating.
I switched to another processor from Clover Go through Merchant Services. They forgot to cancel Clover Go and Ive been stuck with the monthly fees til I finally noticed as it did not show as Clover Go on my acct. They wont refund me my money when it was their fault they failed to cancel me.
This A Very Bad company the will steal your money. and when you call theme is very LIMITED CUSTOMER SERVICE you don’t get answer you get all monthly fees you didn’t sign for, and when you switched from them the have your acc in ther hands.