Square is one of the newest and leading online and mobile payment methods to date. Some of it's most advantageous features for small business owners include a cheaper percentage fee than most other methods, PCI Compliant data and payment protection, VeriSign trusted, encrypted data, and customizable inventory options. Square provides next-day payout, a free card reader, and a free app for smart phones and tablets. Square also includes special features like Card Case, paperless receipts, full data reports, organized shelves, smart tipping, and is compatible with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Square's fee is 2.75% for all card swipes. Any card numbers entered manually changes the rate to 3.5% with a $0.15 fee per transaction.

One of the best features of Square is the added security. The card readers and apps do not save credit card numbers, magnetic strip data, or security codes. Business owners can also add unique details to their sale items like names, photos, and price points. Although Square is a great choice for any small business owner, the company did have to work out a few bugs in the security system. In April, Square teamed up with Visa and added extra encryption and prevented the app from storing unnecessary data. But, Square isn't the only option available for small business owners.

PayPal is one of the most widely used and trusted online payment options in today's international market. PayPal accepts all the major credit cards that Square does, but also accepts their own PayPal debit card. PayPal allows business owners to accept payments from the web and by phone. It also allows business owners to email invoices for online payments, but the rates depend on the sales of the company.

If a company sells $3,000 or less, the rate per transaction is 2.9% plus $0.30; but, if your company's average sale is under $10, PayPal offers a special "5% plus $.05" rate. For any payments made with a different currency, PayPal charges a 2.5% rate and a 1% rate for receiving any foreign payments. To use Website Payments Pro, companies must pay a $30 monthly fee; Virtual Terminal customers pay $30 a month and a 2.4-3.19% rate plus $0.30 per sale.

Although the fees are higher, PayPal offers 24/7 fraud screening and seller protection as well as the ability to track shipments. PayPal is a better option for the small business owner who wants to expand internationally.

For business owners who just want to make online payments easier for web integration, Click2Pay works best. This online payment method allows business owners to create reports and has extensive management functions. It also provides individual payments and statements, all common payment functions, and easy web integration. Click2Pay will also adapt to the business's design and it still has the security of the other methods.

There are several payment options available to business owners, but these are some of the best and most reliable for small business owners wishing to move to the web.