Best Payment Apps for iOS - September 2025
These payment apps excel in security, ease of use, and innovative features, making them essential tools for modern financial management. They cater to a wide range of needs from personal payments to business transactions.
Our Top Pick
The best payment app for iOS
About Square Point of Sale (POS) by Block, Inc.
Square Point of Sale (POS) is the all-in-one payments processing app designed for any business. Whether you’re a retail, a restaurant, or a service business, you’ll have all the features you need to run your business at your fingertips. Select from multiple modes tailored to your industry to simplify business operations, to deliver exceptional customer experiences, and to boost your bottom line. Take any payment Accept payments in person, online, or over the phone. Let customers pay with all major credit cards, debit cards, cash, digital wallets, QR codes, payment links, Cash App Pay, Tap to Pay on iPhone, and gift cards. Get started quickly Whether you’re a new business or looking to switch your point of sale system, we make it fast and easy to get started. Receive recommendations for a POS solution that aligns with your business needs, ensuring you’re set from the start. Choose your mode Access multiple POS modes equipped with unique settings, features, and functionalities for different business needs. •For all businesses: Set up instantly to start taking payments and manage your business. - Free point-of-sale system - Real-time reports in Dashboard - Inventory management •For restaurants: Access management tools designed for full-service restaurants, quick-service restaurants, and bars. - Quick order entry - Order-ready mobile text - Course and seat management (iPad only) - Preauthorized bar tabs (iPad only) •For retail: Track inventory, customer orders, and sales effortlessly in-store or online. - Advanced inventory tools - Multichannel selling - Customer profiles •For beauty: Simplify scheduling and appointments. - 24/7 online booking - No-show protection - Automated reservation reminders •For services: Manage appointments, send invoices, and accept payments effortlessly. - Invoices and estimates - Contracts - Project management Download the Square Point of Sale today and explore how Square can grow with you — from fostering customer relationships and managing staff to accessing advanced reporting and offering integrated banking solutions. Some features are only available in the United States. Need more assistance? Reach Square Support at 1-855-700-6000 or contact us by mail at Block, Inc., 1955 Broadway, Suite 600, Oakland, CA 94612.
Overview
These payment apps excel in security, ease of use, and innovative features, making them essential tools for modern financial management. They cater to a wide range of needs from personal payments to business transactions.
Ideal for individuals, small businesses, and anyone looking to streamline money transfers, manage finances, or accept payments on the go.
We evaluated based on user ratings, features, pricing, security, and real user feedback to ensure comprehensive insights.
Why Square Point of Sale (POS) by Block, Inc. is Our #1 Pick
Key Reasons:
Excellent for business transactions with integrated payment processing
Offers loans based on sales for business growth
High user satisfaction and reliability
Standout Features:
Tap to Pay on iPhone for contactless payments
Inventory management and sales tracking
Business loan offerings tied to sales performance
"Users consistently praise its ease of use for business operations and the ability to secure loans for inventory, leading to significant revenue growth."
- What users love most
Our Recommendations
Best Overall
Square Point of Sale (POS) by Block, Inc.
It excels for both business and personal use with versatile features, high ratings, and growth-oriented tools like sales-based loans.
💚 Best Free
Cash App: Mobile Banking by Block, Inc.
Offers comprehensive free services including money transfers, investing, and borrowing with low costs.
💎 Best Premium
Amex by American Express
Worth it for the exclusive rewards, travel benefits, and top-notch security, though it requires an Amex card.
Easiest to Use
Venmo by Venmo
Its social and intuitive interface makes it simple for beginners to send and receive money quickly.
Most Innovative
Kuda - Free transfer & payment by Kuda Technologies Limited
Pioneers digital banking in Africa with free services and investment options, addressing regional needs innovatively.
The 11 Best payment Apps
Square Point of Sale (POS) by Block, Inc.
Pros:
- Free to use with no monthly fees for basic features
- Integrated loan options based on sales performance
- Comprehensive business tools including inventory management
Cons:
- Transaction fees can add up for high-volume users
- Limited advanced features without premium plans
An all-in-one solution for businesses to process payments, manage inventory, and access growth funding.
Cash App: Mobile Banking by Block, Inc.
Pros:
- Free to use with instant money transfers
- Supports Bitcoin and Lightning Network transactions
- Borrowing options with flat rates as low as 5%
Cons:
- Occasional issues with card delivery as per user reports
- Security concerns mentioned in some reviews
A versatile app for personal banking, sending money, and investing with low fees and innovative features.
Venmo by Venmo
Pros:
- Social feed for transaction sharing
- Fast and secure payments
- Wide acceptance among users
Cons:
- Limited customization for card designs as per user feedback
- Fees for instant transfers
A social payment app that makes splitting bills and sending money fun and easy with a user-friendly interface.
PayPal - Pay, Send, Save by PayPal, Inc.
Pros:
- High security with fraud protection
- Cash back offers and rewards
- Crypto buying and trading features
Cons:
- Some users report app performance issues like slow loading
- Fees for certain transactions
A trusted and secure app for online shopping, money transfers, and now crypto trading with robust security.
QuickBooks GoPayment POS by Intuit Inc.
Pros:
- Integration with QuickBooks for accounting
- Tap to Pay on iPhone for contactless payments
- Free to use with competitive processing rates
Cons:
- May require QuickBooks subscription for full features
- Steeper learning curve for new users
A powerful POS app integrated with QuickBooks for seamless invoicing and payment processing on the go.
Bank of America Mobile Banking by Bank of America
Pros:
- Full suite of banking features including investments
- Zelle for quick money transfers
- High user ratings for customer support
Cons:
- Limited to Bank of America customers
- Can be complex with many features
A comprehensive banking app offering full account management, Zelle integration, and excellent customer service.
Chase Mobile®: Bank & Invest by JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Pros:
- Integration with J.P. Morgan Wealth Management
- Zelle for money transfers
- Travel rewards and points tracking
Cons:
- Only useful for Chase account holders
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
A feature-rich app for Chase customers, offering banking, investing, and travel rewards in one place.
Zelle® by Early Warning Services, LLC
Pros:
- Instant transfers between banks
- No fees for standard transfers
- Wide adoption with over 2,200 financial institutions
Cons:
- App availability issues as per user reviews
- Limited to U.S. banks and credit unions
A fast and reliable app for sending money directly between bank accounts with wide bank support.
Self – Credit Builder & Cash by Self Lender, Inc.
Pros:
- Credit builder account to improve scores
- Quick access to cash for emergencies
- Educational tools for financial habits
Cons:
- Fees for credit builder services
- Not primarily a payment app for transactions
An app focused on building credit and providing quick cash access, ideal for improving financial health.
Amex by American Express
Pros:
- Exclusive Amex offers and rewards
- Secure bill payment and spending tracking
- High user satisfaction and reliability
Cons:
- Only for Amex cardholders
- Limited to Amex-specific features
The official app for American Express cardholders, offering rewards tracking, bill pay, and exclusive offers.
Kuda - Free transfer & payment by Kuda Technologies Limited
Pros:
- Free transfers and no hidden fees
- Investment and savings options
- Designed for the African market
Cons:
- Geographically limited to Africa
- Less known globally compared to others
A modern banking app for Africans, offering free transfers, investments, and savings with a user-friendly interface.
Comparison Insights
Key Differences
Square and QuickBooks are business-oriented with POS features, whereas Cash App and Venmo are for personal use with social elements; bank apps like BoA and Chase offer full banking suites.
How to Choose
Consider your primary use case (business vs. personal), need for additional features like investing or credit building, and compatibility with your bank or devices.
Common Limitations
Most apps have transaction fees, geographic restrictions, and may not support all currencies or banks; security risks vary.
Emerging Trends
Increased integration of crypto, AI for fraud detection, and more personalized financial tools are becoming standard.
Key Insights
- •
Business-focused apps like Square offer unique financing options, while personal apps emphasize ease and social features.
- •
Security is a top concern, with apps like PayPal leading in fraud protection.
- •
Integration with existing banking or accounting software can significantly enhance usability.
Buying Guide
Essential Features
- •Secure encryption and fraud protection
- •Easy money transfer capabilities
- •Low or no transaction fees for basic use
Nice to Have
- •Integration with other financial apps or banks
- •Additional features like investing or credit building
- •User-friendly design and customer support
⚠️ Red Flags
- •High hidden fees or poor security reviews
- •Limited bank or geographic support
- •Frequent app crashes or performance issues
Pricing Expectations
Expect free basic use with fees for premium features or high-volume transactions; value depends on specific needs like business growth or personal convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest payment app to use?
PayPal is often considered the safest due to its robust security features and fraud protection, but always enable two-factor authentication on any app.
How do I choose between a free and paid payment app?
Free apps are great for basic transactions, but paid or fee-based apps offer advanced features like lower rates or exclusive benefits; assess your usage frequency and needs.
Is there a learning curve for using these apps?
Most apps are designed to be user-friendly with minimal learning curve, but business-focused apps like Square or QuickBooks may require more time to master all features.
Conclusion
The best payment app depends on your specific needs, whether for business, personal use, or credit building. Top picks like Square and Cash App offer versatility and innovation.
After careful comparison, the key differentiators in this category are: Square and QuickBooks are business-oriented with POS features, whereas Cash App and Venmo are for personal use with social elements; bank apps like BoA and Chase offer full banking suites.
Our Final Recommendation
For businesses, choose Square; for personal use, opt for Cash App or Venmo; and for banking integration, stick with your bank's app.
What We're Hoping to See in the Future
Expect more AI-driven features, broader crypto integration, and enhanced security measures in payment apps, making them even more integral to daily finance.
Current Trends: Increased integration of crypto, AI for fraud detection, and more personalized financial tools are becoming standard.