Can I get both at the same time?

Only if you genuinely run both platforms — e.g., omnichannel retailer using Square POS in-store and Shopify for online. Each platform only underwrites against its own sales, so stacking the two doesn't double your capital — it splits it across two repayment streams from two different revenue channels.

What happens if I leave the platform mid-advance?

Both convert to immediate-payoff or fixed-daily-debit mode if you stop processing. Square gives more flexibility (fixed daily ACH); Shopify can require full payoff within 60 days of leaving Shopify Payments.

Which one will actually offer me capital?

Neither lets you apply — both algorithmically choose who gets offers based on processing volume + stability. Square typically requires 12+ months of consistent Square sales; Shopify often surfaces offers earlier (3+ months) for fast-growing stores.

Square Capital vs Shopify Capital — honest comparison 2026

Both fund small businesses. They solve different problems. Here's the honest side-by-side, then five use-case verdicts so you don't have to guess.

The specs

Square CapitalShopify Capital

Product typeMCAMCA

Amount range$300 – $250K$200 – $2M (varies by store volume)

Cost (factor / APR)Single fixed fee (10 – 16% of loan amount); no APR / no compoundingSingle fixed fee (factor 1.10 – 1.18 typical); no APR / no compounding

Speed to fundAs soon as next business day2 – 5 business days after acceptance

Min time in business12 months3 months

Min monthly revenue$10,000+ in Square card sales typical floor~$5,000+ in Shopify processed sales typical floor

Min credit scoreNo FICO pull — underwrites entirely against Square sales historyNo FICO pull — underwrites entirely against Shopify sales history

Products

Embedded seller working capital (Square sellers only)

Embedded merchant cash advance (Shopify stores only)

Verdicts by use case

In-person / restaurant / retail merchant — Winner: Square Capital. Square Capital underwrites against Square POS card-present sales. Shopify Capital underwrites against online Shopify sales — useless if you don't sell on Shopify.
DTC e-commerce brand — Winner: Shopify Capital. Shopify Capital sees your full store funnel and underwrites against Shopify sales velocity. Square is built around card-present POS, not Shopify-style online checkout.
Fastest funding after acceptance — Winner: Square Capital. Square funds as soon as next business day. Shopify Capital typically takes 2 – 5 business days after acceptance.
Largest possible advance — Winner: Shopify Capital. Shopify Capital scales up to $2M for high-volume stores. Square Capital caps at $250K.
Cheapest fixed-fee structure — Winner: Square Capital. Square Capital's headline fee is 10 – 16% of advance — typically lower than Shopify Capital's 1.10 – 1.18 factor (10 – 18%).

The honest takeaway

Square Capital and Shopify Capital solve overlapping but distinct problems. The right choice depends on three things you already know about your business: how fast you need the money, how long you've been operating, and whether the capital need is one-time or recurring.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get both at the same time?: Only if you genuinely run both platforms — e.g., omnichannel retailer using Square POS in-store and Shopify for online. Each platform only underwrites against its own sales, so stacking the two doesn't double your capital — it splits it across two repayment streams from two different revenue channels.
What happens if I leave the platform mid-advance?: Both convert to immediate-payoff or fixed-daily-debit mode if you stop processing. Square gives more flexibility (fixed daily ACH); Shopify can require full payoff within 60 days of leaving Shopify Payments.
Which one will actually offer me capital?: Neither lets you apply — both algorithmically choose who gets offers based on processing volume + stability. Square typically requires 12+ months of consistent Square sales; Shopify often surfaces offers earlier (3+ months) for fast-growing stores.