Are there booking systems that include payment processing?
Popular all-in-one options
Several booking platforms bundle payment processing, so you don't need a separate merchant account. Square Appointments offers free booking and charges standard card fees (around 2.6% + 10¢ per swipe). Acuity Scheduling (part of Squarespace) integrates with Stripe and PayPal, and charges a monthly subscription plus transaction fees. Vagaro is popular in salons and spas, with payment processing built in.
Other options include Calendly (with Stripe/PayPal integration), Setmore, and SimplyBook.me. Each has different pricing: some charge monthly, others take a cut per transaction. Typical card processing fees range from 2.5% to 3.5% depending on the provider and card type.
What to look for
When choosing a system, check if it supports deposits, prepayments, and no-show fees. You want automatic charging of cards on file, secure storage, and easy refunds. Also consider whether it syncs with your accounting software and sends receipts.
Some systems charge extra for payment features, while others include them. Read the fine print on transaction fees—they can add up. If you're a small business, a free or low-cost plan with integrated payments may be best.
- Square Appointments: free booking, standard card fees
- Acuity Scheduling: monthly fee, integrates Stripe/PayPal
- Vagaro: monthly fee, built-in payments for salons
- Calendly: free tier, payment via Stripe/PayPal
- Setmore: free plan, payment integration available
Common mistakes
- Assuming all booking systems include payment processing—many require a third-party integration.
- Overlooking transaction fees, which can eat into profits if not factored into pricing.
- Choosing a system without testing the payment flow from a client's perspective.
