While Helcim offers competitive pricing with no monthly fees and low fees, pricing varies based on factors such as your total monthly volume and average transaction amount. On the other hand, a unique feature of Clover is that it allows you to return any device within 60 days. Additionally, it has data export capabilities, invoicing, contactless payments and is PCI compliant. Deciding on a merchant services provider can impact your finances, your operations, and ultimately how you serve your customers.
Deciding on a merchant services provider can impact your finances, your operations, and ultimately how you serve your customers. CardX by Stax is a payment processing tool that allows businesses to accept credit card payments at 0% cost, ensuring compliance with surcharging regulations. CardX by Stax is a payment processing tool that allows businesses to accept credit card payments at 0% cost, ensuring compliance with surcharging regulations. Payment service providers allow businesses to accept online payments by handling the behind-the-scenes process of moving money from a customer’s account to a business account.
It enables businesses to accept all major payment types online, in-person and over the phone. On Trustpilot, nearly 50% of its reviewers gave it a perfect 5-star rating, with a large majority of these users commenting that its support is top-notch. Merchant One is a full-service provider that processes payments online, in-person and over the phone with a variety of payment terminals to suit nearly any need, from simple iPhone and Android mobile card readers to advanced terminal systems through Clover. While Stripe is widely revered as one of the best credit card processors on the market, there is a clear divide between users who either love it or hate it.
While Stripe is widely revered as one of the best credit card processors on the market, there is a clear divide between users who either love it or hate it. In general, Stax is a well-regarded credit carding processing company that’s recognized for its user-friendly platform and helpful support. While Stripe is widely revered as one of the best credit card processors on the market, there is a clear divide between users who either love it or hate it. Funds from transactions are available in one to two business days or instantly for a 1,5% fee per transfer.
Instead, it uses a subscription model with a flat monthly fee determined by sales volume and low transaction fees. Square also doesn’t charge any startup, refund, cancellation or PCI-compliance fees. Many merchant service providers offer a variety of different processing rates and fees. PayPal has grown into a payment powerhouse that supports all types of credit card processing and Venmo app payments, and it has a variety of POS terminals and card readers, giving users a good deal of flexibility.
PayPal has grown into a payment powerhouse that supports all types of credit card processing and Venmo app payments, and it has a variety of POS terminals and card readers, giving users a good deal of flexibility. It also integrates with many e-commerce, accounting and POS apps, including Shopify, QuickBooks, BigCommerce and WooCommerce. Several of the companies listed above, such as Square, double as website builders so that you can keep everything under one umbrella. Stripe is a feature-packed credit card processing service that accepts nearly every payment type, including major payment networks such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express, as well as mobile payments via Apple Pay and Google Pay and even international payment providers.
Stripe is a feature-packed credit card processing service that accepts nearly every payment type, including major payment networks such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express, as well as mobile payments via Apple Pay and Google Pay and even international payment providers. It gives users a great deal of flexibility with its wide variety of card readers and terminals that integrate with its Zettle POS system, which I have found to be a reliable and comprehensive POS solution. Payouts are typically available within two days but you can also choose instant payouts for an additional 1% (50 cent minimum). However, users in the past have had an issue with its lack of a support phone number, which is something it now offers.
Elavon is proud to be a recognized leader in the payments industry by Forbes Best of 2024 as one of the 10 best credit card processing companies. Elavon is proud to be a recognized leader in the payments industry by Forbes Best of 2024 as one of the 10 best credit card processing companies. Its basic plans offer simple flat-rate fees based on the type of sale and no monthly fees. Of these users, 50% gave it a 5-star rating and just over 40% gave it a 1-star rating, revealing that while it’s a great payment processor, it’s not the best option for every business.
However, it does not offer a wide variety of payment terminals like other providers, such as Square or Clover and it does not offer industry-specific features for those in food service. PayPal is a very versatile and modern payment processor, despite that it’s one of the bigger (and older) names in the industry. It’s also worth noting that Stax sells its own customizable countertop terminals and can seamlessly integrate its software with other terminals, as well as most POS systems and other business tools. In addition to its standard membership options, Payment Depot also offers an interchange plus percentage model, which may be more suitable to certain types of businesses such as cyclical or seasonal businesses.
This illustrates that while the majority of users love it, a certain percentage don’t. Start taking payments today with Square merchant services. However, it is a quality solution that stands up to the competition—especially for small businesses and niche industries. Payments aside, it also comes with a user-friendly dashboard where users can easily manage payments, handle disputes and issue refunds.
Granted, where it stands out for me is that it does a good job of providing access to funds within 24 to 48 hours. Helcim also integrates with dozens of popular accounting software, billing systems and shopping carts, plus sells card readers that work on nearly any device. As one of the most recognizable names in payment processing, Square is a very popular choice across various industries and business sizes. Rates will vary depending on the pricing method, type of card, and the manner the card is processed.
Merchant Services provides your business with the ability to accept credit cards and other forms of electronic payments. What’s unique about it is that it is one of the few providers that includes a dedicated account manager who can help new users get set up in as little as 24 hours. Gravity Payments is a lesser-known credit card processing company, so it hasn’t built a widespread reputation like big names PayPal and Square. Credit card processors make it possible for you to take credit card payments by connecting the various services involved in the process.
Meanwhile, on the other end of the spectrum, over 40% of reviewers gave it a 1 out of 5-star rating, with the vast majority experiencing the same issue that their account had been suspected or closed unexpectedly. Though Payment Depot is a good value for high-volume businesses, it is not the most popular payment processing provider, nor is it the most widely loved. Stripe’s credit card readers integrate with popular e-commerce and accounting software, including Shopify, WooCommerce and Xero. When working with merchant service providers, the vetting and setup process takes longer than it would with a payment service provider.
On average, users can expect to pay around 1,93% plus 8 cents per transaction for in-person transactions and 2,49% plus 25 cents per online transaction. While Clover has a good reputation for its unique, industry-specific features that can make all the difference to many businesses, users tend to either love it or hate it. In regards to cost, Gravity Payments does not charge a monthly membership fee and instead has a fixed, flat processing fee of 2,5% plus 10 cents per transaction. Though Payment Depot claims to have transparent pricing, users must speak with a sales representative for membership and pricing information as it is custom-quoted.
Its plans work a bit differently than most of its competitors, with a custom monthly membership fee, per transaction fee and wholesale interchange rates based on sales volume. Perfect for your phone and great for side hustles and sole proprietors. Additionally, Payment Depot does not have payment by link like PayPal or invoicing tools like many other providers. To meet the needs and budgets and businesses of all sizes, PayPal offers a variety of plans and payment terminal types.
If you process a low number of transactions on a monthly basis, you may want to choose a processor that charges a low transaction fee, such as Stripe or PayPal. They offer free gateway setups for new users and provide engineering support for complex integrations. Notably, 21% of respondents are not trying to mitigate credit card processing fees, or at least not by raising prices, requiring minimum purchase amounts or by using any of the other surveyed tactics. It is good if you want to keep track of inventory or need something that plays well with other apps.
It offers a variety of payment terminals, giving businesses a good deal of flexibility and invoicing options. If you primarily operate an e-commerce business, you’ll need to make sure that you select a credit card processor that is compatible with your website. If you primarily operate an e-commerce business, you’ll need to make sure that you select a credit card processor that is compatible with your website. If you have a higher volume, a subscription-based model, such as Payment Depot where you pay a monthly fee in exchange for lower transaction rates may be a better fit.
It has a solid 4,2 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot from nearly 1,000 users—75% of whom gave it a 5-star rating. Additionally, the customer support is exceptionally responsive and helpful, providing personalized assistance whenever needed. Helcim offers a great deal of flexibility and value to both online and brick-and-mortar merchants with a variety of built-in tools, including a POS, online store, customer relationship management (CRM) software and even an online food ordering tool. For example, it has a mediocre 3,7 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot from over 1,300 users.
You can integrate their services directly into your online shopping cart or use their hosted payment page to accept payments through your website. It has a 4 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot from over 4,400 users—of which nearly 85% gave it a 5-star rating. The answer to this question varies depending on your sales volume. It has a meager 3,7 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot—despite that nearly 90% of its users gave it a perfect 5-star rating.
It has a solid reputation for its ease of use, which makes it easy for onboarding and training staff, and reliability, which enables businesses to accept payments no matter where their customers are or which payment method they prefer. Some website builders include their own payment gateways, while others allow you to connect with third-party providers. Unlike many of its competitors, Stax does not offer a free, transaction fee-only plan. It also has a variety of payment options, each with its own payment processing fees, so it’s worth being aware of how much each payment type costs.
Some processors charge a flat transaction fee (typically 5–50 cents) in combination with a percentage fee. Additionally, users can accept payments in installments, create custom invoices, or send a payment link so that they can get paid online without processing it via a website. We strive to provide you with information about products and services you might find interesting and useful. Payment Depot offers credit card processing tools and features for businesses of all sizes.
Who is the best credit card processing company?
In the final step, the card-issuing bank transfers your customer’s funds into your merchant account. So, how can you ensure your customers’ payments end up in your business’s bank account? You need a payment processor. Credit card processors enable businesses to accept these payments, making it easier for customers to purchase. Helcim’s processing fees start at 0,4% + 8¢ for in-person transactions and 0,5% + 25¢ for online transactions, with no monthly payments.
Helcim’s transparent pricing, all-inclusive platform, and automatic volume discounts offer great value for small businesses. The best credit card processing companies like Stripe, Square, and Payment Depot balance competitive pricing, robust features, and excellent customer support, making them ideal for most small businesses. Clover charges flat-rate payment processing fees, plus monthly fees, and offers discount pricing on locked-in contracts. With its flat-rate pricing structure, Stripe is great for small businesses looking for a simple payment processing system.
Start accepting payments fast with Shopify Payments Shopify Payments, Square, and Stripe are among the best payment gateways for small businesses. On Stax’s Website On Payment Depot’s Website If you primarily operate an e-commerce business, you’ll need to make sure that you select a credit card processor that is compatible with your website. Payment Depot has a unique membership pricing model that eliminates the markup fees associated with traditional processing. Stripe caters to various industries, including e-commerce, software, nonprofits, and platform businesses.
Gravity Payments offers custom payment solutions designed to align with the specific needs of niche industries. National Processing offers competitive rates and industry-specific plans, making it an excellent choice for various business sectors. National Processing is ideal for various industries, including retail, restaurants, e-commerce, and nonprofits. Choosing the best credit card processing company for your small business involves making a significant decision.
Helcim offers interchange-plus pricing with volume discounts, making it an excellent choice for growing businesses. To ensure safe and secure transactions, the processor should adhere to the highest security standards, such as PCI DSS compliance. Square’s free mobile card reader, transparent pricing, and comprehensive features make it ideal for small businesses and startups. Best Credit Card Processors Stax On Stax’s Website Payment Depot On Payment Depot’s Website Stripe is a feature-packed credit card processing service that accepts nearly every payment type, including major payment networks such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express, as well as mobile payments via Apple Pay and Google Pay and even international payment providers.
What I find advantageous about Square is that it keeps things simple for business owners with flat credit card processing rates based on the type of sale, regardless of the credit card used. It has a solid 4,2 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot from nearly 1,000 users 75% of whom gave it a 5-star rating. Since Clover offers tools, features and plans designed specifically for retail as well as food, professional and home services, it is a great fit for those in said industries, such as restaurants, law firms or landscaping businesses. Start selling with Shopify today Start your free trial with Shopify today then use these resources to guide you through every step of the process.
National Processing offers some of the lowest processing rates in the industry, along with a range of valuable integrations and payment options. It serves multiple niche industries, including veterinary, outdoor power equipment, and legal services. Square serves a variety of industries, including retail, food & beverage, beauty & wellness, and professional services. With the decline of cash and diversification of popular payment methods (consumers can now use credit cards, Apple Pay, and PayPal, for example), accepting payments in 2025 isn’t as simple as stacking bills in a cash drawer.
If you’re a Shopify merchant, you can quickly turn on Shopify Payments (a PSP) to accept payments immediately. It has a 4 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot from over 4,400 users of which nearly 85% gave it a 5-star rating. Have a complete view of your finances, and accept local currencies and payment types for a smooth checkout experience. However, one issue I have found with Clover is that while it claims most funds will be available the next day, in reality, funds are generally available within one to three business days.
Ultimately, the best credit card processor for you will have the hardware and features you need at a competitive price–but not just price in terms of monthly subscription fees, but in terms of transaction fees. Choosing a larger bank for a processor can also mean your account probably won’t have a dedicated support team. Now that you know what to look for, let’s explore some of the best credit card processing companies for small businesses. Square revolutionized the payment industry with its simple, flat-rate pricing and user-friendly mobile POS system.
Stripe is an especially good choice for ecommerce business owners who value customization, since it allows you to add branding to your checkout or adjust the checkout flow to pursue a higher ecommerce conversion rate. On the consumer side, a credit card payment is verified and approved immediately, and funds are held under temporary authorization until the merchant sends the batch at the close of the business day. Take control of your cash flow with Shopify Payments Only with Shopify Payments can you track your orders and payments all in one place. While Stax consistently ranks as one of the best payment processors, Stripe and Square have had some complaints about their tech support teams and account holds.
It has a meager 3,7 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot despite that nearly 90% of its users gave it a perfect 5-star rating. Depending on your unique business needs, decide if a direct processor like Stax or a third-party processor may be better suited for you. PayPal’s ratings aren’t as high as other credit card processors, with many merchants complaining about high fees and long fund holding periods. While assessment and interchange fees are non-negotiable (these are set by card associations), processor markups vary widely from company to company, so make sure you get the most favorable rates.
For most transactions, a merchant has up to 30 days to clear an authorization hold, though some credit card companies, like Visa and Discover, have significantly shorter time limits before such authorizations “fall off the account. However, it is a quality solution that stands up to the competition especially for small businesses and niche industries. These indicate that the processor may sign you up for various additional services that cost extra and you have a very short period (typically 30 days) to cancel or opt out. Helcim serves several industries, including retail, restaurants, professional services, and nonprofits.
If you process a low number of transactions on a monthly basis, you may want to choose a processor that charges a low transaction fee, such as Stripe or PayPal.
Who has the lowest CC processing fees?
Companies like CardX specialize in offering this service, allowing businesses to avoid paying traditional credit card processing fees. One simple mistake could lead to higher processing fees, so setting up your account the right way from the start can make all the difference. Helcim offers transparent interchange-plus pricing and no monthly fees, while Stax provides competitive rates and a subscription-based model that can be cost-effective for businesses with higher transaction volumes. Because the customer is physically present, there is less risk involved, and therefore the interchange fees and processor markups are lower.
CardX is an industry-leading automated surcharging platform and Mastercard’s exclusive surcharging partner. Credit card processing fees may not seem like a lot at first, but after a few months, you start to notice the few dollars here and there start adding up. I tested the CardX platform and found it easy to set up, while the online payment gateway and virtual terminal features are easy to use. Get into the habit of batching transactions within 24 hours to lower the number of transactions for that period and to reduce processing fees.
When shopping around, ask the processors for a breakdown of their rates and fees so you know exactly how much you’re paying per month. I also considered cancellation and chargeback fees and whether the provider offers volume discounts, which may matter for businesses processing larger transaction volumes every month. CardX is available in 48 states, including New York and Maine plus the District of Columbia, and works with any business size with a very low monthly fee. Giving customers the choice of paying the cost for the credit card merchant processing or getting a discount for cash helps to keep costs down while allowing maximum payment options for the consumer.
However, if you are a business-to-business (B2B) company processing large volumes, check with a merchant account provider like Dharma Merchant Services. These rates are not available to most small businesses, especially business-to-consumer (B2C) businesses. They could be more affordable if your business has very low sales volume and wouldn’t save enough in credit card transaction fees to offset the monthly cost of a monthly interchange-plus processor fee. It offers businesses a unique solution to eliminate processing fees entirely by passing the processing costs to the customer through surcharges.
The pricing is not readily available on the website, especially since actual processing rates depend on the business’s risk status. It offers invoicing, billing, and ecommerce integrations that allow you to accept both in-person and online payments. This option is ideal for businesses that use recurring payments like subscriptions or charge via invoice. Finding the cheapest credit card processor is crucial for any business looking to maximize savings and efficiency.
Many different payment processing companies advertise the lowest rates, and many of them have completely different fee structures. It supports traditional businesses, such as in the retail and restaurant industry, as well as those that run SaaS platforms and are looking for more advanced, tailored payment solutions. You’ll notice a difference in fees and markup between the ones that do and the ones that don’t use that third-party processor. Some challenges when using out-of-the-box surcharging platforms are the learning curve and tailoring the system to your business needs.
And because PaymentDepot is a traditional merchant account service provider, merchants will not have to worry about unexpected account closures and frozen funds. Join the thousands of other business owners who have found zero cost credit card processing, and started using the cheapest credit card processing for small business. Flat-rate pricing – Credit card processing companies that use this pricing model charge one flat fee for all transactions. In some cases, businesses can pass along processing fees to customers through surcharging, cash discounting, or convenience fees, but someone will need to pay the fees issued by banks and card networks.
The cheapest credit card processing for small business is called Zero Fee Processing, offering the lowest credit card processing rates with free equipment. While it no longer offers wholesale, no-percentage-markup rates similar to Stax, Payment Depot’s zero monthly fee makes it better suited for smaller businesses. Credit card payment processing shouldn’t force a business owner to pay for the perks and rewards that the consumer gets for card loyalty. Low cost credit card processing is what most business owners look for, but credit card processing with no fees is the only truly cheap credit card processing for small business.
Some of the important features of a credit card processor that I considered in my rating are the availability of different payment methods, hardware availability and costs, deposit speed, and reporting and analytics tools. The cheapest credit card processing companies include Helcim, Square and Stripe, though savings will vary depending on your business. The longer you wait to settle the batch, the higher the fees and rates from the credit card companies.
