According to a Weave survey, over 30% of small business clients had been unable to complete purchases because “their payment method was not approved. However, many business owners fear paying high payment processing costs. Monthly services may be costly, so research your alternatives before settling on a provider. But there are over 1,000 credit processors. So, how can you choose the finest for your company? We compared 27 credit card processing firms on usability, customer support, and pricing transparency. We searched for organizations that provide supplementary services, integrations, and dependability to restrict the field. Here are our top picks for Credit Card Processing.
The Best Credit Card Processing Companies in 2022
- Helcim: comes out on top overall.
- PayPal: The following are the best options for low transaction volumes
- National Processing: Fees are the lowest
- Square: Is The simplest configuration.
- Stripe: is the best option for e-commerce.
- Stax by Fattmerchant: is the best option for large volumes.
- PaymentCloud: is the best option for high-risk merchants.
1. Helcim
Helcim assists you in growing your company by providing clear pricing and volume-based discounts.
Pros
• CRM and inventory management tools are incorporated; there are several support alternatives, and volume-based discounts are available.
• Signing up is made simple by the availability of online approval.
Cons
- One plan to pick from, and only one kind of hardware to purchase.
After starting as a payment processor in 2006, Helcim has grown into a financial technology firm that provides a variety of business solutions. 2 Helcim is a wonderful choice for small company owners because it has no monthly costs and a fee schedule that pays you for bigger volumes. As a result, it is our best overall winner since it has no monthly fees and a charge structure that rewards you for higher volumes. A Level 1 PCI-DSS certified service provider, the organization employs the highest level of security standards often seen in financial technology organizations.
Business owners use Helcim to take payments such as:
- Visa \sMastercard
- American Express is a credit card company.
- Discover
- Apple Pay is a mobile payment system.
- Google Pay is a joint venture between JCB and Google.
- Debit cards should be pinched.
Signing up for a Helcim account takes no more than five minutes, and you will not be required to purchase any additional gear. To begin taking payments, all you have to do is download the payments app. For in-store purchases, get the Helcim Card Reader for $109, which links to cellphones, desktop computers, and tablets through Bluetooth.
In spite of the fact that Helcim connects with QuickBooks and WooCommerce, its true value is in the additional services it offers to customers. You may transform any gadget into a workhorse by using Helcim’s cloud-based apps, which include:
- System for taking payments at the point of sale (POS).
- Taking care of your customers
- Management of inventories
- App for making payments
There is just one plan available, and there are no monthly costs. You’ll only be responsible for the interchange and transaction fees, which are calculated depending on your transaction volume. Their website has a tool that allows you to easily alter your monthly volume in order to observe how it impacts your charges.
The charge amounts are clear, and you can get reductions if you purchase in bulk. You’ll be charged an interchange fee in addition to the following rates for each transaction:
Volume ranging from $0 to $25,000 per month: For in-person transactions: 0.30 percent plus $0.08; for keyed or online transactions: 0.50 percent plus $0.25 For monthly transactions ranging from $25,001 to $50,000: 0.30 percent plus $0.08 In-person: 0.25 percent plus $0.07; keyed or online: 0.45 percent plus $0.20; both: 0.25 percent plus $0.07
Monthly volume ranging from $50,001 to $100,000: In-person: 0.20 percent plus $0.07; keyed or online: 0.40 percent plus $0.20 For monthly volumes ranging from $100,001 to $250,000: 0.40 percent plus $0.20 For in-person transactions, 0.18 percent plus $0.06; for keyed or online transactions, 0.35 percent + $0.15
Furthermore, you will get funds in your bank account within two business days after receiving payments. If you run into any difficulties, you’ll enjoy the availability of phone and email customer help and a comprehensive knowledge base and self-service center.
2. PayPal
Easy to use for companies with lower monthly sales.
Pros
- Easy setup
- In-store mobile wallet possibilities
- No contract or monthly expenses
Cons
- Unsuitable for large transaction volume
- If you are accused of fraud, the corporation might seize your cash.
- No 24/7 phone support
- PayPal has been around since 1998.
- 3 Now, you may accept PayPal payments in your own shop. PayPal stands out as the finest merchant solution for low-volume enterprises.
- MasterCard Site Data Protection Program and Visa Cardholder Information Security Program are both PCI compliant.
- Accept all major credit also debit cards with PayPal, including:
- Visa, Mastercard, and Amex
- Discover
- PayPal \sVenmo
- PayPal cards
Setup is easy. Download the PayPal Here app to make online payments. Paypal just takes a few minutes to sign up and start receiving online payments. Order the card reader for in-store purchases. It’s free. A more complex model with tap payments costs $79.99. PayPal works with Revel Systems, Vend, Lavu, and TouchBistro POS systems. It’s also compatible with QuickBooks, Constant Contact, and Shopify. PayPal is a terrific option to take payments instantly with no monthly fees. Except for the $20 chargeback fee, PayPal includes supplementary costs that firms with modest transaction volumes seldom encounter. PayPal charges pre-payment fees:
- In-person purchases using a card reader: 2.7% + $0.30
- Online transactions: 2.99 percent + $0.30
You also get paid fast. After you approve the payment, you may either wait 24 hours or pay an additional 1% to receive it straight away. PayPal provides phone assistance from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST. The resolution center, SMS, and community organizations also provide assistance.
3. National Processing
With minimal frills, this low-cost service provides reduced processing fees.
Pros
- No monthly volume limit
- Various plans
- Fair pricing
- cheapest charges
Cons
There may be an early termination charge.
- No pricing on the website
- No ACH/eCheck fees specified
- National Processing, founded in 2007, is praised by SMB owners for its dependability and openness.
- You may handle payments with a cheap price per transaction, thanks to its $10 monthly subscriptions.
- National Processing adheres to PCI. It takes all major credit cards, including:
- Visa \sMastercard \sDiscover
- Amex
- E-checks
- Online trades
National Processing offers a comprehensive variety of Clover equipment, including:
- Clover Go: Free with a phone contract
- Leaf Flex: Portable register and printer
- Mini Clover A tiny POS
- Clover: A full-size POS
Calculating credit card processing costs is simple, with no minimum monthly fees, interchange-plus rates, and a straightforward pricing mechanism. The monthly price, exchange rate, and transaction fees for each plan are: $9.95/month $9.95 per month, 0.14 percent + $0.07 0.18 percent additional $0.10 $9.95/month Plan: 0.29 percent + $0.15 $59/mo Plan: 0% + $0.09 $199/mo Plan Subscription +: 0% plus $0.05 You’ll obtain your cash in one to three days, and you’ll get 24/7 phone and email assistance from a staff that can help you connect current systems or choose the best plan.
4. Square
Accept credit cards in-store or online in minutes
Pros
- Fast setup
- POS freeware
- There is a lot of
Cons
- Only during business hours.
- Concerned about a transaction?
- Square, in business since 2009, offers a variety of services to help your business thrive.
- 5 Square is the greatest for quick setup since you can start taking credit cards in five minutes.
- A leader in technology and security standards, Square uses end-to-end encryption to comply with PCI rules.
- With Square credit card processing, you may take all major credit cards, including:
- Visa \sMastercard
- Amex
- Discover
- JCB
- UnionPay
- CCBs for consumers
- Business cards
- Cards
- Pay-as-you
To use Square, you must first buy the Square reader. Many signups get a free magstripe reader. Square terminal or Square register are further choices. One-time fees or 12-to-24-month payments are available. Square also sells hardware such as barcode scanners, printers, and docks. Square’s Square App Marketplace has several connections. QuickBooks, IFTTT, and Zero are all popular. You’ll receive a free POS system for Apple and Android smartphones. Plus, Square develops with you by providing solutions like:
- Loyalty schemes
- Payroll services
- eCommerce web design
- Scheduling software
Square charges a flat payment regardless of credit card type. No monthly chargeback, early termination, or PCI compliance fees with Square. The flat charges are:
- Present card payments: 2.6%
- Online card not present payments: 2.9% + $0.30
- Hand-keyed cards: 3.5 percent + $0.15
You’ll get your money in one to two business days, or you may pay a 1.5 percent charge for an immediate transfer. You may also email or call support from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST. Their website also has a vendor community and video tutorials.
5. Stripe
Features and personalization are needed for internet sellers.
Pros
- Hundreds of business software connectors
- Customized pricing
- Recognizes all mobile wallets
Cons
- Paying high-risk enterprises takes seven days.
- Request phone support
- Unauthorized use of money may result in a hold
- Stripe has been a top-rated online payment company since 2011.
- Its adaptability makes it easier to incorporate. In terms of top e-commerce processors, Stripe clearly wins.
Stripe, a PCI Level 1 Service Provider, maintains security by following the current requirements. Credit cards and digital payments are accepted:
- Visa
- Vodacard
- Mastercard
- Discover
- JCB
- Amex
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Visa Checkout
- Mastercard Passport
- Amex Exec Checkout
- Paypal/Microsoft
- WeChat Pay Payment Options
Stripe processing integrates effortlessly with your current hardware and software. Stripe also sells pre-certified third-party equipment from $59 to $249. Combine with popular apps like Mailchimp, WooCommerce, and QuickBooks. However, Stripe offers its own business solutions, such as:
- Billing Stripe
- Stripe Connect Fraud Team Radar
- Stripe Stripe Atlas
Stripe’s flat-rate pricing is also flexible. There is no monthly cost or minimum volume requirement. Stripe provides unique pricing options and savings for businesses processing over $100,000 per month. Flat rates:
- Domestic credit and debit card payments: 2.9% + $0.30
- 0.8 percent with a $5 cap
- 2.7 percent + $0.05 per transaction
After the first payment, it normally takes two days to get cash, although you may select Instant Payouts, which send funds directly to your debit card. Stripe provides 24/7 email and chats support. While you can’t contact customer care, Stripe claims you may arrange a phone call with a three-minute wait time.
6. Stax by Fattmerchant
In addition, Fattmerchant’s subscription-based service eliminates markup on exchange rates.
Benefits of membership
- Tools for billing and invoicing
- Virtual POS systems
- 0% markup on swap rates
- Cons Expensive monthly fee
- Low-volume processing isn’t worth it.
With its odd acronym meaning Fast, Affordable, Transaction, Technology, Fattmerchant debuted Stax by Fattmerchant in 2014. They deliver on that promise by providing reasonable services with plenty of add-ons. For huge quantities, Stax’s volume-friendly strategies win out. Stax provides end-to-end encryption and tokenization as a Level 1 PCI Service Provider. In addition, they provide PCI compliance tools and assistance.
Fattmerchant accepts the following cards:
- Visa, MasterCard, and Amex
- Pin Debit – Learn More
- JCB Dine
- Flex Wex Voyager EBT Health
Stax’s five-minute application procedure makes joining Stax a snap. In order to receive payments, you’ll need to wait for approval and shipment of your equipment. Setup is a breeze, with all equipment being plug-and-play. Stax sells terminals and mobile card readers and can reprogramme many common EMV terminals as well. QuickBooks, Salesforce, WooCommerce, and several POS systems are popular connectors. This platform provides sophisticated reporting and payment options such as:
- Heatmap Omni
- Accounting reporting
- Customer service
- Sales and service tracking
Fattmerchant’s Stax provides two refundable plans. The programs only include one payment method. The monthly rates for an online shopping cart, EMV chip card terminal, and mobile credit card reader are all different. With your plan, you’ll also pay a monthly transaction charge. $99 for monthly volume under $500,000: 0% + $0.08 for EMV; 0% plus $0.15 for all other payments. $199 for monthly processing companies: 0 percent extra $0.06 for EMV terminals 0% plus $0.12; 0% plus $0.15 each transaction through mobile card reader or virtual terminal 24/7 phone And live chat, also email customer assistance. Their website has an extensive information base and informative blogs.
7. PaymentCloud
PaymentCloud enables businesses of all sizes, even those with negative credit, to accept credit cards.
- Quick application approval
- Ease of use
- Quick cash
- Account manager
- The website lacks price information
- Risk-based pricing
- Termination costs may apply
PaymentCloud, founded in 2015, has a varied client base and provides solutions for in-store and online businesses. Its, a trusted credit processor, offers low rates while servicing firms who struggle to qualify for other services, earning it our high-risk winner.
PaymentCloud is PCI-compliant and accepts:
- Visa
- Amex
- Mastercard \sDiscover \sStar
- Apple Pay
PaymentCloud provides a specialized account manager for high-risk businesses. Their job is to assist you in choosing a plan that suits your needs and budget. PaymentCloud’s website does not include fees since high-risk services are charged by risk. PaymentCloud works with WooCommerce, WordPress, and Wix with an open API. You may also link QuickBooks. Other services include data transfer and setup assistance. PaymentCloud’s hardware options range from free EMV readers to POS equipment. Input from your account manager includes.
- MaXXPay POS
- Cash registers – Wireless & Wire
- Smartphone or tablet card readers
PaymentCloud deposits money into your bank account the following day. Your dedicated account manager may be reached between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. PST, or you can utilize their 24/7 technical support line.
What Is a Credit Card Processor?
A merchant is a company owner who wishes to take credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments. Credit card processors manage your business’s credit card processing, also known as merchant service providers or acquiring service providers.
You can examine transactions, fees, chargebacks, and more on a single dashboard. In addition, hardware may be purchased or leased, such as card terminals or mobile readers.
Anyone who takes credit cards utilizes a service and equipment to process them, whether a restaurant or a store. Merchant services may also interface with POS, CRM, or accounting software.
Although accepting a credit card payment takes just a few seconds, it entails a complex (and quick) procedure of authorization and verification. Various security methods are used, and data is sent to the credit card network and the issuing bank.
What Are the Costs of Credit Card Processing?
Monthly subscription packages are available for merchant credit services. This is the most usual expense. Visa charges this fee, which you pay.
Most processors charge interchange plus. This price comprises a percentage of your sale and a rate for each payment. Prices vary by business but commonly range from:
- Monthly fees: $0 – $599
- 0–3.5% per payment
- Fees: $0.05-$0.30 for each transaction
How We Chose the Best Credit Card Processing Companies
We looked at hundreds of trusted merchant suppliers to restrict our choice to seven. Our top picks must be PCI-compliant and accept all major payment cards. 24/7 customer support was required for high-volume suppliers.
But we realize that company owners need more. We sought processors that could sync with your CMS, accounting, and POS systems.
So, We whittled down our list by weighing the advantages of added services or software alternatives like inventory management software against the overall cost differences between organizations. We looked at processing times and setup simplicity.
