Our Nerdy picks for best credit card processing companies
Best Credit Card Processing Companies
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Input your business’s monthly transaction details and we’ll help you sort from the best valueProduct | Cost Estimate | Payment processing fees | Cost Estimate | Learn more | ||
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Square Learn more on Square's secure website | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | 5.0/5 Best for All-in-one payment services | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations. | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | Learn more on Square's secure website |
Shopify Payments Learn more on Shopify Payments' secure website | 4.5/5 Best for Shopify e-commerce users | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $39.00 Basic plan; $105 Shopify plan; $399 Advanced plan. | Learn more on Shopify Payments' secure website | ||
Helcim Learn more on Helcim's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Interchange-plus pricing | In-person: 0.4% + $0.08 Online: 0.5% + $0.25 Plus interchange | $0.00 | Learn more on Helcim's secure website | ||
National Processing Learn more on National Processing's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Low, flat-rate processing | In-person: 2.5% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $9.95 for Basic In-Person Package. | Learn more on National Processing's secure website | ||
Stripe Learn more on Stripe Payments' secure website | 5.0/5 Best for E-commerce businesses | In-person: 2.7% + $0.05 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 | Learn more on Stripe Payments' secure website | ||
Stax by Fattmerchant Learn more on Stax by Fattmerchant's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for Membership-style pricing | In-person: 0% + $0.08 Online: 0% + $0.15 Plus interchange | $99.00 and up. | Learn more on Stax by Fattmerchant's secure website | ||
Payment Depot Learn more on Payment Depot's secure website | 4.5/5 Best for Tailored interchange-plus rates | 0.2% + $0.00 to 1.95%, plus interchange. | $0.00 | Learn more on Payment Depot's secure website | ||
PaymentCloud | 4.5/5 Best for High-risk businesses | 2.4% + $0.10 to 3.5% + $0.25 on average. | $0.00 to $50. | |||
Chase Payment Solutions℠ Learn more on Chase Payment Solutions℠'s secure website | 4.5/5 Best for Built-in banking partner | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.25 | $0.00 Monthly fee in some instances. | Learn more on Chase Payment Solutions℠'s secure website | ||
Payline | 4.5/5 Best for Shopping cart integrations | In-person: 0.4% + $0.10 Online: 0.75% + $0.20 Plus interchange | $10.00 in person; $20 online. | |||
Dharma Merchant Services | 4.5/5 Best for Nonprofits | In-person: 0.15% + $0.08 Online: 0.2% + $0.11 Plus interchange | $15.00 for most industries; $12 for nonprofits. | |||
Payanywhere | 4.5/5 Best for Review management tools | In-person: 2.69% + $0.00 Online: 3.49% + $0.19 | $0.00 and up. |
Our pick for
All-in-one payment services
Square
on Square's secure website
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
Pros
- Quick setup.
- Offers all-in-one system, including hardware, point-of-sale software, a payment gateway and payment processing.
- Funds are available instantly for a fee of 1.5% of the amount.
- Customer support is available weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific time for free subscription; 24/7 customer support is available for paid subscriptions.
- Integrates with QuickBooks Online and Xero accounting software through a third-party app.
Cons
- Doesn’t provide services for businesses in certain industries.
- Doesn't work on Windows devices.
Our pick for
Shopify e-commerce users
Shopify Payments
on Shopify Payments' secure website
Basic plan; $105 Shopify plan; $399 Advanced plan.
Pros
- Accepts a variety of payment methods.
- Can customize checkout page.
- Easy to set up and use.
- Transparent, flat-rate fees.
Cons
- E-commerce plan with monthly fee is required to use Shopify Payments.
- Charges fee for use of third-party payment gateway.
Our pick for
Interchange-plus pricing
Helcim
on Helcim's secure website
Pros
- Interchange-plus pricing structure can help businesses save money.
- Quick setup; approvals usually take a day.
- Offers volume-based discounts automatically.
- Syncs directly with QuickBooks Online and Xero.
- No termination fees or long-term contracts.
Cons
- Deposits are available within two business days; same-day deposit option is not available.
- Doesn’t offer services to businesses in certain high-risk industries.
Our pick for
Low, flat-rate processing
National Processing
on National Processing's secure website
for Basic In-Person Package.
Pros
- Low in-person processing fees for a flat-rate processor.
- No termination fees or long-term contracts.
- Works with high-risk merchants.
- New merchants may qualify for a free terminal.
- 24/7 phone support.
Cons
- Fees may be higher if you process less than $10,000 per month.
- Basic plans for processing in-person and online transactions are separate.
- Mobile card reader is pricier than some competitors.
Our pick for
E-commerce businesses
Stripe
on Stripe Payments' secure website
Pros
- Quick setup.
- 24/7 phone, chat and email support is available.
- Syncs with QuickBooks Online.
- Instant payout option available for 1% fee (minimum fee of 50 cents).
Cons
- Services aren’t available to businesses in certain industries.
- Requires some technical knowledge to fully take advantage of all features.
Our pick for
Membership-style pricing
Stax by Fattmerchant
on Stax by Fattmerchant's secure website
and up.
Pros
- 0% markup charged on top of interchange fees.
- Same-day funding available for 1% fee.
- Lowest-tier plan includes a free terminal or mobile reader.
- In-house customer support is available 24/7.
Cons
- Longer setup time than a payment service provider, typically 48 hours.
- Not all pricing plans include QuickBooks Online sync.
- Doesn’t offer services to businesses in certain industries.
Our pick for
Tailored interchange-plus rates
Payment Depot
on Payment Depot's secure website
to 1.95%, plus interchange.
Pros
- Businesses save when customers use cards with low interchange rates.
- No cancellation fees.
- Compatible with several POS hardware providers, including Clover.
- 24/7 phone support.
Cons
- Markups vary by business
- Website doesn’t disclose hardware pricing.
Our pick for
High-risk businesses
PaymentCloud
to 3.5% + $0.25 on average.
to $50.
Pros
- Provides merchant accounts to high-risk businesses, such as those that have elevated rates of credit card fraud or chargebacks, or those that sell age-restricted products.
- 24/7 customer support is available.
- Integrates with QuickBooks Online.
Cons
- Pricing is not transparent.
- You can generally get approved within 48 hours, but it can take longer depending on how quickly you submit the required documents.
Our pick for
Built-in banking partner
Chase Payment Solutions℠
on Chase Payment Solutions℠'s secure website
Monthly fee in some instances.
Pros
- Two-in-one processor and acquiring bank.
- Free monthly plans available.
- Using your bank as your processor makes deposits convenient.
Cons
- Some hardware pricing is not readily available.
- No e-commerce integrations.
- Chase’s Business Complete checking account comes with a $15 monthly service fee for some merchants.
Our pick for
Shopping cart integrations
Payline
in person; $20 online.
Pros
- No long-term contracts or cancellation fees.
- First month or two (depending on the business) is free.
- Works with high-risk merchants.
- No PCI compliance fees.
- 24/7 support.
Cons
- Separate monthly fees for in-person and online processing.
- Must contact Payline for information on hardware costs.
Our pick for
Nonprofits
Dharma Merchant Services
for most industries; $12 for nonprofits.
Pros
- Reduced processing rates for nonprofits.
- Businesses save when customers use cards with low interchange rates.
- No long-term contracts.
- No PCI compliance fees.
Cons
- Charges account closure fee.
- Requires separate accounts for online and in-person payments.
- Recurring billing and online invoicing cost an extra $10 per month.
- Deposits can take up to two business days.
Our pick for
Review management tools
Payanywhere
and up.
Pros
- In-house payment processing.
- Simple pricing model.
- Free next-day funding. Option for free same-day funding in some cases.
- Offers a virtual terminal.
Cons
- Limited integrations.
- Potential early termination fees.
- Doesn't work with some business types.
Square: Best for all-in-one payment services
- $0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
- $29 for Square Appointments Plus plan.
- $60 for Square Restaurant Plus plan.
- $69 for Square Appointments Premium plan.
- $89 for Square Retail Plus plan.
- $192 and up for Square Restaurant Essentials Bundle.
- Custom pricing for Square Retail Premium plan.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions.
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.
- 3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions.
- 3.3% plus 30 cents for invoices.
- $0 for Square magstripe-only card reader ($10 for each additional reader) or if using Tap to Pay for iPhone (iPhone not included).
- $49 and up for Square Reader contactless and chip card reader.
- $149 for Square Stand iPad POS or Square Stand Mount (iPad not included; monthly financing available).
- $299 for Square Terminal mobile card reader with built-in printer (monthly financing available).
- $799 for Square Register two-screen system (monthly financing available).
Helcim: Best for interchange-plus pricing
- Interchange plus 0.4% and 8 cents per in-person transaction (if $50,000 or less in monthly card transactions).
- Interchange plus 0.5% and 25 cents per online or manually keyed transaction (if $50,000 or less in monthly card transactions).
- 0.5% plus 25 cents for ACH payments.
- $99 for a mobile card reader (with stand).
- $329 for a stand-alone terminal with built-in thermal printer.
Stripe: Best for e-commerce businesses
- $0 for standard Stripe Connect.
- $2 per account for Stripe Express (for marketplaces) or Stripe Custom (the white-label option that allows businesses to customize the checkout process).
- 2.7% plus 5 cents for in-person transactions.
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.
- 3.4% plus 30 cents for manually keyed transactions.
- 4.4% plus 30 cents for international card transactions.
- $59 for Stripe Reader M2.
- $249 for BBPOS WisePOS E card reader.
- $349 for Stripe Reader S700.
National Processing: Best for low, flat-rate processing
- $9.95 for Basic In-Person Package, Basic E-Commerce Package.
- $9.95 and up for Premium Package (for businesses with monthly sales volumes exceeding $30,000).
- $19 and up for Advanced Package.
- Basic In-Person Package: 2.5% plus 10 cents per transaction.
- Basic E-Commerce Package: 2.9% plus 30 cents per transaction.
- Advanced Package: 2.41% plus 10 cents.
- Premium Package: quote-based.
- Pax E700 POS solution for $1,000 and up (must be subscribed to the Advanced or Premium plan).
- Clover Solo POS system for $1,900 and up (must be subscribed to the Advanced or Premium plan).
- Clover Flex handheld system for $700 and up (must be subscribed to the Advanced or Premium plan).
- SwipeSimple B250 mobile card reader for $99 and up.
Payment Depot: Best for tailored interchange-plus rates
- 0.2%-1.95% plus interchange.
PaymentCloud: Best for high-risk businesses
Dharma Merchant Services: Best for nonprofits
- $12 for nonprofits.
- $15 for business to business, e-commerce, hospitality, retail and restaurant.
- Interchange plus 0.15% + 8 cents for in-person transactions.
- Interchange plus 0.20% + 11 cents for online transactions.
- Interchange plus 0.25% + 8 cents for in-person AmEx transactions.
- Interchange plus 0.30% + 11 cents for online AmEx transactions.
- $149 for Walker 2 chip, swipe and NFC card reader.
- $295 for First Data FD-150, Verifone Engage V200c, Ingenico Desk/3500 or Dejavoo Z11 terminals.
- $369 for Ingenico Desk/5000 terminal.
- $480 for FD-150, Desk/3500, V200c or Z11 terminals plus a separate pinpad.
- $649 for Clover Flex mobile card reader with printer.
- $899 for Clover Mini POS device.
- $1,649 for Clover Station Solo POS bundle.
- $1,999 for Clover Station Duo POS bundle.
Shopify Payments: Best for Shopify e-commerce users
- $29 for Shopify Basic when billed annually (or $39 when paid monthly).
- $79 for regular Shopify when billed annually (or $105 when paid monthly).
- $299 for Shopify Advanced when billed annually (or $399 when paid monthly).
- Custom pricing for Shopify Plus.
- All e-commerce plans come with POS Lite for selling in-person. Upgrading to POS Pro for brick-and-mortar businesses costs an extra $89 per location.
- $5 for Starter plan, which includes one POS Lite location.
- $79 (when billed annually) for Retail plan, or $89 when paid monthly; includes one POS Pro location.
- 2.5%, 2.7% or 2.9% plus 30 cents for online payments for Advanced, Shopify or Basic plan, respectively.
- 2.4%, 2.5% or 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person payments for Advanced, Shopify or Basic plan, respectively.
- $49 for Tap & Chip card reader.
- $219 for Tap & Chip countertop kit (iPad not included).
- $299 for Shopify POS Go mobile device.
- $349 for Shopify POS terminal.
- $459 and up for POS terminal countertop kits.
Chase Payment Solutions: Best for built-in banking partner
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions.
- 2.9% plus 25 cents for online transactions.
- 3.5% plus 10 cents for keyed transactions.
- $79 for Chase card reader.
- $499 for Chase card terminal.
Payline: Best for shopping cart integrations
- $10 for in-person sales.
- $20 for online sales.
- Interchange plus 0.4% and 10 cents for in-person transactions.
- Interchange plus 0.75% and 20 cents for online transactions.
Payanywhere: Best for review management tools
- $0 if using only the 3-in-1 reader.
- $14.95 per device if using the Smart Terminal, Smart Terminal Mini or Smart Keypad.
- $24.95 per device if using the Smart PINPad Pro or Smart Flex.
- $44.95 per device if using the Smart POS+.
- 2.69% for in-person transactions.
- 3.49% plus 19 cents for online, keyed and virtual terminal transactions.
- $59.95 for the 3-in-1 reader.
- $249.95 for the Smart Keypad.
- $299.95 for the Smart Terminal Mini.
- $349.95 for the Smart Terminal.
- $449.95 plus one-time setup fee of $49.95 for the Smart PINPad Pro.
- $549.95 plus one-time setup fee of $49.95 for the Smart Flex.
- $949.95 plus one-time setup fee of $99.95 for the Smart POS+.
Stax: Best for membership-style pricing
- $99 if you process less than $150,000 per year.
- $139 if you process between $150,000 and $250,000 per year.
- $199 and up if you process more than $250,000 per year.
- Interchange plus 8 cents for in-person transactions.
- Interchange plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions.
- Cost: On top of weighing payment processing fees and monthly subscription costs, look for credit card processing companies that don’t charge extra fees for setup, termination or PCI compliance.
- Deposit timing: Ideally, a credit card processing company will offer same-day or next-day deposits. That way, you don’t have to wait long for customers’ payments to show up in your bank account.
- Contracts: Switching credit card processing companies can be a pain, but you still want to leave the option open. Try to narrow your choices down to companies that don’t require you to sign a long-term contract.
- Customer service: Consider live chat and phone support options, as well as which days and times they’re available. If your business is open outside of normal business hours, it might be convenient to go with a product that offers around-the-clock support.
- Integrations: If your credit card processing company offers its own POS software, make sure it integrates seamlessly with your accounting system and any additional programs you use for other tasks, like inventory management. Also determine whether you need to integrate with e-commerce software and online shopping carts.