Best Credit Card Processing Companies Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best credit card processing companies:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
For a CFO, few things are more frustrating than dealing with unreliable credit card processing companies. Late deposits, hidden fees, and clunky software can disrupt your operations and leave your team scrambling to fix issues instead of focusing on strategy. You need a partner you can trust to handle transactions smoothly, ensuring your cash flow stays consistent and your customers have a seamless experience.
As a fintech expert with years of experience in digital software, I understand how financial technology can make or break operational efficiency. I’ve worked with businesses of all sizes to identify the tools and services that best meet their needs. My focus is always on finding solutions that align with the complex demands CFOs face, from managing payment processing costs to ensuring compliance and reliability.
In this listicle, I’ve applied my knowledge of financial operations to test and review some of the best credit card processing companies available today. Each option has been selected to help you simplify payment processing, improve transaction reliability, and reduce costs. Whether you’re looking for a straightforward provider or one with advanced features, this list will guide you to your next trusted service partner.
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Best Credit Card Processing Companies Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top credit card processing companies to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Payline Data Payline Data offers customizable hosted payment pages for accepting payments on your website. | Best for month-to-month agreements | Free trial available | From $99/month | Website |
2 | Stax Pay View all transactions and processed payments from your main dashboard. | Best for transparent pricing and in-house support | Free demo available | From $99/month | Website |
3 | Payment Depot Modules on the Payment Depot dashboard are clickable and take you to detailed analyses. | Best for low credit card processing rates | 3-month free trial | From $79/month | Website |
4 | Shopify POS Shopify POS helps you bring in-person and online sales together in one place | Best for omnichannel retail sales | 3-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website |
5 | CardX by Stax Process customer transactions at zero cost with ease. | Best for 0% cost credit card processing | Not available | From $29/month | Website |
6 | Swipesum Swipesum offers consultative services and a back-end-agnostic platform that gives you access to top payment processors. | Best for accessing multiple payment processors | Free consultation available | From $50/hr | Website |
7 | Square Online Square's platform allows you to manage invoices and other aspects of payment processing within a unified space. | Best for ecommerce payment processing | Free plan available + transaction fees | From $35/month and 2.9% + $0.30/transaction | Website |
8 | Helcim Helcim offers a wide range of features, but the payment interface is straightforward. | Best for versatility, with included POS | Free account available | From 0.50% + $0.25 per transaction | Website |
9 | Merchant One Merchant One offers point-of-sale systems and equipment to support physical retail environments. | Best for next-day funding | Free plan available | From $13.95 plus 0.29% + 1.55% per transaction | Website |
10 | Clover Clover is another payment processor that allows you to take payments from your computer. | Best combination of POS and payment processors | Free demo available | From 2.3% + $0.1 per transaction | Website |
Best Credit Card Processing Companies Reviews
Let’s dive into the 10 best credit card processing companies on the market. I’ll cover key features, strengths, weaknesses, and pricing, following a uniform structure.
Payline Data is a payment processing provider that helps businesses accept various forms of payments, including credit and debit cards, both online and in person.
Why I picked Payline Data: Payline Data offers a virtual terminal and dashboard, which lets you process payments online, view reports, key in transactions, store customer profiles, and send invoices—all from one place. This centralization can make managing your payments more efficient.
They also offer cart integration and payment page options. You can integrate their services directly into your online shopping cart or use their hosted payment page to accept payments through your website. This flexibility allows you to choose the setup that best fits your business model. Furthermore, Payline Data offers month-to-month agreements instead of long-term contracts.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include invoicing and recurring billing, which let you send invoices and collect one-time or recurring payments easily. Additionally, they provide interchange optimization to help you secure the best possible rates from major credit card companies, potentially saving you money on each transaction.
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, Authorize.net, NMI, CardPointe, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good cart integrations
- No long-term contracts
- Ability to process various payment types
Cons:
- Monthly fee may be steep for low-volume merchants
- ACH transfers are paid add-ons
Stax Pay is an all-in-one payment processing platform that caters to businesses and SaaS platforms with a focus on transparent pricing and dedicated in-house support. The platform delivers integrated payment and recurring billing solutions, ensuring compliance and offering the ability to pass on credit card processing fees through surcharging.
Why I picked Stax Pay: Stax Pay distinguishes itself with its integrated payment and recurring billing solutions tailored for businesses. It stands out due to its commitment to industry-leading compliance, the ability to handle seamless surcharging, and the simplification of payment acceptance for its users.
What makes Stax Pay different is its transparent pricing structure and the availability of real people ready to provide support. This approach to pricing and customer service is particularly important for businesses that need clear cost structures and reliable assistance.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include payment processing, customized invoicing, subscription billing, a virtual terminal, robust analytics, customer management, a developer-friendly API, inventory tracking, and multi-location support. Stax Pay also provides next-day funding, omni-channel payment solutions, point of sale options, and seamless integration with various business tools and software.
Integrations include Slack, Zapier, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and CRMs.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Versatile feature set
- High degree of customizability
- Subscription-based pricing
Cons:
- Primarily for U.S. markets
- Complex functionalities and configurations
Payment Depot, a merchant services company, offers payment processing for in-person and online transactions. It accepts all major credit cards and digital wallets.
Why I picked Payment Depot: Payment Depot uses a subscription-based pricing model that eliminates percentage-based markups, offering businesses access to wholesale interchange rates. This structure significantly reduces costs for companies processing high volumes of transactions. Additionally, its transparent pricing ensures you can easily predict and control processing expenses without hidden fees.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include the ability to accept most payment types and connect all the tools you need in a single dashboard. You can also connect directly with in-house success and support teams by phone or online at any time.
Integrations include Authorize.net, Magento, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, QuickBooks, Opencart, Zencart, and Shopify.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Processes online wallets
- Range of hardware (+ virtual terminal)
- No setup, chargeback, or cancellation fees
Cons:
- High monthly fees
- Few support resources
Shopify POS is a point-of-sale system designed to integrate both in-store and online sales, catering to the needs of omnichannel retail businesses. It assists retailers in managing business operations, tracking payments, inventory, and customer data, and offers insights that are crucial for maintaining inventory levels and understanding customer preferences.
Why I picked Shopify POS: This company shines in its ability to provide a cohesive experience for credit card processing, leveraging Shopify's robust ecommerce infrastructure to offer seamless integration and secure transactions. It also distinguishes itself with its capacity for omnichannel selling, providing a smooth checkout experience and linking in-store with online sales.
This strong and integrated system eases daily operations, monitors payments and customer information, and delivers insights that aid in enhancing efficiency and revenue growth.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include its online inventory management which gives you the flexibility to pivot inventory to other locations or online based on performance. I also like its POS smart grid, which keeps your most-used apps, discounts, and products at your fingertips to speed up checkout.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Mailchimp, Klaviyo, LoyaltyLion, Yotpo, ShipStation, DHL Express, UPS, and Canada Post.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive third-party app marketplace for additional functionalities
- Direct credit card processing with competitive rates
- Seamless integration with Shopify's e-commerce platform
Cons:
- Additional fees for using external payment gateways
- Limited to countries where Shopify Payments is available
- Primarily benefits Shopify users, less so for non-Shopify merchants
CardX by Stax is a payment processing tool that allows businesses to accept credit card payments at 0% cost, ensuring compliance with surcharging regulations. It offers online, in-office, and in-person payment processing solutions, enabling businesses to keep 100% of their credit card sales while automatically adhering to all rules and regulations.
Why I picked CardX by Stax: CardX by Stax stands out for its seamless surcharging compliance and automated compliance, making it easy for businesses to accept credit cards at 0% cost. This makes it the best choice for businesses looking for a payment processing solution that is fully compliant and allows them to keep all of their sales revenue. Additionally, the software ensures compliance with surcharging regulations and provides detailed transaction insights, helping businesses manage their finances more effectively.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a user-friendly dashboard that helps you track transactions effortlessly. Your team can access detailed reporting tools that offer insights into payment trends. Additionally, the system provides real-time updates which keep you informed about every transaction as it happens.
Integrations include Stax Pay, Stax Connect, Stax Bill, Stax Processing, and Click to Pay.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Custom branding options
- Multi-platform capability
- Seamless refund process
Cons:
- Not ideal for low-volume transactions
- Initial learning curve
Swipesum offers a unique approach to payment processing by acting as both a provider and consultant. Rather than committing users to a single payment processor, Swipesum’s platform is back-end agnostic, allowing businesses to choose from a range of top processors.
Why I picked Swipesum: Swipesum is versatile and customizable, giving you access to any major processor from Swipesum's platform. This versatility makes it easy to adjust payment solutions as needed. Swipesum also offers statement audits and rate monitoring to ensure businesses always have the best rates possible. Their dedicated account managers provide white-glove service, making complex merchant service tasks more manageable and cutting back on costs associated with card payment processing.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include its Staitment tool, which uses AI to monitor and minimize fees and identify disputes before they escalate. They offer free gateway setups for new users and provide engineering support for complex integrations. The platform also excels in providing hands-on assistance for chargeback management, helping businesses tackle disputes.
Integrations include Shopify, NetSuite, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Magento, Stripe, Square, Clover, Lightspeed, Oracle, QuickBooks, and SAP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Processor-agnostic approach allows flexible provider options
- Supports chargeback management and fraud prevention
- AI-driven statement analysis for transparent fee management
Cons:
- Not ideal for businesses preferring a self-service setup
- Customized solutions can take longer to set up
Square Online is a platform that allows businesses to create and manage an ecommerce website, accept payments, and handle orders both online and in-store. It offers a user-friendly website builder, options for domain and email setup, and integration with other Square products like Point of Sale, Customer Directory, and Loyalty programs.
Why I picked Square Online: One of the key reasons I picked Square Online is its intuitive setup and user-friendly interface, allowing businesses to quickly establish an online presence without needing extensive technical knowledge. The platform offers customizable templates and a drag-and-drop editor, making it easy to create a professional-looking online store in minutes.
Furthermore, the integration with Square's POS system ensures that inventory and sales data are synchronized across both online and offline channels, providing a unified and efficient way to manage business operations. The platform also has strong and secure payment processing capabilities. It accepts all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include order management and multi-location management for easy inventory tracking in one place. It also has built-in SEO tools, shipping and other fulfillment options, and a mobile-ready design. Square Online also provides built-in tools for managing and tracking orders, as well as advanced reporting features that give business owners valuable insights into their sales performance.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Bookkeep, Facebook Ads, Google Ads, Squarespace, Thrive Inventory, Wix, and WooCommerce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced reporting capabilities
- Built-in inventory management
- Flexible POS system
Cons:
- Limited design themes
- Limited payment options on free plan
Helcim is a payment solution that also offers invoicing and recurring payments. They tout their fee and rate transparency and give small businesses the tools to build and grow a database of customers.
Why I picked Helcim: Much more than a credit card payment processor, Helcim can function as an out-of-the-box business infrastructure. While it may not have the most advanced features, the combination of processor, POS, CRM, and online store gives new business owners a suite of tools to work with.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include inventory management that lets you track stock levels in real-time, a virtual terminal for processing payments without physical hardware, and advanced reporting tools that give insights into your sales performance. These features are designed to enhance your business operations and keep everything organized.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Magento, WooCommerce, and Foxy.io.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customer database
- PCI Level 1 service provider
- Included POS and inventory tool
Cons:
- Expensive at low sales volume
- Many prohibited industries
Merchant One is a financial services provider that specializes in payment processing solutions for businesses of various sizes and industries. The company aims to support businesses with quick approval processes, 24/7 customer service, and a focus on security and compliance with industry standards.
Why I picked Merchant One: Merchant One offers a range of payment solutions that enable credit card processing companies to accept various forms of payments from their customers. The services include the ability to process credit and debit card transactions, electronic check acceptance, and mobile payment solutions.
Merchant One Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include merchant services such as account setup, customer support, and compliance with payment card industry data security standards (PCI DSS) to ensure secure transaction processing. Merchant One also provides next day funding, meaning that transactions can be settled and funds can be deposited into an account on the following business day.
Integrations include Authorize.net, USAePay, Aloha, Maitre'D, Payeezy Gateway, Payflow Pro, Micros, and Paytrace Gateway.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers recurring billing support
- Supports NFC and EMV technology
- Provides a variety of credit card terminals
Cons:
- Some potential for hidden fees
- Limited information on contract terms
Clover is a versatile solution for handling transactions and managing operations, particularly designed for small to medium-sized retail and restaurant enterprises. It simplifies essential business functions like payment processing, inventory tracking, and sales reporting. The system's design caters to business environments that value straightforward and reliable operational tools.
Why I picked Clover: Clover offers a fully integrated solution that simplifies transactions while managing inventory, employee schedules, and customer loyalty programs. Its versatile hardware options and user-friendly software cater to businesses of all sizes, providing flexibility and scalability. With strong reporting tools and secure payment processing, Clover ensures seamless operations and data-driven decision-making for growing businesses.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a virtual terminal for online transactions, allowing you to complete sales without the need for physical cards. The system also offers mobile accessibility, so you can manage your business from anywhere. Additionally, multi-location support makes it easy for you to oversee operations across different sites efficiently.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Gusto, Mailchimp, Yelp, Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Salesforce, Xero, and Homebase.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Reporting tools
- 24/7 phone support
- Rapid deposit
Cons:
- Complex pricing
- No free options
Other Credit Card Processing Companies
Here are some additional credit card processing companies that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Podium
For local trade businesses
- Stripe
For global online sellers
- STAX
For high-volume sellers
- Flagship Merchant Services
For small retailers
- ProMerchant
For advanced fraud protection
- PayPal
For cryptocurrency and international transactions
- Chase
All-in-one financial solution
- Dharma Merchant Services
For POS flexibility
- QuickBooks Online
For QuickBooks users
- Shopify
For Shopify-based businesses
- CardX
For government and education organizations
- Paysafe
For large-scale e-commerce businesses
- National Processing
For low-volume sellers
- Host Merchant Services
For high-risk businesses
- CDGcommerce
For B2B businesses
Related Reviews
If you haven't found what you're looking for quite yet, check out these other related reviews:
- Accounting Software
- ERP Software
- Billing Software
- POS Software for Small Businesses
- Best Merchant Services
- Inventory Management Software
What Are Credit Card Processing Companies?
Credit card processing companies are vendors that offer digital solutions that handle electronic payment transactions, specifically those involving credit and debit cards. Their software plays a crucial role in facilitating secure and timely processing of payments, contributing to a more streamlined and convenient payment experience for both businesses and customers.
Some features you can expect from their services are payment gateway integrations, point-of-sale compatibility, secure transaction processing, fraud detection, and reporting tools. Most processors also support mobile payment options, such as ACH, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Venmo.
Credit Card Processing Companies Selection Criteria
When selecting the best credit card processing companies to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address. This included things like transaction fees and customer support availability. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Services (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:
- Payment gateway
- Point of sale systems
- Merchant account setup
- Fraud protection
- Reporting and analytics
Additional Standout Services (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:
- Mobile payment solutions
- International payment processing
- Advanced data security measures
- Customizable payment solutions
- Integration with ecommerce platforms
Industry Experience (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:
- Years in operation
- Number of clients served
- Industry certifications
- Partnerships with financial institutions
- Track record of innovation
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:
- Ease of account setup
- Availability of training resources
- Support during setup
- Time to first transaction
- User-friendly interface
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:
- 24/7 availability
- Multiple contact options
- Response time
- Technical expertise
- Customer service reviews
Value For Price (10% of total score)
To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:
- Transparent pricing
- Competitive fees
- No hidden charges
- Discount for high-volume transactions
- Return on investment
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction rating
- Comments on reliability
- Feedback on customer support
- Ease of use
- Value for money
How to Choose Credit Card Processing Companies
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
---|---|
Scalability | Will this solution grow with your business needs? |
Integrations | Does it integrate smoothly with your existing systems? |
Customizability | Can you tailor the software to fit your specific needs? |
Ease of Use | Is the interface user-friendly for you and your team? |
Budget | Does the pricing fit within your financial constraints? |
Security Safeguards | Does it offer the security features your business requires? |
Customer Support | Is reliable customer support available when needed? |
Transaction Fees | Are the transaction fees competitive and transparent? |
Key Credit Card Processing Companies' Services
When selecting a credit card processing company, keep an eye out for the following key services:
- Payment Gateway Integration: Connects online stores to payment networks, enabling secure and efficient online transactions.
- Fraud Detection and Prevention: Utilizes advanced technology to identify and block suspicious activities, protecting businesses from fraudulent transactions.
- Mobile Payment Processing: Allows businesses to accept payments through mobile devices, enhancing flexibility and convenience for both merchants and customers.
- Point-of-Sale (POS) Solutions: Offers hardware and software solutions for in-store payment processing, streamlining the checkout process.
- Recurring Billing and Invoicing: Automates the process of billing customers on a regular basis, saving time and reducing errors in cash flow.
- Multi-Currency Processing: Enables merchants to accept payments in different currencies, expanding their customer base globally.
- Customer Support: Provides assistance and troubleshooting for merchants, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted payment operations.
- Data Analytics and Reporting: Supplies detailed insights into transaction trends and customer behavior, aiding in business decision-making.
- Chargeback Management: Assists in handling disputed transactions, helping businesses to minimize losses and maintain good standing with banks.
- Security Compliance: Ensures adherence to industry standards and regulations, protecting sensitive cardholder data.
Benefits of Credit Card Processing Companies
Partnering with a credit card processing company offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Increased Sales Opportunities: Accepting credit card payments can attract more customers who prefer this payment method.
- Enhanced Cash Flow: Faster processing times mean you'll get your funds quicker, improving your cash flow.
- Improved Customer Satisfaction: Offering multiple payment options can make transactions more convenient for customers.
- Reduced Fraud Risk: Many providers offer security features that help protect against fraudulent transactions.
- Access to Analytics: Providers often offer tools to analyze transaction data, helping you understand customer behavior.
- Customer Support: Many companies provide 24/7 support to assist with any issues that may arise during transactions.
Costs and Pricing Structures of Credit Card Processing Companies
Credit card processing companies typically offer custom pricing to accommodate various business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:
- Flat Rate: Providers charge a single, fixed percentage for all transactions, making it simple for businesses to understand their costs.
- Tiered Pricing: Transactions are categorized into tiers, with different rates for each, depending on the type of card or transaction.
- Interchange Plus: The cost includes a fixed markup over the interchange fees set by card networks, offering transparency in pricing.
- Subscription Pricing: Businesses pay a monthly fee in addition to transaction costs, which can be beneficial for high-volume processors.
- Blended Pricing: A combination of different pricing models, allowing for flexibility in meeting diverse business needs.
Key Factors That Influence Credit Card Processing Company Pricing
Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of credit card processing companies:
- Transaction Volume: Higher volumes can lead to lower rates as providers may offer discounts for businesses that process more transactions.
- Type of Business: Different industries have varying risk levels, which can affect pricing. High-risk industries may face higher costs.
- Card Type: Credit vs. debit or rewards cards can have different processing fees, impacting overall costs.
- Payment Method: Online, in-store, or mobile payments may incur different fees depending on the technology and security measures involved.
- Contract Length: Long-term contracts might offer reduced rates but can also lock businesses into terms that are difficult to renegotiate.
- Chargeback Rates: High chargeback rates can lead to increased fees as they indicate higher risk to the processor.
- Hardware and Software Needs: Specialized equipment or software can add to the cost if required for processing transactions.
Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect, and compare and contrast quotes more effectively.
Credit Card Processing Companies FAQs
Still trying to make sense of credit card processing? Here are answers to some of the most common questions.
How much is a typical credit card processing fee?
A typical credit card processor will charge a fee of 1% – 4%. This includes processing fees, assessment fees, and interchange fees. While rates vary from one processor to another, they can also vary based on whether a transaction is online or in-person, as well as whether the customer is paying with a debit or credit card. Some processors charge a flat transaction fee (typically 5–50 cents) in combination with a percentage fee.
What is a payment service provider?
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. For businesses to accept online payments, they need a merchant account. A payment service provider operates one merchant account that is shared by multiple businesses.
Getting started with a payment service provider is usually faster and less expensive than using a merchant service provider. The drawbacks include transaction and volume limits and an increased risk of account freezes.
What is a merchant service provider?
Merchant service providers enable businesses to collect online payments by creating an individual merchant account for the business. When working with merchant service providers, the vetting and setup process takes longer than it would with a payment service provider. The upside is that you have more flexibility in negotiating rates, transaction volume, and operating fees.
What is the best credit card processor for a small business?
Even among small businesses, different industries and business models affect which credit card processor is best. Businesses should consider fees and processing rates, along with which channels they use for sales. A payment service provider, like Stripe, Square, or Stax, allows you to get started collecting payments quickly. Because it operates in 202 countries and supports more than 20 currencies and cryptocurrencies, PayPal is popular among small businesses with a global reach.
Can I accept international payments?
Most credit card processors allow you to accept international payments, but you should check with the provider. There may be additional fees for processing foreign transactions and converting currencies. Make sure to understand these costs to manage your pricing strategy effectively.
How long does it take to get funds in my account?
The time it takes to receive funds can vary by provider. Generally, you can expect to see funds in your account within 1-3 business days. Some providers offer faster deposits for an additional fee. Ask your processor about their funding times and any associated costs.
Are long-term contracts common?
Credit card processing companies today offer tools that go beyond basic transactions, but without the right solution, you may be stuck handling slow approvals, hidden fees, or even data security issues that could harm your organization’s reputation. These pain points demand a robust and modern solution, one that aligns with the financial strategies you oversee every day.
Some credit card processing companies require long-term contracts, but there are lots of options that offer month-to-month agreements. Be sure to read the terms carefully and understand any early termination fees that might apply. It’s often better to choose a provider with flexible terms that suit your business needs.
What's Next?
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