20 Best Credit Card Processing Software Reviewed In 2024
Best Credit Card Processing Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Credit card processing software is a valuable asset for any company. With the right software, teams can save time and reduce overall expenses. However finding the right credit card processing software can be a challenge, especially with so many options available.
Using my experience with finance and accounting software, I tested and compared several of the top credit card processing software available. From there, I compiled my results into in-depth reviews to help you find the best software for your unique needs. I’m confident that you’ll discover your next credit card processing software in the list below.
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Best Credit Card Processing Software Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Swipesum | From $50/hr | Website |
| Square | From $29/month + processing fees | Website |
| Clio | From $39/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Stripe | From 2.9% + 0.30/transaction | Website |
| Braintree | From 2.9% + $0.30/transaction | Website |
| Sage Debit and Credit Card Processing | From $10/user/month | Website |
| BlueSnap | From 1.4% to 2% in processing fees (per successful card transaction) | Website |
| GoCardless | From 0.75% + $0.40/transaction (capped at $3) | Website |
| Spreedly | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Clearly Payments | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow to Choose Credit Card Processing Software
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 software grow with your business needs? |
| Integrations | Does it integrate with your existing systems and tools? |
| Customizability | Can you tailor the software to fit your specific needs? |
| Ease of Use | Is the software user-friendly for you and your team? |
| Budget | Does the cost align with your financial constraints? |
| Security Safeguards | Does it offer advanced security measures to protect your data? |
| Customer Support | Is there reliable support available when you need help? |
| Transaction Fees | Are the processing fees competitive and transparent? |
Best Credit Card Processing Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best credit card processing software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Swipesum is a credit card processing company that takes a consultative approach to help businesses find the best payment solutions at the lowest rates. Unlike other providers, Swipesum doesn’t lock you into a single processing system; instead, it connects you to top payment processors and gateways.
Why I picked Swipesum: Through its proprietary platform, Swipesum provides businesses with access to a wide range of credit card processors. It also offers features like advanced monitoring tools to review transaction fees and resolve disputes, ensuring optimal rates. Additionally, Swipesum's team is available to assist with custom payment integrations and setups, making it a flexible option for any business seeking effective payment processing tools.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include Staitment, an AI-powered tool that helps you keep track of rates, fees, and disputes in real-time. Its white-glove support includes dedicated account managers, so you always have direct access to assistance. Swipesum also offers comprehensive merchant statement audits, allowing your team to identify cost-saving opportunities and reduce unnecessary expenses on your processing statements.
Integrations include Shopify, NetSuite, WooCommerce, Square, Stripe, Clover, Magento, QuickBooks, BigCommerce, Vend, Lightspeed, and Salesforce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports chargeback management and fraud prevention
- AI-driven statement analysis for transparent fee management
- Processor-agnostic approach allows flexible provider options
Cons:
- Not ideal for businesses preferring a self-service setup
- Customized solutions can take longer to set up
Square is an advanced point-of-sale (POS) solution tailored for various business types, including retail, restaurant, and service industries. It facilitates in-person and online sales, inventory management, and customer engagement through integrated tools.
Why I picked Square: Square offers a user-friendly POS system, including advanced inventory management and customer engagement tools like marketing and loyalty programs. You can accept contactless payments and manage online orders smoothly. Additionally, Square provides customizable options and minimal setup time, making it easy to start.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced inventory management, customer engagement tools like marketing and loyalty programs, and compatibility with various hardware options. You can also manage online orders and accept contactless payments effortlessly. The system's minimal setup time requires little training, making it easy to implement.
Integrations include Square Appointments, Square Online, Square Loyalty, Square Marketing, Square Payroll, Square Invoices, Square for Retail, Square for Restaurants, and Square KDS.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced inventory options
- Contactless payments
- Customizable tools
Cons:
- Some features require tech expertise
- Basic reporting lacks detail
Clio Payments is an online payment processing solution for law firms that enables online and in-person payments. It aids in improving client experience and cash flow through customizable payment plans and real-time financial insights.
Why I picked Clio Payments: Clio Payments offers automated payment recording and syncing with accounting platforms, ensuring compliance with trust accounting rules. It seamlessly integrates with Clio Manage, streamlining billing and payments in a secure and compliant manner. As a result, the software simplifies trust account management and client billing, offering features like automated payment reminders and flexible payment options, ensuring faster collections and improved cash flow for legal professionals.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable billing, automated payment plans, and a mobile app with tap-to-pay functionality. You can also benefit from real-time financial insights and strong security measures for client data.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Dropbox, OneDrive, NetDocuments, and LawPay.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable billing
- Mobile app available
- Customizable billing
Cons:
- Requires Clio Manage for full functionality
- Limited advanced features
Stripe is a financial infrastructure platform for businesses of all sizes to accept online and in-person payments. It helps companies manage payments, send payouts, and automate financial operations.
Why I picked Stripe: Stripe offers a unified dashboard to manage your business's operations and provides comprehensive tools for developers to integrate payments into their applications. It can handle global payment support in over 135 currencies, ensuring your business can operate internationally. Stripe also prioritizes security with features like 3D Secure authentication and advanced fraud management tools.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable checkout options, global payment support in 135+ currencies, and 3D secure authentication for added security. You can also benefit from real-time reporting and 24/7 support to manage your financial operations efficiently. Additionally, Stripe provides a unified dashboard for streamlined operations and developer tools for easy integration.
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, Xero, QuickBooks, NetSuite, Salesforce, HubSpot, Magento, BigCommerce, and Squarespace.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Global payment support
- Real-time reporting
- Customizable checkout
Cons:
- Currency conversion costs
- No offline support
Braintree Direct is an online payment solution for businesses to efficiently accept various payment methods such as credit cards, PayPal, and digital wallets. It provides key functions like fraud detection, data security, and transaction reporting.
Why I picked Braintree Direct: Braintree Direct offers a wide range of payment methods, including cards and digital wallets, making it versatile for different business needs. You’ll appreciate its solid fraud detection tools that help safeguard your transactions. The platform also supports global scalability, ensuring your business can grow without payment processing limitations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include fraud detection tools, data security, and transaction reporting. You can also manage recurring billing and take advantage of comprehensive reporting features.
Integrations include PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, and UnionPay.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide payment methods
- Strong fraud detection
- Global reach
Cons:
- Occasional slow transaction processing
- Limited out-of-the-box reporting tools
Sage Debit and Credit Card Processing is a payment processing solution that helps businesses manage debit and credit card transactions. It serves businesses across various industries, providing secure and compliant payment handling.
Why I picked Sage Debit and Credit Card Processing: Sage Debit and Credit Card Processing seamlessly integrates with Sage’s ERP solutions, allowing businesses to manage payments directly within their ERP system. This streamlines financial workflows, reduces manual data entry, and ensures accurate, real-time payment processing and reporting across accounting, inventory, and sales operations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include support for all major credit and debit cards, automated deposit options, and mobile payment solutions. Your team can also benefit from PCI compliance and EMV technology for enhanced security.
Integrations include Sage 50 Cloud, Sage 100 Cloud, Sage 300 Cloud, Sage Intacct, PayPal, Stripe, Paya, QuickBooks, and Xero.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mobile payment options
- Customizable services
- Mobile payment options
Cons:
- Limited regional support
- Time-consuming implementation
BlueSnap is a global payment orchestration platform that simplifies payment processes for businesses, aiming to reduce costs and increase sales. It features modular technology that allows customization of payment solutions, including global payment acceptance, fraud prevention, and invoicing automation.
Why I picked BlueSnap: BlueSnap’s modular approach lets you tailor payment solutions to your specific needs, whether it's fraud prevention or invoicing automation. The software operates in over 200 regions, supporting 100+ currencies and a wide range of payment methods. Additionally, its integration capabilities, along with built-in fraud protection and compliance with global tax and regulatory requirements, make it efficient for businesses managing cross-border transactions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include adjustable fraud rules, global payment acceptance, and invoicing automation. The platform also offers chargeback management to protect your revenue.
Integrations include Salesforce, QuickBooks, Xero, Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce, NetSuite, SAP, and Microsoft Dynamics.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide payment methods
- Strong fraud detection
- Global reach
Cons:
- Occasional slow transaction processing
- Limited out-of-the-box reporting tools
GoCardless is an online payment processing software that enables businesses to collect one-off and recurring digital payments through pre-authorized debit, eliminating card reader fees and reducing payment costs. It primarily serves businesses looking to simplify payment collection and automate payment administration tasks.
Why I picked GoCardless: GoCardless helps you collect payments faster and reduces the hassle of chasing payments by automating the entire process. Your team can manage payments easily through an online dashboard and integrate with existing software like Zuora and Xero. The platform also supports international payments from over 30 countries, ensuring you can expand your business globally without worrying about payment collection issues.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated payment retries, international payment support, and an online dashboard for managing payments.
Integrations include Zuora, Xero, Salesforce, QuickBooks, Sage, Chargebee, WHMCS, KashFlow, Recurly, and TeamUp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- No merchant services fees
- Global payment support
- Automates payment retries
Cons:
- Limited to pe-authorized debit
- Limited offline payment capabilities
Spreedly provides businesses with a platform to accept local and alternative payment methods (LPMs/APMs) globally, enhancing customer satisfaction and increasing revenue. The platform supports various payment options, including credit cards, wallets, and local methods like iDeal and Google Pay, through a single API connection.
Why I picked Spreedly: Spreedly offers the ability to cater to customer preferences and boost revenue by providing access to a wide range of payment options. You can simplify the integration process through a single API connection, enabling rapid deployment of payment options. The platform also offers extensive resources and support, making it easier for your team to manage payment connections and optimize transaction processes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include payment orchestration, network tokenization, vaulting, global payment gateway support, and PCI compliance.
Integrations include Stripe, PayPal, Adyen, Worldpay, Square, Braintree, PayU, Amazon Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide payment method support
- Quick integration
- Extensive resources
Cons:
- Requires technical knowledge
- Complex setup for multiple currencies
Clearly Payments is a payment processing company that provides services for merchants in Canada and the USA. It offers solutions for accepting credit and debit card payments in various environments, including online and in physical locations.
Why I picked Clearly Payments: This platform emphasizes low processing fees and no locked-in contracts, which helps keep your costs predictable. You can use their POS systems, virtual terminals, and ecommerce integrations to fit your specific business needs. Clearly Payments also offers fast deposits, including same-day funding, to improve your cash flow.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include low processing fees, no locked-in contracts, and fast deposits. You can also send email invoices and use virtual terminals. The platform supports a variety of payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
Integrations include WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, Shopify, PrestaShop, OpenCart, Wix, Squarespace, QuickBooks, and Xero.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Low processing fees
- No locked-in contracts
- Fast deposits
Cons:
- Limited to Canada and the USA
- Limited advanced reporting options
Other Credit Card Processing Software
Here are some additional credit card processing software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- NetSuite Payment Processing
Best for integrated ERP payments
- Versapay
Best for AR automation and collaboration
- Jobber
Best for field service businesses
- Lightspeed
Best for retail and restaurant POS
- FastSpring
Best for software and SaaS sales
- Plooto
Best for automating business payments
- Moneris Gateway
Best for Canadian market transactions
- EBizCharge
Best for B2B payment processing
- OTT Pay
Best for diverse payment methods
- Adyen
Best for global payment acceptance
Related Reviews
If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for here, check out these other tools that we’ve tested and evaluated:
Credit Card Processing Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best credit card processing software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like transaction fees and integration with existing systems. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total weighting score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Process credit card payments securely
- Provide transaction reporting and analytics
- Integrate with existing point-of-sale systems
- Manage recurring billing and subscription services
- Detect and prevent fraudulent transactions
Additional Standout Features (25% of total weighting score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Real-time transaction monitoring
- Automated chargeback management
- Multi-currency support for international transactions
- Customizable payment pages
- Advanced data encryption and tokenization
Usability (10% of total weighting score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Ease of navigation within the user interface
- Availability of mobile app for on-the-go access
- Minimal steps required to complete a transaction
- Customizability of user dashboard
- Clarity and simplicity of reporting tools
Onboarding (10% of total weighting score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of step-by-step setup guides and documentation
- Access to training videos and webinars
- Interactive product tours for new users
- Pre-built templates for quick setup
- Responsiveness of support during the initial setup phase
Customer Support (10% of total weighting score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of 24/7 customer support
- Multiple support channels (phone, email, live chat)
- Access to a comprehensive knowledge base
- Speed of response to support inquiries
- Quality of assistance provided by support staff
Value For Money (10% of total weighting score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitiveness of transaction fees
- Availability of free trials or demo versions
- Flexibility of pricing plans to suit different business sizes
- Transparency of fee structures
- Overall feature set offered at each pricing tier
Customer Reviews (10% of total weighting score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Frequency of positive feedback about ease of use
- Reports of reliability and uptime
- Satisfaction with customer support services
- Value for money as perceived by users
- Overall user ratings and satisfaction scores
Trends In Credit Card Processing Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different credit card processing software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- Biometric Authentication: Biometric methods like fingerprint and facial recognition are enhancing security in credit card information transactions. Companies are using these technologies to reduce fraud and make the payment process quicker and safer for users.
- Cryptocurrency Payments: More vendors are starting to accept cryptocurrencies as a form of payment. This trend is growing as businesses look to offer more payment options and attract tech-savvy customers.
- Artificial Intelligence for Fraud Detection: AI and machine learning are being integrated to identify and prevent fraudulent activities in real-time. This helps businesses protect sensitive information and maintain trust with their customers.
- Open Banking: Open banking allows consumers to share their financial data with third parties, leading to new payment methods and financial services. This trend is fostering innovation and competition in the financial sector.
- Instant Payments: The demand for instant payments is rising, enabling faster transaction processing. This benefits both businesses and consumers by improving cash flow and providing immediate access to funds.
What Is Credit Card Processing Software?
Credit card processing software handles and manages a business’s credit card transactions. Business owners, accountants, and sales professionals use these tools because they make payment processing easier and more efficient.
Automated payment handling, security features, and reporting capabilities help reduce manual work, safeguard transactions, and provide financial insights. Overall, these tools save time and improve the accuracy of payment processing.
Features of Credit Card Processing Software
When selecting credit card processing software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Security Measures: Ensures all transactions are encrypted and protected against fraud, providing peace of mind for both businesses and customers.
- Mobile Payments: Allows businesses to accept payments via mobile devices, enhancing flexibility and convenience.
- Integration Capabilities: Easily integrates with other business tools and systems, streamlining operations and data management.
- Multichannel Payments: Supports various payment methods including online, in-store, and mobile, catering to diverse customer preferences.
- Reporting and Analytics: Provide detailed reports and insights on transaction data, helping businesses make informed financial decisions.
- Customer Support: Offers customer service options, including live chat, phone, and email support, ensuring quick resolution of issues.
- Recurring Billing: Facilitates the setup of automatic billing for subscription-based services, improving cash flow management.
- Compliance: Adheres to industry standards and regulations such as PCI-DSS, ensuring legal and secure payment processing.
- Customizable User Interface: Allows businesses to tailor the payment interface to match their brand, enhancing user experience.
- Cost Transparency: Provides clear information on charges, helping businesses manage expenses effectively.
Benefits of Credit Card Processing Software
Implementing credit card processing software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Save Time: Automates transaction processes, reducing the time spent on manual entry and reconciliation.
- Reduce Overall Expenses: Lower administrative costs by minimizing manual tasks and reducing transaction fees through better rates.
- Increase Cash Flow: Ensures quicker access to funds by speeding up transaction processing and settlements.
- Reduce Human Error: Minimizes mistakes in transaction entries and accounting with automated data capture.
- Improve Your Workflow: Integrates with existing accounting and management systems, making financial tasks more efficient.
- Strengthen Security: Protects sensitive information by adhering to industry security standards such as PCI DSS.
- Enhance Customer Satisfaction: Provides faster and more reliable payment processing, leading to a better customer experience.
Costs & Pricing of Credit Card Processing Software
Selecting credit card processing software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in credit card processing software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Credit Card Processing Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic transaction processing, limited monthly transactions, and basic support. |
| Personal Plan | $10-$20/ month | Basic transaction processing, reporting features, and customer support. |
| Business Plan | $30-$50/ month | Advanced reporting, multiple user accounts, integrations, and security features. |
| Enterprise Plan | $100+/ month | Customizable solutions, dedicated support, advanced integrations, and compliance. |
Credit Card Processing Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about credit card processing software:
How much data does credit card processing use?
Credit card transactions require very little bandwidth. On average, a minimum of 1.5 Mbps download speed and 768 kbps upload speed should be sufficient. Running 1,000 credit card transactions per day would use just under 300 MB of data.
What are the four steps of credit card processing?
Credit card processing involves four main steps: authorization, authentication, batching, and clearing & settlement. Authorization verifies the card details, while authentication confirms the identity of the cardholder. Batching groups transactions for processing, clearing & settlement finalizes the transfer of funds to your account.
Can you have more than one credit card processing company?
You can set up multiple payment processors, but you can only use one merchant account processor for each card type (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) for real-time authorizations and manual transactions. This ensures there’s no conflict in processing payments.
How secure is credit card processing?
Credit card processing is generally secure, provided you comply with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards). Using encrypted connections and tokenization can further enhance security. Always ensure your software and hardware are up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.
How long does it take to receive funds from credit card transactions?
The time it takes to receive funds can vary. Typically, it ranges from one to three business days after the transaction is processed. Some processors offer next-day funding for an additional fee, which can be beneficial for improving cash flow.
Are there monthly minimums for credit card processing fees?
Yes, some processors have monthly minimums for processing fees. If your transaction volume is low, you might still be required to pay a minimum fee to the processor. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of your agreement to understand any minimum fee requirements.
What’s Next?
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