10 Best Credit Card Processing Companies of April 2026
Our top picks have competitive and transparent pricing, accept a variety of payment types and commonly offer point-of-sale systems. Consider your business's industry and sales volume to make your choice.
Hillary Crawford writes about small-business software at NerdWallet and is certified in QuickBooks Online and web design. Her previous roles include news writer and associate West Coast editor at Bustle Digital Group, where she helped shape news and tech coverage. She's appeared on Cheddar News and also worked as a policy contributor for GenFKD. Hillary earned a bachelor's degree with high honors in political science from the University of Michigan.
Email: <a href="mailto:hcrawford@nerdwallet.com">hcrawford@nerdwallet.com</a>.
Lisa Anthony is a former NerdWallet writer covering small-business. Before Nerdwallet, she had more than 20 years of experience in banking and finance.
Hillary Crawford writes about small-business software at NerdWallet and is certified in QuickBooks Online and web design. Her previous roles include news writer and associate West Coast editor at Bustle Digital Group, where she helped shape news and tech coverage. She's appeared on Cheddar News and also worked as a policy contributor for GenFKD. Hillary earned a bachelor's degree with high honors in political science from the University of Michigan.
Email: <a href="mailto:hcrawford@nerdwallet.com">hcrawford@nerdwallet.com</a>.
Lisa Anthony is a former NerdWallet writer covering small-business. Before Nerdwallet, she had more than 20 years of experience in banking and finance.
Ryan Lane is an editor on the small-business team and a NerdWallet authority on student loans. He spent more than a decade as a writer and editor for student loan guarantor American Student Assistance and was a managing editor for publisher Cell Press. Ryan’s work has been featured by The Associated Press, USA Today and MarketWatch, and he previously co-authored the U.S. News & World Report Student Loan Ranger blog. Email: <a href="mailto:rlane@nerdwallet.com”">rlane@nerdwallet.com</a>.
Ryan Lane is an editor on the small-business team and a NerdWallet authority on student loans. He spent more than a decade as a writer and editor for student loan guarantor American Student Assistance and was a managing editor for publisher Cell Press. Ryan’s work has been featured by The Associated Press, USA Today and MarketWatch, and he previously co-authored the U.S. News & World Report Student Loan Ranger blog. Email: <a href="mailto:rlane@nerdwallet.com”">rlane@nerdwallet.com</a>.
NerdWallet's content is
fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness, and relevance by humans.
It undergoes a thorough review process involving writers and editors to ensure
the information is as clear and complete as possible. Learn more by checking
our
Editorial Guidelines.
Content was accurate at the time of publication.
Why trust NerdWallet
250+ small-business products reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
80+ years of combined experience covering small business and personal finance.
75+ categories of best business software selections.
NerdWallet's small-business software content, including ratings, recommendations and reviews, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in business software, including payment processing, accounting and payroll. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, The Washington Post, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur, ABC News, Yahoo Finance and other national and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity to ensure accuracy and fairness in our coverage.
Advertiser disclosure
You're our first priority.
Every time.
We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with
confidence. While we don’t cover every company or financial product on
the market, we work hard to share a wide range of offers and objective
editorial perspectives.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us for advertisements
that appear on our site. This compensation helps us provide tools and
services - like free credit score access and monitoring. With the
exception of mortgage, home equity and other home-lending products or
services, partner compensation is one of several factors that may affect
which products we highlight and where they appear on our site. Other
factors include your credit profile, product availability and
proprietary website methodologies.
However, these factors do not influence our editors’ opinions or ratings, which are based on independent research and analysis. Our partners cannot
pay us to guarantee favorable reviews.
Here is a list of our partners.
Hillary Crawford writes about small-business software at NerdWallet and is certified in QuickBooks Online and web design. Her previous roles include news writer and associate West Coast editor at Bustle Digital Group, where she helped shape news and tech coverage. She's appeared on Cheddar News and also worked as a policy contributor for GenFKD. Hillary earned a bachelor's degree with high honors in political science from the University of Michigan.
Email: <a href="mailto:hcrawford@nerdwallet.com">hcrawford@nerdwallet.com</a>.
Lisa Anthony is a former NerdWallet writer covering small-business. Before Nerdwallet, she had more than 20 years of experience in banking and finance.
Hillary Crawford writes about small-business software at NerdWallet and is certified in QuickBooks Online and web design. Her previous roles include news writer and associate West Coast editor at Bustle Digital Group, where she helped shape news and tech coverage. She's appeared on Cheddar News and also worked as a policy contributor for GenFKD. Hillary earned a bachelor's degree with high honors in political science from the University of Michigan.
Email: <a href="mailto:hcrawford@nerdwallet.com">hcrawford@nerdwallet.com</a>.
Lisa Anthony is a former NerdWallet writer covering small-business. Before Nerdwallet, she had more than 20 years of experience in banking and finance.
Ryan Lane is an editor on the small-business team and a NerdWallet authority on student loans. He spent more than a decade as a writer and editor for student loan guarantor American Student Assistance and was a managing editor for publisher Cell Press. Ryan’s work has been featured by The Associated Press, USA Today and MarketWatch, and he previously co-authored the U.S. News & World Report Student Loan Ranger blog. Email: <a href="mailto:rlane@nerdwallet.com”">rlane@nerdwallet.com</a>.
Ryan Lane is an editor on the small-business team and a NerdWallet authority on student loans. He spent more than a decade as a writer and editor for student loan guarantor American Student Assistance and was a managing editor for publisher Cell Press. Ryan’s work has been featured by The Associated Press, USA Today and MarketWatch, and he previously co-authored the U.S. News & World Report Student Loan Ranger blog. Email: <a href="mailto:rlane@nerdwallet.com”">rlane@nerdwallet.com</a>.
NerdWallet's content is
fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness, and relevance by humans.
It undergoes a thorough review process involving writers and editors to ensure
the information is as clear and complete as possible. Learn more by checking
our
Editorial Guidelines.
Content was accurate at the time of publication.
Why trust NerdWallet
250+ small-business products reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
80+ years of combined experience covering small business and personal finance.
75+ categories of best business software selections.
NerdWallet's small-business software content, including ratings, recommendations and reviews, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in business software, including payment processing, accounting and payroll. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, The Washington Post, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur, ABC News, Yahoo Finance and other national and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity to ensure accuracy and fairness in our coverage.
Advertiser disclosure
You're our first priority.
Every time.
We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with
confidence. While we don’t cover every company or financial product on
the market, we work hard to share a wide range of offers and objective
editorial perspectives.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us for advertisements
that appear on our site. This compensation helps us provide tools and
services - like free credit score access and monitoring. With the
exception of mortgage, home equity and other home-lending products or
services, partner compensation is one of several factors that may affect
which products we highlight and where they appear on our site. Other
factors include your credit profile, product availability and
proprietary website methodologies.
However, these factors do not influence our editors’ opinions or ratings, which are based on independent research and analysis. Our partners cannot
pay us to guarantee favorable reviews.
Here is a list of our partners.
Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us
when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not
influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.
Businesses save when customers use cards with low interchange rates.
Offers free POS software.
Offers volume-based discounts automatically.
No termination fees, long-term contracts or PCI compliance fees.
Cons
Deposits may take up to two business days; same-day deposit option is not available.
Interchange-plus costs can be difficult to predict.
Unlike flat-rate payment processors that charge the same transaction fee across different types of credit cards, Helcim uses an interchange-plus pricing model. This means your business saves when a customer uses a card with low interchange rates. Helcim also offers volume discounts if you process more than $50,000 monthly, which is a plus for high-volume businesses. And if you need hardware for taking payments in-person, the company sells its own smart terminal and mobile card reader, too.
Offers a free mobile card reader and free POS software plan.
Can subscribe to related services, such as payroll, that integrate with its POS system.
No termination fees or long-term contracts.
No chargeback or PCI compliance fees.
Cons
Complex businesses might prefer a processor that integrates with more specialized POS systems.
Free plan processing rates are more expensive than competitors.
Square’s simple flat-rate processing, free POS software, variety of hardware options and accounting integrations make it an excellent choice for many businesses. It’s an especially good fit for brick-and-mortar business owners who value convenience and want an all-in-one system. It can accommodate retail shops, service-based businesses, restaurants and cafes.
The Free plan’s processing rates are on the high end, but we think the robust feature set helps make up for that. Additionally, there are no additional fees for PCI compliance, account termination or chargebacks.
Using your bank as your processor makes deposits convenient.
Cons
Some hardware pricing is not readily available.
Chase’s Business Complete checking account comes with a $15 monthly service fee for some merchants.
There’s something convenient about banking and processing payments through the same, well-known company. If you’re having trouble with deposits, for example, you only have to deal with one company instead of two. And, Chase processes payments directly as opposed to some competitors, like U.S. Bank Merchant Services, that use a subsidiary. Simplicity aside, Chase Payment Solutions also has competitive in-person and online processing rates.
Can process transactions in more than 135 currencies.
No PCI compliance fees.
Cons
Doesn’t sell full countertop POS setups; hardware is limited to handheld terminals and card readers.
Deposits can take up to two business days.
No phone or email support.
Stripe is made especially for online businesses (as opposed to in-person ones) and lets you accept payments in more than 135 currencies from customers in 46 countries. You can use it to embed a checkout portal on your existing website, create payment links and send invoices. Its flat-rate pricing for online transactions is standard among competitors.
Same-day funding seven days per week for U.S. Bank checking account holders.
No cancellation fees.
Free POS software plan available.
24/7 support.
Cons
POS system onboarding assistance can be costly.
Deposit times are not as quick for merchants using third-party bank accounts.
Virtual terminal costs extra.
U.S. Bank Merchant Services offers a built-in banking solution, similar to Chase Payment Solutions, and processes payments through Elavon. Businesses with a U.S. Bank checking account are eligible to receive deposits more quickly than they might with competitors, thanks to the company’s Everyday Funding option. This gives you access to free deposits every day of the week, including weekends. Chase, on the other hand, offers same-day deposits every day except Saturdays.
Subscription model can help high-volume businesses save money.
Transparent fee breakdowns.
24/7 emergency phone and email support.
No PCI compliance fees.
Cons
Limited POS hardware options.
Lacks direct accounting software integrations.
Finix is a subscription-based payment processor that charges interchange plus a small additional fee. It’s most cost effective for businesses that process at least $5,000 per month and offers volume discounts to businesses that process more than $1 million in card transactions annually. Finix sells card readers and handheld terminals for in-person transactions, includes invoicing capabilities and offers multiple online transaction options.
Businesses save when customers use cards with low interchange rates.
No cancellation fees.
Compatible with several POS hardware providers, including Clover.
Cons
Markups vary by business.
Interchange-plus costs can be difficult to predict.
Charges a monthly $10 PCI compliance fee.
Payment Depot is a payment processor owned by Stax, a membership-style payment processing platform. But as opposed to offering monthly subscription pricing like Stax, it uses an interchange-plus pricing model and charges no monthly fee. The margin Payment Depot charges on top of interchange varies, so businesses must reach out directly for specifics.
Hundreds of e-commerce website templates available.
Can customize checkout page.
Higher-tier plans offer less expensive online processing rates (as low as 2.5% plus 30 cents).
No long-term contracts.
Cons
Phone support only available for Plus and Retail plan subscribers.
Monthly POS subscription costs can be expensive.
If you own an online retail business and need to create a website for it, Shopify Payments, which integrates with Shopify’s e-commerce platform, is an ideal choice. You can choose from more than 200 website themes with a handful of free template options. Additionally, payment processing rates decrease as you upgrade POS software plans.
One of the most commonly used payment processing platforms.
Easy to use and integrate with website hosts and shopping carts.
Transparent fixed fees in 25 currencies.
No PCI compliance fees.
Cons
PayPal’s offerings are vast and can be difficult to grasp quickly.
Deposits may take up to 3 days.
PayPal is a leader in developing and accepting payments in innovative ways, including through subsidiary Venmo, QR codes, payment links and buy now, pay later financing. Because it’s such a widely used platform, PayPal integrates with most websites and shopping carts.
Free next-day funding. Option for free same-day funding in some cases.
Offers a virtual terminal.
Cons
Limited integrations.
Potential early termination fees.
Full POS system comes with a setup fee.
Online payment processing rates are expensive.
Payanywhere, a payment processor that also offers POS software plans, lets you connect your Payanywhere system to your Google Business Profile to track customer reviews and reply to them in one place. Keeping an eye on feedback is especially important for new businesses or those that have recently rebranded. POS plans range from $0 to $44.95 per month depending on the hardware you choose.
Businesses save when customers use cards with low interchange rates.
Offers free POS software.
Offers volume-based discounts automatically.
No termination fees, long-term contracts or PCI compliance fees.
Cons
Deposits may take up to two business days; same-day deposit option is not available.
Interchange-plus costs can be difficult to predict.
Unlike flat-rate payment processors that charge the same transaction fee across different types of credit cards, Helcim uses an interchange-plus pricing model. This means your business saves when a customer uses a card with low interchange rates. Helcim also offers volume discounts if you process more than $50,000 monthly, which is a plus for high-volume businesses. And if you need hardware for taking payments in-person, the company sells its own smart terminal and mobile card reader, too.
Businesses save when customers use cards with low interchange rates.
Offers free POS software.
Offers volume-based discounts automatically.
No termination fees, long-term contracts or PCI compliance fees.
Cons
Deposits may take up to two business days; same-day deposit option is not available.
Interchange-plus costs can be difficult to predict.
Unlike flat-rate payment processors that charge the same transaction fee across different types of credit cards, Helcim uses an interchange-plus pricing model. This means your business saves when a customer uses a card with low interchange rates. Helcim also offers volume discounts if you process more than $50,000 monthly, which is a plus for high-volume businesses. And if you need hardware for taking payments in-person, the company sells its own smart terminal and mobile card reader, too.
Businesses save when customers use cards with low interchange rates.
Offers free POS software.
Offers volume-based discounts automatically.
No termination fees, long-term contracts or PCI compliance fees.
Cons
Deposits may take up to two business days; same-day deposit option is not available.
Interchange-plus costs can be difficult to predict.
Unlike flat-rate payment processors that charge the same transaction fee across different types of credit cards, Helcim uses an interchange-plus pricing model. This means your business saves when a customer uses a card with low interchange rates. Helcim also offers volume discounts if you process more than $50,000 monthly, which is a plus for high-volume businesses. And if you need hardware for taking payments in-person, the company sells its own smart terminal and mobile card reader, too.
Offers a free mobile card reader and free POS software plan.
Can subscribe to related services, such as payroll, that integrate with its POS system.
No termination fees or long-term contracts.
No chargeback or PCI compliance fees.
Cons
Complex businesses might prefer a processor that integrates with more specialized POS systems.
Free plan processing rates are more expensive than competitors.
Square’s simple flat-rate processing, free POS software, variety of hardware options and accounting integrations make it an excellent choice for many businesses. It’s an especially good fit for brick-and-mortar business owners who value convenience and want an all-in-one system. It can accommodate retail shops, service-based businesses, restaurants and cafes.
The Free plan’s processing rates are on the high end, but we think the robust feature set helps make up for that. Additionally, there are no additional fees for PCI compliance, account termination or chargebacks.
Offers a free mobile card reader and free POS software plan.
Can subscribe to related services, such as payroll, that integrate with its POS system.
No termination fees or long-term contracts.
No chargeback or PCI compliance fees.
Cons
Complex businesses might prefer a processor that integrates with more specialized POS systems.
Free plan processing rates are more expensive than competitors.
Square’s simple flat-rate processing, free POS software, variety of hardware options and accounting integrations make it an excellent choice for many businesses. It’s an especially good fit for brick-and-mortar business owners who value convenience and want an all-in-one system. It can accommodate retail shops, service-based businesses, restaurants and cafes.
The Free plan’s processing rates are on the high end, but we think the robust feature set helps make up for that. Additionally, there are no additional fees for PCI compliance, account termination or chargebacks.
Offers a free mobile card reader and free POS software plan.
Can subscribe to related services, such as payroll, that integrate with its POS system.
No termination fees or long-term contracts.
No chargeback or PCI compliance fees.
Cons
Complex businesses might prefer a processor that integrates with more specialized POS systems.
Free plan processing rates are more expensive than competitors.
Square’s simple flat-rate processing, free POS software, variety of hardware options and accounting integrations make it an excellent choice for many businesses. It’s an especially good fit for brick-and-mortar business owners who value convenience and want an all-in-one system. It can accommodate retail shops, service-based businesses, restaurants and cafes.
The Free plan’s processing rates are on the high end, but we think the robust feature set helps make up for that. Additionally, there are no additional fees for PCI compliance, account termination or chargebacks.
Using your bank as your processor makes deposits convenient.
Cons
Some hardware pricing is not readily available.
Chase’s Business Complete checking account comes with a $15 monthly service fee for some merchants.
There’s something convenient about banking and processing payments through the same, well-known company. If you’re having trouble with deposits, for example, you only have to deal with one company instead of two. And, Chase processes payments directly as opposed to some competitors, like U.S. Bank Merchant Services, that use a subsidiary. Simplicity aside, Chase Payment Solutions also has competitive in-person and online processing rates.
Using your bank as your processor makes deposits convenient.
Cons
Some hardware pricing is not readily available.
Chase’s Business Complete checking account comes with a $15 monthly service fee for some merchants.
There’s something convenient about banking and processing payments through the same, well-known company. If you’re having trouble with deposits, for example, you only have to deal with one company instead of two. And, Chase processes payments directly as opposed to some competitors, like U.S. Bank Merchant Services, that use a subsidiary. Simplicity aside, Chase Payment Solutions also has competitive in-person and online processing rates.
Using your bank as your processor makes deposits convenient.
Cons
Some hardware pricing is not readily available.
Chase’s Business Complete checking account comes with a $15 monthly service fee for some merchants.
There’s something convenient about banking and processing payments through the same, well-known company. If you’re having trouble with deposits, for example, you only have to deal with one company instead of two. And, Chase processes payments directly as opposed to some competitors, like U.S. Bank Merchant Services, that use a subsidiary. Simplicity aside, Chase Payment Solutions also has competitive in-person and online processing rates.
Can process transactions in more than 135 currencies.
No PCI compliance fees.
Cons
Doesn’t sell full countertop POS setups; hardware is limited to handheld terminals and card readers.
Deposits can take up to two business days.
No phone or email support.
Stripe is made especially for online businesses (as opposed to in-person ones) and lets you accept payments in more than 135 currencies from customers in 46 countries. You can use it to embed a checkout portal on your existing website, create payment links and send invoices. Its flat-rate pricing for online transactions is standard among competitors.
Can process transactions in more than 135 currencies.
No PCI compliance fees.
Cons
Doesn’t sell full countertop POS setups; hardware is limited to handheld terminals and card readers.
Deposits can take up to two business days.
No phone or email support.
Stripe is made especially for online businesses (as opposed to in-person ones) and lets you accept payments in more than 135 currencies from customers in 46 countries. You can use it to embed a checkout portal on your existing website, create payment links and send invoices. Its flat-rate pricing for online transactions is standard among competitors.
Can process transactions in more than 135 currencies.
No PCI compliance fees.
Cons
Doesn’t sell full countertop POS setups; hardware is limited to handheld terminals and card readers.
Deposits can take up to two business days.
No phone or email support.
Stripe is made especially for online businesses (as opposed to in-person ones) and lets you accept payments in more than 135 currencies from customers in 46 countries. You can use it to embed a checkout portal on your existing website, create payment links and send invoices. Its flat-rate pricing for online transactions is standard among competitors.
Same-day funding seven days per week for U.S. Bank checking account holders.
No cancellation fees.
Free POS software plan available.
24/7 support.
Cons
POS system onboarding assistance can be costly.
Deposit times are not as quick for merchants using third-party bank accounts.
Virtual terminal costs extra.
U.S. Bank Merchant Services offers a built-in banking solution, similar to Chase Payment Solutions, and processes payments through Elavon. Businesses with a U.S. Bank checking account are eligible to receive deposits more quickly than they might with competitors, thanks to the company’s Everyday Funding option. This gives you access to free deposits every day of the week, including weekends. Chase, on the other hand, offers same-day deposits every day except Saturdays.
Same-day funding seven days per week for U.S. Bank checking account holders.
No cancellation fees.
Free POS software plan available.
24/7 support.
Cons
POS system onboarding assistance can be costly.
Deposit times are not as quick for merchants using third-party bank accounts.
Virtual terminal costs extra.
U.S. Bank Merchant Services offers a built-in banking solution, similar to Chase Payment Solutions, and processes payments through Elavon. Businesses with a U.S. Bank checking account are eligible to receive deposits more quickly than they might with competitors, thanks to the company’s Everyday Funding option. This gives you access to free deposits every day of the week, including weekends. Chase, on the other hand, offers same-day deposits every day except Saturdays.
Same-day funding seven days per week for U.S. Bank checking account holders.
No cancellation fees.
Free POS software plan available.
24/7 support.
Cons
POS system onboarding assistance can be costly.
Deposit times are not as quick for merchants using third-party bank accounts.
Virtual terminal costs extra.
U.S. Bank Merchant Services offers a built-in banking solution, similar to Chase Payment Solutions, and processes payments through Elavon. Businesses with a U.S. Bank checking account are eligible to receive deposits more quickly than they might with competitors, thanks to the company’s Everyday Funding option. This gives you access to free deposits every day of the week, including weekends. Chase, on the other hand, offers same-day deposits every day except Saturdays.
Subscription model can help high-volume businesses save money.
Transparent fee breakdowns.
24/7 emergency phone and email support.
No PCI compliance fees.
Cons
Limited POS hardware options.
Lacks direct accounting software integrations.
Finix is a subscription-based payment processor that charges interchange plus a small additional fee. It’s most cost effective for businesses that process at least $5,000 per month and offers volume discounts to businesses that process more than $1 million in card transactions annually. Finix sells card readers and handheld terminals for in-person transactions, includes invoicing capabilities and offers multiple online transaction options.
Subscription model can help high-volume businesses save money.
Transparent fee breakdowns.
24/7 emergency phone and email support.
No PCI compliance fees.
Cons
Limited POS hardware options.
Lacks direct accounting software integrations.
Finix is a subscription-based payment processor that charges interchange plus a small additional fee. It’s most cost effective for businesses that process at least $5,000 per month and offers volume discounts to businesses that process more than $1 million in card transactions annually. Finix sells card readers and handheld terminals for in-person transactions, includes invoicing capabilities and offers multiple online transaction options.
Subscription model can help high-volume businesses save money.
Transparent fee breakdowns.
24/7 emergency phone and email support.
No PCI compliance fees.
Cons
Limited POS hardware options.
Lacks direct accounting software integrations.
Finix is a subscription-based payment processor that charges interchange plus a small additional fee. It’s most cost effective for businesses that process at least $5,000 per month and offers volume discounts to businesses that process more than $1 million in card transactions annually. Finix sells card readers and handheld terminals for in-person transactions, includes invoicing capabilities and offers multiple online transaction options.
Businesses save when customers use cards with low interchange rates.
No cancellation fees.
Compatible with several POS hardware providers, including Clover.
Cons
Markups vary by business.
Interchange-plus costs can be difficult to predict.
Charges a monthly $10 PCI compliance fee.
Payment Depot is a payment processor owned by Stax, a membership-style payment processing platform. But as opposed to offering monthly subscription pricing like Stax, it uses an interchange-plus pricing model and charges no monthly fee. The margin Payment Depot charges on top of interchange varies, so businesses must reach out directly for specifics.
Businesses save when customers use cards with low interchange rates.
No cancellation fees.
Compatible with several POS hardware providers, including Clover.
Cons
Markups vary by business.
Interchange-plus costs can be difficult to predict.
Charges a monthly $10 PCI compliance fee.
Payment Depot is a payment processor owned by Stax, a membership-style payment processing platform. But as opposed to offering monthly subscription pricing like Stax, it uses an interchange-plus pricing model and charges no monthly fee. The margin Payment Depot charges on top of interchange varies, so businesses must reach out directly for specifics.
Businesses save when customers use cards with low interchange rates.
No cancellation fees.
Compatible with several POS hardware providers, including Clover.
Cons
Markups vary by business.
Interchange-plus costs can be difficult to predict.
Charges a monthly $10 PCI compliance fee.
Payment Depot is a payment processor owned by Stax, a membership-style payment processing platform. But as opposed to offering monthly subscription pricing like Stax, it uses an interchange-plus pricing model and charges no monthly fee. The margin Payment Depot charges on top of interchange varies, so businesses must reach out directly for specifics.
Hundreds of e-commerce website templates available.
Can customize checkout page.
Higher-tier plans offer less expensive online processing rates (as low as 2.5% plus 30 cents).
No long-term contracts.
Cons
Phone support only available for Plus and Retail plan subscribers.
Monthly POS subscription costs can be expensive.
If you own an online retail business and need to create a website for it, Shopify Payments, which integrates with Shopify’s e-commerce platform, is an ideal choice. You can choose from more than 200 website themes with a handful of free template options. Additionally, payment processing rates decrease as you upgrade POS software plans.
Hundreds of e-commerce website templates available.
Can customize checkout page.
Higher-tier plans offer less expensive online processing rates (as low as 2.5% plus 30 cents).
No long-term contracts.
Cons
Phone support only available for Plus and Retail plan subscribers.
Monthly POS subscription costs can be expensive.
If you own an online retail business and need to create a website for it, Shopify Payments, which integrates with Shopify’s e-commerce platform, is an ideal choice. You can choose from more than 200 website themes with a handful of free template options. Additionally, payment processing rates decrease as you upgrade POS software plans.
Hundreds of e-commerce website templates available.
Can customize checkout page.
Higher-tier plans offer less expensive online processing rates (as low as 2.5% plus 30 cents).
No long-term contracts.
Cons
Phone support only available for Plus and Retail plan subscribers.
Monthly POS subscription costs can be expensive.
If you own an online retail business and need to create a website for it, Shopify Payments, which integrates with Shopify’s e-commerce platform, is an ideal choice. You can choose from more than 200 website themes with a handful of free template options. Additionally, payment processing rates decrease as you upgrade POS software plans.
One of the most commonly used payment processing platforms.
Easy to use and integrate with website hosts and shopping carts.
Transparent fixed fees in 25 currencies.
No PCI compliance fees.
Cons
PayPal’s offerings are vast and can be difficult to grasp quickly.
Deposits may take up to 3 days.
PayPal is a leader in developing and accepting payments in innovative ways, including through subsidiary Venmo, QR codes, payment links and buy now, pay later financing. Because it’s such a widely used platform, PayPal integrates with most websites and shopping carts.
One of the most commonly used payment processing platforms.
Easy to use and integrate with website hosts and shopping carts.
Transparent fixed fees in 25 currencies.
No PCI compliance fees.
Cons
PayPal’s offerings are vast and can be difficult to grasp quickly.
Deposits may take up to 3 days.
PayPal is a leader in developing and accepting payments in innovative ways, including through subsidiary Venmo, QR codes, payment links and buy now, pay later financing. Because it’s such a widely used platform, PayPal integrates with most websites and shopping carts.
One of the most commonly used payment processing platforms.
Easy to use and integrate with website hosts and shopping carts.
Transparent fixed fees in 25 currencies.
No PCI compliance fees.
Cons
PayPal’s offerings are vast and can be difficult to grasp quickly.
Deposits may take up to 3 days.
PayPal is a leader in developing and accepting payments in innovative ways, including through subsidiary Venmo, QR codes, payment links and buy now, pay later financing. Because it’s such a widely used platform, PayPal integrates with most websites and shopping carts.
Free next-day funding. Option for free same-day funding in some cases.
Offers a virtual terminal.
Cons
Limited integrations.
Potential early termination fees.
Full POS system comes with a setup fee.
Online payment processing rates are expensive.
Payanywhere, a payment processor that also offers POS software plans, lets you connect your Payanywhere system to your Google Business Profile to track customer reviews and reply to them in one place. Keeping an eye on feedback is especially important for new businesses or those that have recently rebranded. POS plans range from $0 to $44.95 per month depending on the hardware you choose.
Free next-day funding. Option for free same-day funding in some cases.
Offers a virtual terminal.
Cons
Limited integrations.
Potential early termination fees.
Full POS system comes with a setup fee.
Online payment processing rates are expensive.
Payanywhere, a payment processor that also offers POS software plans, lets you connect your Payanywhere system to your Google Business Profile to track customer reviews and reply to them in one place. Keeping an eye on feedback is especially important for new businesses or those that have recently rebranded. POS plans range from $0 to $44.95 per month depending on the hardware you choose.
Free next-day funding. Option for free same-day funding in some cases.
Offers a virtual terminal.
Cons
Limited integrations.
Potential early termination fees.
Full POS system comes with a setup fee.
Online payment processing rates are expensive.
Payanywhere, a payment processor that also offers POS software plans, lets you connect your Payanywhere system to your Google Business Profile to track customer reviews and reply to them in one place. Keeping an eye on feedback is especially important for new businesses or those that have recently rebranded. POS plans range from $0 to $44.95 per month depending on the hardware you choose.
How we choose the best credit card processing companies
Our writers and editors analyze more than 30 data points for each credit card processing company we rate. We factor in:
Overall cost.
POS software and hardware options.
Ability to process in-person and online transactions.
Deposit timing.
Integrations with accounting software and shopping carts.
Customer friendliness.
We speak with company representatives and fact-check these data points regularly to ensure accuracy.
Credit card processing companies must earn at least 3.5 stars to make our list. Ratings are based on the provider’s least expensive plan.
Credit card processors with 5 stars are outstanding. They typically offer competitive in-person and online processing rates, built-in POS system features and free software plans. Plus, they can accommodate a variety of business types.
Credit card processors with 4.0 to 4.9 stars are great to excellent. Usually, they have competitive pricing and robust POS features. However, they may have longer-term contracts or fall short when it comes to integrations and/or pricing transparency.
Credit card processors with 3.0 to 3.9 stars may be good for specific types of businesses, but typically aren’t a universally great fit. Whereas 4-star processors are lacking in just a few areas, these processors fall short in more categories.
Credit card processors with 2.9 stars or fewer don’t offer competitive rates or include the same core POS features that competitors do. We usually don’t recommend these products for small businesses.
What credit card processing companies we consider
NerdWallet’s editorial team has evaluated more than 25 credit card processing companies. Our focus is on big names in various industries, like retail and e-commerce. We also look at companies that offer both payment processing services and POS systems, like Shopify and Square.
In some cases, we’ll review popular payment gateways and payment transfer services, like Braintree and Venmo, too.
Ultimately, our writers and editors choose which payment processing companies to cover. We base these decisions on conversations with business owners, online trends and other research.
Our writers and editors have covered or considered these payment processing companies:
NerdWallet has a full-time team of small-business writers and editors. Here's how we monitor the credit card processing landscape:
Reviewing data points regularly. We do a full audit annually. This involves fact-checking product info and reaching out to providers if needed. Some updates occur off-cycle. We make those changes as soon as they happen.
Assessing usability. We lurk on Reddit and other social channels, and our team frequently interviews business owners. We ask what credit card processing companies they use and why. When possible, we also schedule product demos with company representatives.
Following news and trends. The market for credit card processing companies is always evolving. For example, Stripe introduced a new integration with OpenAI that lets customers make purchases within ChatGPT. We rely on Google Alerts, emails from PR reps and more to stay informed.
What do you need to process credit card payments?
Processing credit cards has a lot of moving parts. Here are the tools and services most businesses require to begin:
Credit card processing company.
Merchant account.
POS system or card reader (for businesses selling in-person).
Payment gateway (for businesses selling online).
Most of the time, a credit card processing company offers all these things. Many of them bundle credit card processing, merchant accounts and payment gateways into one service. And most either sell their own brand of POS system or third-party ones.
How much does credit card processing cost?
Competitive credit card processing rates are around 2.6% plus 10 cents per in-person transaction and 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions. At those rates, for example, fees for a $100 purchase would be $2.70 if made in person or $3.20 if made online.
Outside of the actual credit card processing fees, you may need to budget for other costs associated with accepting payments:
Monthly subscription fees. These can cost upward of $79, but lots of companies don’t charge them. However, companies that do may offer lower processing rates. These charges are separate from monthly POS system fees.
POS system costs. These should be top-of-mind for brick-and-mortar business owners. They include the upfront cost of hardware, along with monthly POS software fees. Hardware ranges anywhere from around $60 for a card reader to more than $1,000 for a complete register setup. Many companies have free POS software plans, but offer more features for around $50-$100 each month.
Additional fees. You might incur these for things like PCI compliance, setup, chargebacks and account termination. Chargeback fees are normal, but the rest aren’t ideal. Make sure to ask your credit card processing company about each of these if it doesn’t clearly disclose them online.
Credit card fees bundle several types of costs together:
Interchange fees. These go to the banks that issue cards, like Citi or Chase. Interchange fees vary by transaction type and industry, among other factors.
Assessment fees. These go to the card networks, like Mastercard and Visa.
Payment processor fees. These arethe “cuts” or “markups” that go toward the payment processing company for facilitating the transaction.
What are the different credit card processing pricing models?
Different credit card processing companies use different pricing models. Here’s a rundown of each:
Flat rate
Most of our top picks fall into this category. Flat-rate credit card processing companies combine interchange, assessment and payment processor fees into one consistent rate. It typically looks something like 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions.
Pros
Easy to understand.
Sign-up process is usually quick.
Good option for small startup businesses just gaining their bearings.
Cons
Less transparent than other models.
Can be more costly for high-volume businesses.
Examples include: Square, Chase Payment Solutions, Stripe, U.S. Bank Merchant Services, Shopify, PayPal and PayAnywhere.
Interchange plus
As opposed to bundling the different types of fees together, interchange-plus options disclose each transaction’s interchange fee. Then, they charge a consistent rate on top of it.
Pros
More transparent than the flat-rate model.
Can help high-volume businesses save money.
Cons
Can be more difficult to predict costs, since interchange rates fluctuate.
Examples include: Payment Depot and Helcim.
Subscription
This model often uses interchange-plus pricing, but charges a monthly fee on top of it. In exchange, you get lower interchange markups.
Pros
Cost effective for high-volume businesses whose fees would otherwise exceed the monthly subscription cost.
Businesses get access to lower markups.
Cons
Can be more expensive for small businesses with a lower sales volume.
Examples include: Finix and Stax.
💬 From our Nerds: Local credit card processing companies can be an option, too
"The options above serve businesses nationwide, but local processors with offices located near you should be on the table as well. Ask local small businesses in your industry which company they’re working with and whether they’d recommend them.
"In my case, I simply asked my neighbor.
"They work for a credit card processing company in town and said this lets them be on site quickly if there’s an issue. Companies without local offices often include 24/7 phone support, but they likely won’t be able to send someone out in person immediately. That being said, local processors might be compatible with just one POS system provider and, in general, have less resources than nationwide companies that serve thousands of businesses."
How long does it take processors to deposit your money?
It usually takes at least one to two business days for processors to deposit your money. But timing varies by provider.
To figure out how long this process could take for your business, pay attention to credit card processing companies’ average deposit times. For example:
PayAnywhere offers both next-day and same-day deposits.
Finix has next-day deposits, but charges extra for same-day deposits.
Helcim says funds will be available within two business days.
How do you find the best credit card processor for your business?
Starting out, look for credit card processing companies that accommodate all of your sales channels (e.g., online, in-person or both) without charging extra. If you prefer an all-in-one solution for processing and POS capabilities, focus on options, like Square, that also sell their own in-house hardware.
Here are some additional steps to take to choose the right credit card processing company for you.
Estimate costs and try to avoid extra fees. Weigh payment processing fees and monthly subscription costs. But also look for credit card processing companies that don’t charge extra fees for setup, termination or PCI compliance.
Make sure deposits are quick enough. 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.
Try to avoid long-term 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.
Look for customer support that fits your hours of operation. 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, you might go with a product that offers around-the-clock support.
Confirm your business software syncs. If your credit card processing company offers its own POS software, make sure it integrates seamlessly with your accounting system. Also determine whether you need to integrate with e-commerce software and online shopping carts.
NerdWallet independently reviews payment processing companies before determining our top picks. We collect the data for our software ratings from products’ public-facing websites and from company representatives. Our editorial team reviews information on a regular basis for consistency and accuracy.
We also periodically update our scoring system to reflect changing industry norms and business needs. For instance, in 2026, we dropped the “free trials” category from our rubric. Payment processing systems can be time-consuming to set up. Testing out multiple products isn’t an ideal approach. Instead, we recommend taking cost and features into consideration.
NerdWallet’s ratings of payment processing providers rewards companies whose products and services are priced well and work in a variety of payment scenarios, among other criteria.
Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including overall cost, hardware and software options, system capabilities, customer service, contract requirements and integrations. Learn more about how we rate payment processing providers.
These ratings are a guide, but fees, hardware, software and contract requirements can vary widely from business to business and provider to provider. We encourage you to shop around and compare several providers.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines.
Jump to
Learn more 
Default 
