12 Best Payment Processing Companies of May 2025
Payment processing companies facilitate card transactions — in person, online or both — and often provide POS solutions, too.
The best payment processing companies offer some combination of fair rates, useful features, helpful customer service and integrations with the rest of your business software ecosystem. Factor in your small business’s industry, monthly sales volume and average transaction size, as well as whether you accept credit card payments
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Payment processing fees
In-person: 0.4% + $0.08
Online: 0.5% + $0.25
Online: 0.5% + $0.25
Plus interchange
Monthly fee
$0
Learn moreon Helcim's website
Pros
- 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 are available within two business days; same-day deposit option is not available.
- Interchange-plus costs can be difficult to predict.
Helcim
Best for Volume discounts
Payment processing fees
In-person: 0.4% + $0.08
Online: 0.5% + $0.25
Online: 0.5% + $0.25
Plus interchange
Monthly fee
$0
on Helcim's website
Pros
- 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 are available within two business days; same-day deposit option is not available.
- Interchange-plus costs can be difficult to predict.
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.15
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$0
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
on Square's website
Pros
- 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.
Square
Best for Flat-rate option for brick-and-mortar businesses
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.15
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$0
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
on Square's website
Pros
- 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.
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.10
Online: 2.9% + $0.25
Online: 2.9% + $0.25
Monthly fee
$0
for in-person payments; $9.95 and up for e-commerce payments.
on Chase's website
Pros
- Two-in-one processor and acquiring bank.
- No PCI compliance or cancellation fees.
- Using your bank as your processor makes deposits convenient.
- 24/7 phone and online support.
Cons
- Some hardware pricing is not readily available.
- No third-party shopping cart integrations.
- Chase’s Business Complete checking account comes with a $15 monthly service fee for some merchants.
Chase Payment Solutions℠
Best for Direct processor
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.10
Online: 2.9% + $0.25
Online: 2.9% + $0.25
Monthly fee
$0
for in-person payments; $9.95 and up for e-commerce payments.
on Chase's website
Pros
- Two-in-one processor and acquiring bank.
- No PCI compliance or cancellation fees.
- Using your bank as your processor makes deposits convenient.
- 24/7 phone and online support.
Cons
- Some hardware pricing is not readily available.
- No third-party shopping cart integrations.
- Chase’s Business Complete checking account comes with a $15 monthly service fee for some merchants.
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.7% + $0.05
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$0
on Stripe's website
Pros
- Highly customizable online checkout options.
- No termination fees or long-term contracts.
- 24/7 chat support.
- 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
Best for Online, international transactions
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.7% + $0.05
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$0
on Stripe's website
Pros
- Highly customizable online checkout options.
- No termination fees or long-term contracts.
- 24/7 chat support.
- 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.
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.10
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$0
on U.S. Bank's website, Member FDIC
Pros
- Same-day funding seven days per week for U.S. Bank checking account holders.
- No cancellation or PCI compliance 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
Best for Quick deposits
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.10
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$0
on U.S. Bank's website, Member FDIC
Pros
- Same-day funding seven days per week for U.S. Bank checking account holders.
- No cancellation or PCI compliance 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.
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.10
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$39
Basic plan; $105 Shopify plan; $399 Advanced plan.
on Shopify's website
Pros
- 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
- E-commerce plan with monthly fee is required to use Shopify Payments.
- Monthly POS subscription costs can be expensive.
Shopify Payments
Best for E-commerce platform integration
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.10
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$39
Basic plan; $105 Shopify plan; $399 Advanced plan.
on Shopify's website
Pros
- 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
- E-commerce plan with monthly fee is required to use Shopify Payments.
- Monthly POS subscription costs can be expensive.
Payment processing fees
0.2% + $0.00
to 1.95%, plus interchange.
Monthly fee
$0
on Payment Depot's website
Pros
- Businesses save when customers use cards with low interchange rates.
- No cancellation or PCI compliance fees.
- Compatible with several POS hardware providers, including Clover.
- 24/7 phone support.
Cons
- Markups vary by business.
- Website doesn’t disclose hardware pricing.
- Interchange-plus costs can be difficult to predict.
Payment Depot
Best for Tailored interchange-plus rates
Payment processing fees
0.2% + $0.00
to 1.95%, plus interchange.
Monthly fee
$0
on Payment Depot's website
Pros
- Businesses save when customers use cards with low interchange rates.
- No cancellation or PCI compliance fees.
- Compatible with several POS hardware providers, including Clover.
- 24/7 phone support.
Cons
- Markups vary by business.
- Website doesn’t disclose hardware pricing.
- Interchange-plus costs can be difficult to predict.
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.10
Online: 3.5% + $0.10
Online: 3.5% + $0.10
Monthly fee
$0
and up.
on Clover's website
Pros
- Free POS software plan available if you’re only using a mobile card reader.
- Offers POS software plans tailored to a variety of industries.
- 24/7 phone support.
Cons
- Online payment processing rates are more expensive than competitors.
- Promotions require a three-year contract.
- Charges PCI compliance fees and, in some cases, termination fees.
Clover
Best for POS hardware options
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.6% + $0.10
Online: 3.5% + $0.10
Online: 3.5% + $0.10
Monthly fee
$0
and up.
on Clover's website
Pros
- Free POS software plan available if you’re only using a mobile card reader.
- Offers POS software plans tailored to a variety of industries.
- 24/7 phone support.
Cons
- Online payment processing rates are more expensive than competitors.
- Promotions require a three-year contract.
- Charges PCI compliance fees and, in some cases, termination fees.
Payment processing fees
In-person: 0% + $0.08
Online: 0% + $0.15
Online: 0% + $0.15
Plus interchange
Monthly fee
$99
and up.
on Stax's website
Pros
- Businesses save when customers use cards with low interchange rates.
- Unique add-on features, like custom branding.
- No long-term contracts.
- Compatible with POS system providers, such as Clover.
- No PCI compliance fees.
Cons
- Not ideal for businesses with low-volume sales.
- Pricing isn't as transparent as competitors.
- Interchange-plus costs can be difficult to predict.
Stax
Best for Subscription-based pricing for QuickBooks users
Payment processing fees
In-person: 0% + $0.08
Online: 0% + $0.15
Online: 0% + $0.15
Plus interchange
Monthly fee
$99
and up.
on Stax's website
Pros
- Businesses save when customers use cards with low interchange rates.
- Unique add-on features, like custom branding.
- No long-term contracts.
- Compatible with POS system providers, such as Clover.
- No PCI compliance fees.
Cons
- Not ideal for businesses with low-volume sales.
- Pricing isn't as transparent as competitors.
- Interchange-plus costs can be difficult to predict.
Payment processing fees
In-person: 0% + $0.08
Online: 0% + $0.15
Online: 0% + $0.15
Plus interchange
Monthly fee
$79
and up.
on Finix's website
Pros
- No long-term contracts.
- 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
Best for Overall subscription-based processor
Payment processing fees
In-person: 0% + $0.08
Online: 0% + $0.15
Online: 0% + $0.15
Plus interchange
Monthly fee
$79
and up.
on Finix's website
Pros
- No long-term contracts.
- 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.
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.5% + $0.10
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$10
for Basic In-Person Package.
on National Processing's website
Pros
- No termination fees, long-term contracts or PCI compliance fees.
- Works with high-risk merchants.
- New merchants may qualify for a free terminal.
- 24/7 phone support.
- Compatible with multiple POS system providers, including Clover.
Cons
- Fees may be higher if you process less than $10,000 per month.
- Basic plans for processing in-person and online transactions are separate.
- Deposits take 2-3 business days for basic plans.
National Processing
Best for Low flat-rate processing
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.5% + $0.10
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Online: 2.9% + $0.30
Monthly fee
$10
for Basic In-Person Package.
on National Processing's website
Pros
- No termination fees, long-term contracts or PCI compliance fees.
- Works with high-risk merchants.
- New merchants may qualify for a free terminal.
- 24/7 phone support.
- Compatible with multiple POS system providers, including Clover.
Cons
- Fees may be higher if you process less than $10,000 per month.
- Basic plans for processing in-person and online transactions are separate.
- Deposits take 2-3 business days for basic plans.
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.29% + $0.09
Online: 2.89% + $0.49
Online: 2.89% + $0.49
Monthly fee
$0
Standard; $5 Payments Advanced; $30 Payments Pro.
on PayPal's website
Pros
- 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.
- No offline mode.
- Accepting online transactions involves additional monthly fees, depending on your gateway.
PayPal
Best for Alternative payment methods
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.29% + $0.09
Online: 2.89% + $0.49
Online: 2.89% + $0.49
Monthly fee
$0
Standard; $5 Payments Advanced; $30 Payments Pro.
on PayPal's website
Pros
- 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.
- No offline mode.
- Accepting online transactions involves additional monthly fees, depending on your gateway.
Our picks for best payment processing companies
Helcim
Best volume discounts
Why our editorial team chose it: With its volume discounts, transparent interchange-plus pricing and quick setup, Helcim is one of the best payment processors for small businesses. Businesses aren’t locked into a contract, and the merchant account provider doesn’t come with a monthly subscription charge. There are no setup fees or PCI compliance Helcim review
Pricing details
Square
Best flat-rate option for brick-and-mortar businesses
Why our editorial team chose it : Square’s simple flat-rate processing, quick setup and array of in-house POS hardware options make it one of the most convenient all-in-one options for brick-and-mortar businesses. It doesn’t charge additional fees for cancellation, PCI compliance or setup, and offers a free POS software plan for retail stores and restaurants. Read NerdWallet’s Square review
Pricing details
Stripe
Best for online, international transactions
Why our editorial team chose it : Stripe's payment processing services are a good fit for businesses that conduct most of their sales online. It supports over 135 currencies and offers customizable payment forms, 24/7 support and integrations with more than 450 platforms and extensions. Similar to Square, the service has a flat-rate pricing structure, no monthly subscription fees and no setup fees. Read NerdWallet’s Stripe Payments review
Pricing details
Finix
Best overall subscription-based processor
Why our editorial team chose it : Compared to flat-rate processing companies, processors like Finix can help higher-volume businesses save money by passing interchange savings to merchants and charging lower processing fees in exchange for a monthly subscription fee. Finix is transparent about how its fees are allocated and provides a line-by-line breakdown of each transaction’s processing fees. Read NerdWallet's Finix review
Pricing details
PayPal
Best for alternative payment methods
Why our editorial team chose it : PayPal’s payment processing services stand out because they allow businesses to accept alternative payment methods like Venmo or consumer PayPal accounts. You can accept payments in person using PayPal Zettle PayPal Business review
Pricing details
National Processing
Best for low flat-rate processing
Why our editorial team chose it : National Processing charges a small subscription fee in return for low flat-rate processing fees. Its in-person rates, in particular, are lower than many of its competitors’ rates at 2.5% plus 10 cents per transaction. It guarantees it can beat your current rates — if your business processes at least $10,000 per month — or it’ll give you $500. Read NerdWallet's National Processing review
Pricing details
Payment Depot
Best for tailored interchange-plus rates
Why our editorial team chose it: Payment Depot isn’t the only interchange-plus processor on our list, but it’s one of the only options that tailors its markups to your specific business, which could help you save money. At the very least, it’s worth asking for a quote and comparing it to other interchange-plus competitors, like Helcim. Read NerdWallet’s Payment Depot review
Pricing details
Clover
Best for POS hardware options
Why our editorial team chose it : In addition to handling payment processing, Clover also offers sleek POS hardware and multiple software plans for small businesses in various industries, including retail, restaurants, personal services and professional services. Recent additions to its hardware lineup include a kitchen display system and self-ordering kiosk. Read NerdWallet’s Clover review
Pricing details
» MORE: Best POS systems
Shopify Payments
Best for e-commerce platform integration
Why our editorial team chose it : Shopify is a comprehensive e-commerce solution and online payment processing service Shopify Payments review
Pricing details
Chase Payment Solutions
Best direct processor
Why our editorial team chose it : Chase Payment Solutions is a direct processor, meaning it operates as both the payment processor and the acquiring bank that establishes the merchant’s bank account. So, this may be a good choice for existing Chase business customers. Additionally, Chase offers 24/7 service and has no monthly fees. It has payment processing solutions for service-based businesses, health care companies, restaurants, retail stores and e-commerce shops. Read NerdWallet’s Chase Payment Solutions review
Pricing details
U.S. Bank Merchant Services
Best for quick deposits
Why our editorial team chose it : Similar to Chase Payment Solutions, U.S. Bank Merchant Services offers both bank accounts and payment processing solutions, which makes the payout process convenient. Businesses with a checking account through U.S. Bank can also access same-day deposits for free.
Limited time offer
Earn up to $1,000
in merchant fees refunded over three months when you open and are approved for a new U.S. Bank Payment Solutions Merchant Account by June 30, 2025. The account must be actively accepting and settling card payments at the time the statement credit is issued. Member FDIC.
Pricing details
Stax
Best for subscription-based pricing for QuickBooks users
Why our editorial team chose it : Instead of charging a percentage markup per transaction, Stax charges businesses interchange plus a fixed amount of money per transaction, plus a monthly subscription fee. Although the $99 per month is steep, it could be worth it for businesses that would otherwise pay more than that in percentage markups. The merchant account provider doesn’t make its clients sign contracts, and its plans include 24/7 customer support (via an online ticketing system) and PCI compliance. Read NerdWallet’s Stax review
Pricing details
💬 From our Nerds: Convenience can be worth the cost
"Price point is one of the most important considerations you’ll make when comparing payment processing companies, but convenience is paramount, too. My husband is opening a brewery this year, and I ultimately recommended he choose Square as his payment processor.
"Its pricing is certainly competitive — but not necessarily the least expensive. However, employees will likely be familiar with its software, meaning there will be less of a learning curve. And it has a solid line of POS hardware options, so he’ll only need to deal with one company for the brewery’s payments needs. Time is money, and Square’s convenience will hopefully save him enough time to make it worth the cost.
"The most convenient payment processing companies for your business should integrate with your accounting software, offer POS hardware options that are a good fit for your needs and have easy-to-use POS software. And I highly recommend testing that software before you commit."
What is a payment processing company?
Payment processing companies work behind the scenes to facilitate in-person and online card transactions and move funds from the customer's card account to the merchant's account. While there are several steps to this process, it all takes place within a matter of seconds, and fees are typically available to the merchant within a day or two. Payment processors charge a fee for each transaction, and may also require a monthly software subscription.
In addition to their core function, payment processing companies may fulfill additional merchant services
How to choose the best payment processing company for your small business
Throughout the decision-making process, your small business’s budget should be top of mind. Make sure to calculate and compare processing fees
1. Decide whether you want an individual merchant account or PSP
Dedicated merchant account payment service providers (PSPs)
PSPs, like Square Stripe National Processing
2. Confirm that it works with your POS system
Lots of payment processing companies offer their own in-house POS systems or resell ones from providers like Clover. In fact, there’s quite a bit of overlap between our picks for best POS systems
3. Look for quick deposit times
Deposit timing has a direct impact on your business’s cash flow. Do you need your credit card funds by the next business day or can your business typically wait two full days? Verify how long each of your top payment processing company picks takes to deposit those funds into your business’s bank account where it’s accessible.
4. Make sure it accommodates online and in-person transactions
Your payment processing company should specialize in processing the type of transaction your business confronts most often, whether that’s in-person, online or both. While you can theoretically use separate processors for each transaction type, it can make it significantly more difficult to predict payouts and track processing costs.
5. Check for extra hidden costs
Some payment processing companies charge extra for things like PCI compliance, setup, chargebacks and account terminations. This isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, but ideally, PCI compliance and setup costs are included for free and contracts are month-to-month.
Methodology: How we rate payment processors
NerdWallet’s editorial team analyzes payment processors across seven categories and more than 30 subcategories by gathering data from company websites, speaking with company representatives and participating in product demos. We fact-check our data points regularly to ensure accuracy.
The category breakdown:
Overall cost (29.5%)
Hardware and software options (20.5%)
System capabilities (18%)
Pricing transparency (11.5%)
Integrations (9%)
Customer service (7%)
Contract and trial period (4.5%)
What our star ratings mean
Payment processors with 5 stars are outstanding. They 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.
Payment processors with 4.0 to 4.9 stars are great to excellent. Typically, 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.
Payment 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.
Payment 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.