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 in-store or online.
All of our picks for the best payment processing companies are chosen by our editorial team, who follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our coverage to help you choose the right payment processor for your company. We independently evaluate and rate payment processing providers, scoring them on capabilities, cost, integrations and other features. View our full methodology.
Here are our top picks for the best payment processing companies.
Best Payment Processing Companies
Calculate your monthly cost estimate
Input your business’s monthly transaction details and we’ll help you sort from the best valueProduct | Cost Estimate | Payment processing fees | Cost Estimate | Learn more | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shopify Payments Learn more on Shopify Payments' secure website | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | 4.5/5 Best for E-commerce platform integration | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $39.00 Basic plan; $105 Shopify plan; $399 Advanced plan. | Get an estimated monthly cost for your business. | Learn more on Shopify Payments' secure website |
Helcim Learn more on Helcim's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Volume discounts | In-person: 0.4% + $0.08 Online: 0.5% + $0.25 Plus interchange | $0.00 | Learn more on Helcim's secure website | ||
Stripe Learn more on Stripe Payments' secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Online, international transactions | In-person: 2.7% + $0.05 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 | Learn more on Stripe Payments' secure website | ||
Square Learn more on Square's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Free POS software plans | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations. | Learn more on Square's secure website | ||
Clover POS Learn more on Clover POS's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for POS hardware options | In-person: 2.3% + $0.10 Online: 3.5% + $0.10 | $14.95 and up. | Learn more on Clover POS's secure website | ||
Stax by Fattmerchant Learn more on Stax by Fattmerchant's secure website | 4.0/5 Best for High-volume sales | In-person: 0% + $0.08 Online: 0% + $0.15 Plus interchange | $99.00 and up. | Learn more on Stax by Fattmerchant's secure website | ||
Chase Payment Solutions℠ Learn more on Chase Payment Solutions℠'s secure website | 4.5/5 Best for Direct processor | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.25 | $0.00 Monthly fee in some instances. | Learn more on Chase Payment Solutions℠'s secure website | ||
PayPal Learn more on PayPal's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Alternative payment methods | In-person: 2.29% + $0.09 Online: 2.89% + $0.49 | $0.00 Standard; $5 Payments Advanced; $30 Payments Pro. | Learn more on PayPal's secure website | ||
Payline | 4.5/5 Best for Free trial | In-person: 0.4% + $0.10 Online: 0.75% + $0.20 Plus interchange | $10.00 in person; $20 online. | |||
Dharma Merchant Services | 4.5/5 Best for Nonprofits | In-person: 0.15% + $0.08 Online: 0.2% + $0.11 Plus interchange | $15.00 for most industries; $12 for nonprofits. | |||
National Processing Learn more on National Processing's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Low flat-rate processing | In-person: 2.5% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 Plus interchange | $9.95 for Basic In-Person Package. | Learn more on National Processing's secure website | ||
U.S. Bank Merchant Services Learn more on U.S. Bank Merchant Services' secure website | 4.5/5 Best for Quick deposits | In-person: 2.6% + $0.10 Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | $0.00 and up. | Learn more on U.S. Bank Merchant Services' secure website | ||
Adyen | 4.0/5 Best for Omnichannel payment processing | 0.6% + $0.13 Plus interchange for Visa and Mastercard; 3.3% + $0.23 for AmEx. | $0.00 | |||
PaymentCloud | 4.5/5 Best for High-risk merchants | 2.4% + $0.10 to 3.5% + $0.25 on average. | $0.00 to $50. |
Our pick for
E-commerce platform integration
Shopify Payments
Learn more
on Shopify Payments' secure website
Monthly fee
$39.00
Basic plan; $105 Shopify plan; $399 Advanced plan.
Shopify POS syncs directly with the Shopify e-commerce platform. However, Shopify does not offer free POS software, and the platform is retail-focused.
Pros
- Accepts a variety of payment methods.
- Can customize checkout page.
- Easy to set up and use.
- Transparent, flat-rate fees.
Cons
- E-commerce plan with monthly fee is required to use Shopify Payments.
- Charges fee for use of third-party payment gateway.
Our pick for
Volume discounts
Helcim
Learn more
on Helcim's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
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.Read full review
Pros
- Interchange-plus pricing structure can help businesses save money.
- Quick setup; approvals usually take a day.
- Offers volume-based discounts automatically.
- Syncs directly with QuickBooks Online and Xero.
- No termination fees or long-term contracts.
Cons
- Deposits are available within two business days; same-day deposit option is not available.
- Doesn’t offer services to businesses in certain high-risk industries.
Our pick for
Online, international transactions
Stripe
Learn more
on Stripe Payments' secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
With Stripe Terminal, you can integrate in-person payments into your online payment setup. Transparent pricing and customizable features make it a good choice for online-first businesses looking to extend to in-person sales. However, many features — including connecting hardware to software — require coding experience or “no-code” integrations.
Pros
- Highly customizable online checkout options.
- No termination fees or long-term contracts.
- 24/7 phone and chat support.
- Can process transactions in more than 135 currencies.
Cons
- Doesn’t sell full countertop POS terminals.
- Deposits can take up to two business days.
Our pick for
Free POS software plans
Square
Learn more
on Square's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Starts at $0/month for unlimited devices and locations.
With its own hardware options, free point-of-sale software, free mobile card reader and accounting integrations, Square is an excellent choice for business owners who value convenience and want an all-in-one system.
Pros
- Competitive, flat-rate pricing.
- Offers free POS systems with many features and functions.
- No contract or early-termination fees.
Cons
- Lacks advanced POS features.
- Doesn't run on Windows devices.
Our pick for
POS hardware options
Clover POS
Learn more
on Clover POS's secure website
Monthly fee
$14.95
and up.
Clover point-of-sale hardware is pricey, but the reasonable monthly cost and low in-person payment processing fees may help offset that upfront investment over time. However, if you’re doing mostly online sales, processing fees may add up.
Pros
- Free plan available if you’re only using a mobile card reader.
- 24/7 phone and email support.
- All restaurant plans include no-fee online ordering, and retail plans let you integrate with existing online stores.
Cons
- Promotions require a three-year contract.
- Charges termination fees, though they may be waived in certain cases.
- Online payment processing rates are more expensive than competitors.
- Popular accounting integrations are only available through third-party apps.
Our pick for
High-volume sales
Stax by Fattmerchant
Learn more
on Stax by Fattmerchant's secure website
Monthly fee
$99.00
and up.
Stax is known for its pricing. It may be a good fit for businesses processing at least $5,000 in credit card transactions monthly.
Pros
- Businesses save when customers use cards with low interchange rates.
- Unique add-on features, like custom branding.
- No long-term contracts.
Cons
- Not a good option for businesses with low sales.
- Pricing isn't as transparent as competitors.
Our pick for
Direct processor
Chase Payment Solutions℠
Learn more
on Chase Payment Solutions℠'s secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Monthly fee in some instances.
Chase Payment Solutions offers a familiar name and top-of-the-line technology, but limited hardware options and the company’s reseller program could make alternatives better options for some businesses.
Pros
- Two-in-one processor and acquiring bank.
- Free monthly plans available.
- Using your bank as your processor makes deposits convenient.
Cons
- Some hardware pricing is not readily available.
- No e-commerce integrations.
- Chase’s Business Complete checking account comes with a $15 monthly service fee for some merchants.
Our pick for
Alternative payment methods
PayPal
Learn more
on PayPal's secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
Standard; $5 Payments Advanced; $30 Payments Pro.
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.
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.
Cons
- PayPal’s offerings are vast and can be difficult to grasp quickly.
- Payment processing can be expensive for small purchases.
- Not ideal for high-risk or high-volume businesses.
Our pick for
Free trial
Payline
Monthly fee
$10.00
in person; $20 online.
Payline’s affordable and transparent pricing helps business owners accurately calculate their payment processing fees, and its user-friendly interface makes it a good option for small-business owners.
Pros
- No long-term contracts or cancellation fees.
- First month or two (depending on the business) is free.
- Works with high-risk merchants.
- No PCI compliance fees.
- 24/7 support.
Cons
- Separate monthly fees for in-person and online processing.
- Must contact Payline for information on hardware costs.
Our pick for
Nonprofits
Dharma Merchant Services
Monthly fee
$15.00
for most industries; $12 for nonprofits.
Dharma Merchant Services prioritizes simplicity and affordability. It integrates with most point-of-sale hardware systems.
Pros
- Reduced processing rates for nonprofits.
- Businesses save when customers use cards with low interchange rates.
- No long-term contracts.
- No PCI compliance fees.
Cons
- Charges account closure fee.
- Requires separate accounts for online and in-person payments.
- Recurring billing and online invoicing cost an extra $10 per month.
- Deposits can take up to two business days.
Our pick for
Low flat-rate processing
National Processing
Learn more
on National Processing's secure website
Monthly fee
$9.95
for Basic In-Person Package.
At 2.5% plus 10 cents per in-person transaction, National Processing’s payment processing rates are especially low compared to other flat-rate competitors. If you subscribe to the Advanced plan for POS systems, those rates drop to 2.41% plus 10 cents. New merchants may also qualify for a free terminal.Read full review
Pros
- Low in-person processing fees for a flat-rate processor.
- No termination fees or long-term contracts.
- Works with high-risk merchants.
- New merchants may qualify for a free terminal.
- 24/7 phone support.
Cons
- Fees may be higher if you process less than $10,000 per month.
- Basic plans for processing in-person and online transactions are separate.
- Mobile card reader is pricier than some competitors.
Our pick for
Quick deposits
U.S. Bank Merchant Services
Learn more
on U.S. Bank Merchant Services' secure website
Monthly fee
$0.00
and up.
U.S. Bank Merchant Services is an all-in-one solution for banking, payment processing and POS software. 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. Read full review
Pros
- Same-day funding seven days per week for U.S. bank checking account holders.
- No PCI compliance fees.
- No cancellation fees.
- Free POS software plan available.
Cons
- POS system onboarding assistance can be costly.
- Deposit times are not as quick for merchants using third-party bank accounts.
Our pick for
Omnichannel payment processing
Adyen
Payment processing fees
0.6% + $0.13
Plus interchange for Visa and Mastercard; 3.3% + $0.23 for AmEx.
Monthly fee
$0.00
Adyen is ideal for omnichannel merchants that need to consolidate their payment data across different sales channels and want to give customers a seamless shopping experience, such as the ability to buy online and return in-store, for example. It doesn’t charge monthly fees and supports a wide variety of payout currencies.Read full review
Pros
- No monthly subscription or termination fees.
- Consolidate data across multiple online and in-person sales channels.
- Global payment options available.
- 24/7 emergency phone and email support.
Cons
- Pricing models differ by card, which can be confusing.
- No accounting integrations.
- Must give at least two months’ notice before terminating contract.
- Must reach out for hardware costs.
Our pick for
High-risk merchants
PaymentCloud
Payment processing fees
2.4% + $0.10
to 3.5% + $0.25 on average.
Monthly fee
$0.00
to $50.
PaymentCloud is one of a limited number of payment processors that work with high-risk merchants. It offers a long list of popular software integrations and can accept in-person, online and recurring payments.Read full review
Pros
- Accepts in-person, online and recurring payments.
- Offers an extensive library of software integrations.
- Has a virtual terminal for card-not-present transactions.
Cons
- Lack of pricing transparency.
Our picks for best payment processing companies
Helcim: Best volume discounts
Why we like 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 fees. Read NerdWallet’s Helcim review.
$0.
- Interchange plus 0.4% and 8 cents per in-person transaction (if $50,000 or less in monthly card transactions).
- Interchange plus 0.5% and 25 cents per online or manually keyed transaction (if $50,000 or less in monthly card transactions).
- 0.5% plus 25 cents for ACH payments.
- $99 for a mobile card reader (with stand).
- $329 for a stand-alone terminal with built-in thermal printer.
Square: Best free POS software plans
Why we like it: Like Helcim, Square has no cancellation fees, PCI compliance fees, setup fees or monthly subscription charges. With its own hardware options, free point-of-sale software, free mobile card reader and accounting integrations, the platform is an excellent choice for business owners who value convenience and want an all-in-one system. Read NerdWallet’s Square review.
- $0 for Square POS, Restaurant, Retail and Appointments Free plans.
- $29 for Square Appointments Plus plan.
- $60 for Square Restaurant Plus plan.
- $69 for Square Appointments Premium plan.
- $89 for Square Retail Plus plan.
- $192 and up for Square Restaurant Essentials Bundle.
- Custom pricing for Square Retail Premium plan.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions.
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.
- 3.5% plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions.
- 3.3% plus 30 cents for invoices.
- $0 for Square magstripe-only card reader ($10 for each additional reader) or if using Tap to Pay for iPhone (iPhone not included).
- $49 and up for Square Reader contactless and chip card reader.
- $149 for Square Stand iPad POS or Square Stand Mount (iPad not included; monthly financing available).
- $299 for Square Terminal mobile card reader with built-in printer (monthly financing available).
- $799 for Square Register two-screen system (monthly financing available).
Clover: Best for POS hardware options
Why we like 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.
- $0 for Clover Go Payments plan.
- $14.95 for Clover Go Essentials, Retail Starter, Personal Services Starter, Professional Services Starter and Standard and Home & Field Services plans.
- $49.95 for Retail Standard, Personal Services Standard and Advanced and Professional Services Advanced plans.
- $59.95 for Quick-Service Dining Starter and Standard plans.
- $69.90 for Retail Advanced plan.
- $79.90 for Quick-Service Dining Advanced plan.
- $89.95 for Full-Service Dining Starter plan.
- $109.90 for Full-Service Dining Standard plan.
- $129.85 for Full-Service Dining Advanced plan.
- 2.3% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions for most plans, though rates may also vary by hardware type.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions on Retail Starter, Personal Services Starter and Professional Services Standard plans, as well as Home & Field Services Standard and Advanced plans.
- 3.5% plus 10 cents for online or keyed-in transactions.
- $49 for chip, swipe and contactless Clover Go card reader.
- $599 for Clover Flex mobile POS with printer.
- $799 for Clover Mini POS.
- $799-$899 + $25 per month for kitchen display system.
- $1,699 for Clover Station Solo.
- $1,799 for Clover Station Duo.
- $2,499 + $34.95 per month for self-ordering kiosk.
» MORE: Best POS systems
Stripe: Best for online, international transactions
Why we like 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.
- $0 for standard Stripe Connect.
- $2 per account for Stripe Express (for marketplaces) or Stripe Custom (the white-label option that allows businesses to customize the checkout process).
- 2.7% plus 5 cents for in-person transactions.
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online transactions.
- 3.4% plus 30 cents for manually keyed transactions.
- 4.4% plus 30 cents for international card transactions.
- $0 for Square magstripe-only card reader ($10 for each additional reader) or if using Tap to Pay for iPhone (iPhone not included).
- $49 and up for Square Reader contactless and chip card reader.
- $149 for Square Stand iPad POS or Square Stand Mount (iPad not included; monthly financing available).
- $299 for Square Terminal mobile card reader with built-in printer (monthly financing available).
- $799 for Square Register two-screen system (monthly financing available).
PayPal: Best for alternative payment methods
Why we like 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, and customers can choose to buy now and pay later if they want. It also has a simple flat-rate pricing structure. Read NerdWallet’s PayPal Business review.
$0.
- 2.29% plus 9 cents for in-person credit and debit card payments.
- 2.89% plus 49 cents for online credit and debit card payments.
- 3.49% plus 49 cents for PayPal Payments transactions (PayPal, Pay Later, Pay with Rewards, Venmo).
- $29 for first card reader; additional readers cost $79. Price includes USB cable.
- $199 for terminal only.
- $239 for terminal with barcode scanner built in.
- $249 for Store Kit Mini (screen terminal with card reader).
- $339 for Store Kit Portable kit with mobile card reader and printer.
- $499 for Store Kit Standard (adds printer).
- $699 for Store Kit Plus (adds barcode scanner).
Shopify Payments: Best for e-commerce platform integration
Why we like it: Shopify is a comprehensive e-commerce solution and online payment processing service that helps businesses build online stores, host them and process payments for them, among other functions. For business owners who already use the company for e-commerce, taking advantage of the payments platform makes sense, in part because an additional fee applies if you use an outside processor. Businesses get 24/7 customer support, POS software, fraud analysis, shipping discounts and the ability to sell products in dozens of currencies. Read NerdWallet’s Shopify Payments review.
Shopify e-commerce plans:
- $29 for Shopify Basic when billed annually (or $39 when paid monthly).
- $79 for regular Shopify when billed annually (or $105 when paid monthly).
- $299 for Shopify Advanced when billed annually (or $399 when paid monthly).
- Custom pricing for Shopify Plus.
- All e-commerce plans come with POS Lite for selling in-person. Upgrading to POS Pro for brick-and-mortar businesses costs an extra $89 per location.
Shopify’s alternative solutions for mainly selling in-person:
- $5 for Starter plan, which includes one POS Lite location.
- $79 (when billed annually) for Retail plan, or $89 when paid monthly; includes one POS Pro location.
- 2.5%, 2.7% or 2.9% plus 30 cents for online payments for Advanced, Shopify or Basic plan, respectively.
- 2.4%, 2.5% or 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person payments for Advanced, Shopify or Basic plan, respectively.
- $49 for Tap & Chip card reader.
- $219 for Tap & Chip countertop kit (iPad not included).
- $299 for Shopify POS Go mobile device.
- $349 for Shopify POS terminal.
- $459 and up for POS terminal countertop kits.
Chase Payment Solutions: Best direct processor
Why we like 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.
$0.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person transactions.
- 2.9% plus 25 cents for online transactions.
- 3.5% plus 10 cents for keyed transactions.
Chase lists pricing for some products, like its terminals and card reader, but hardware costs aren’t readily available for other options. Instead, you’ll have to fill out an online form for more information.
- $79 for Chase card reader.
- $499 for Chase card terminal.
Stax (formerly Fattmerchant): Best for high-volume sales
Why we like 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.
- $99 if you process less than $150,000 per year.
- $139 if you process between $150,000 and $250,000 per year.
- $199 and up if you process more than $250,000 per year.
- Interchange plus 8 cents for in-person transactions.
- Interchange plus 15 cents for manually keyed transactions.
Quote-based.
Payline: Best free trial
Why we like it: Payline offers free trials to both high-risk and standard businesses so that they can try it out before committing. Trials last anywhere between one month and two months depending on the business. Read NerdWallet’s Payline review.
- $10 for in-person sales.
- $20 for online sales.
- Interchange plus 0.4% and 10 cents for in-person transactions.
- Interchange plus 0.75% and 20 cents for online transactions.
Quote-based.
Dharma Merchant Services: Best for nonprofits
Why we like it: With 24/7 customer support, no long-term contracts and no PCI compliance fees, Dharma Merchant Services is a solid choice for small businesses that process at least $10,000 of card transactions each month. The company also offers lower monthly fees and processing rates for nonprofits, which makes it a strong choice for these organizations. Read NerdWallet’s Dharma Merchant Services review.
- $12 for nonprofits.
- $15 for business to business, e-commerce, hospitality, retail and restaurant.
- Interchange plus 0.15% + 8 cents for in-person transactions.
- Interchange plus 0.20% + 11 cents for online transactions.
- Interchange plus 0.25% + 8 cents for in-person AmEx transactions.
- Interchange plus 0.30% + 11 cents for online AmEx transactions.
- $149 for Walker 2 chip, swipe and NFC card reader.
- $295 for First Data FD-150, Verifone Engage V200c, Ingenico Desk/3500 or Dejavoo Z11 terminals.
- $369 for Ingenico Desk/5000 terminal.
- $480 for FD-150, Desk/3500, V200c or Z11 terminals plus a separate pinpad.
- $649 for Clover Flex mobile card reader with printer.
- $899 for Clover Mini POS device.
- $1,649 for Clover Station Solo POS bundle.
- $1,999 for Clover Station Duo POS bundle.
National Processing: Best for low flat-rate processing
Why we like 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.
- $9.95 for Basic In-Person Package, Basic E-Commerce Package.
- $9.95 and up for Premium Package (for businesses with monthly sales volumes exceeding $30,000).
- $19 and up for Advanced Package.
- Basic In-Person Package: 2.5% plus 10 cents per transaction.
- Basic E-Commerce Package: 2.9% plus 30 cents per transaction.
- Advanced Package: 2.41% plus 10 cents.
- Premium Package: quote-based.
Offers handheld POS terminals and countertop registers from Clover, SwipeSimple and Pax.
- $99 and up for the SwipeSimple B250 mobile card reader.
- $345 and up for the Pax A80 countertop terminal.
- $445 and up for the Pax A920 handheld terminal.
- $550 and up for the SwipeSimple Aries8 POS system.
- $700 and up for the Clover Flex handheld terminal.
- $900 and up for the Clover Mini POS system.
- $1,000 and up for the Pax E700 POS system.
- $1,900 and up for the Clover Solo POS system.
- $2,000 and up for the Clover Duo POS system.
U.S. Bank Merchant Services: Best for quick deposits
Why we like 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.
- $0 for Mobile plan.
- $15 for Terminal plan.
- $29 for Starter plan.
- $69 for Standard plan.
- $99 for Premium plan.
- $15-$29 for each additional software license.
- 2.6% plus 10 cents for in-person payments.
- 2.9% plus 30 cents for online payments.
- 3.5% plus 15 cents for keyed payments.
Sells a variety of hardware including full POS stations, handheld terminals and customer displays. You can purchase hardware outright or rent for a monthly fee. Monthly rental pricing starts at $20 for a handheld terminal plus charger.
Adyen: Best for omnichannel payment processing
Why we like it: Adyen’s pricing model can be difficult to navigate, but businesses selling across multiple sales channels will appreciate its unified commerce feature that consolidates payments data from different sources. You can also use it to create customer loyalty programs that span across those channels. Read NerdWallet's Adyen review.
$0.
- Interchange plus 0.60% and 13 cents per transaction for Visa and Mastercard.
- 3.3% plus 23 cents for American Express.
- 3%-12% plus 13 cents for other payment methods, depending on transaction type.
- 40 cents per transaction for ACH direct payment.
Quote-based.
PaymentCloud: Best for high-risk merchants
Why we like it: PaymentCloud supports businesses in a range of high-risk industries, including credit repair, dating apps, CBD, online pharmacy, travel and dropshipping. The company advertises a 99% approval rate and businesses don’t have to meet a minimum credit score to apply. Plus, applications are free, which is not always the case for high-risk businesses. Read NerdWallet's PaymentCloud review.
Quote-based, but ranges from $0 to $50.
Quote-based. You’ll have to call to get specific pricing information for your business, but average ranges are:
- 2.4% plus 10 cents for low-risk retail merchants.
- 2.8% plus 25 cents for medium-risk businesses, like e-commerce shops.
- 3.5% plus 25 cents for high-risk merchants.
Offers a variety of POS hardware products from Clover, Dejavoo, Ingenico, Pax, SwipeSimple and Verifone. Here are several options:
- $95 for the SwipeSimple Swift B200 EMV Bluetooth Swiper.
- $239 for the Ingenico Desk 1500 card reader.
- $260 for the Pax A80 Smart Keypad Card Terminal.
- $340 for the Verifone MX915 Terminal.
- $1,811.64 for the Clover Station Solo with printer.
What is a payment processing company?
A payment processing company works behind the scenes to finalize 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. Payment processors charge a fee for each transaction, and may also require a monthly software subscription.
Last updated on May 2, 2024
Methodology
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.
