12 Best Credit Card Processing Companies of May 2025
Consider your business’s specific industry needs, sales volume and whether it does more sales online or offline to find the right credit card processing company.
The best credit card processing companies have competitive and transparent pricing, accept a variety of payment types and commonly offer point-of-sale (POS) systems
Here are our picks for the top credit card processing companies and why they stand out.
Summary of the best credit card processing companies
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Best Credit Card Processing Companies
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 All-in-one payment services
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 Built-in banking partner and 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 Global, online 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 Built-in banking partner with everyday 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: 2.5% + $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
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: 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 Online retail businesses
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
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 Subscription-based pricing
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: 2.29% + $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 Payment flexibility
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.
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.69% + $0.00
Online: 3.49% + $0.19
Online: 3.49% + $0.19
Monthly fee
$0
and up.
Pros
- In-house payment processing.
- Simple pricing model.
- Free next-day funding. Option for free same-day funding in some cases.
- Offers a virtual terminal.
Cons
- Limited integrations.
- Potential early termination fees.
- Doesn't work with some business types.
Payanywhere
Best for Payment processor with reputation management tools
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.69% + $0.00
Online: 3.49% + $0.19
Online: 3.49% + $0.19
Monthly fee
$0
and up.
Pros
- In-house payment processing.
- Simple pricing model.
- Free next-day funding. Option for free same-day funding in some cases.
- Offers a virtual terminal.
Cons
- Limited integrations.
- Potential early termination fees.
- Doesn't work with some business types.
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.5% + $0.00
Online: 2.99% + $0.00
Online: 2.99% + $0.00
Monthly fee
$0
QuickBooks subscription required.
Pros
- Convenient mobile app.
- Seamless QuickBooks accounting integration.
Cons
- Limited customer support hours.
- Limited hardware options on QuickBooks POS.
QuickBooks Payments
Best for Online invoicing
Payment processing fees
In-person: 2.5% + $0.00
Online: 2.99% + $0.00
Online: 2.99% + $0.00
Monthly fee
$0
QuickBooks subscription required.
Pros
- Convenient mobile app.
- Seamless QuickBooks accounting integration.
Cons
- Limited customer support hours.
- Limited hardware options on QuickBooks POS.
Our picks for best credit card processing companies
Square
Best for all-in-one payment services
Why our editorial team chose it: Square stands apart from the competition with its flat-rate pricing and end-to-end payment processing solution. This means it handles most aspects of a credit card transaction, so you don’t need to purchase a payment gateway point-of-sale system Square review
Pricing details
Helcim
Best for volume discounts
Why our editorial team chose it: Helcim's pricing model is transparent, with no hidden fees. It uses interchange-plus pricing with volume-based discounts, making it a particularly cost-effective option for businesses with high monthly sales. The company has customer support available by phone, as well as comprehensive support resources on its website. Read our full Helcim review
Pricing details
Stripe
Best for global, online transactions
Why our editorial team chose it: Stripe enables your business to accept a wide range of online payment methods, including mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay and Alipay. It also lets you offer financing options to customers through "buy now, pay later" companies like Klarna and Afterpay. Read our full Stripe review
Pricing details
PayPal
Best for payment flexibility
Why our editorial team chose it : Business owners who value brand familiarity and feel more comfortable going with a company that has a longstanding reputation should look into PayPal. Its in-person processing rates are low compared to the competition, and you can use PayPal to accept mobile wallet and QR code payments. Read our full PayPal review
Pricing details
National Processing
Best for low, flat-rate processing
Why our editorial team chose it: With low processing fees, no long-term contracts and lots of integration options, National Processing can be a good option for businesses looking for a flat-rate processor. Just make sure to speak with a representative before signing up to find out whether you qualify for perks like a free terminal or other promotions. Read our full National Processing review
Pricing details
Finix
Best for subscription-based pricing
Why our editorial team chose it : Finix's subscription-based pricing model can help quickly growing small businesses with high-volume transactions save money in processing costs. These types of businesses may also benefit from a more personalized approach to payment processing. Finix offers this by working with you in a one-on-one capacity and matching you with a dedicated implementation manager. Plus, there are no long-term contracts. Read our full Finix review
Pricing details
Chase Payment Solutions
Best built-in banking partner and direct processor
Why our editorial team chose it : If you already have a business bank account through Chase, processing payments through the company can be a convenient option. Plus, you get access to same-day deposits when you use Chase’s Smart Terminal. Read our full Chase Payment Solutions review
Pricing details
Shopify Payments
Best for online retail businesses
Why our editorial team chose it : Shopify Payments has competitive rates for payment processing and integrates directly with Shopify. Because you must have a paid Shopify plan to use its payment processing and POS solutions, Shopify Payments is a great fit for a business that already has a Shopify plan for e-commerce. Read our full Shopify Payments review
Pricing details
U.S. Bank Merchant Services
Best built-in banking partner with everyday deposits
Why our editorial team chose it: U.S. Bank Merchant Services is an especially convenient payment processing solution for small businesses that already have a checking account with the bank, because they’ll get access to Everyday Funding at no extra cost. Additionally, the bank offers a free Ingenico credit card reader for taking payments on the go.
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
Payment Depot
Best for tailored interchange-plus rates
Why our editorial team chose it: Whereas some interchange-plus competitors implement a consistent markup across the board, Payment Depot’s rates might be more negotiable, since they’re tailored to each individual business. Additionally, there are no setup or cancellation fees. Read our full Payment Depot review
Pricing details
Payanywhere
Best for payment processor with reputation management tools
Why our editorial team chose it: If your business is trying to gauge customer satisfaction and keep track of feedback, Payanywhere is a good place to start. The processor’s POS software plans include access to reputation management tools that help point out trends in online reviews of your business. You can also use the feature to create custom quick replies to customers’ feedback. Read our full Payanywhere review
Pricing details
QuickBooks Payments
Best for online invoicing
Why our editorial team chose it: QuickBooks Payments makes it easy to accept invoice payments online via credit card or ACH transfer. That way, you don’t have to wait for a paper check to arrive in the mail. If you need the funds right away, you can pay an extra 1.75% of the transaction to access instant deposits. Read our QuickBooks Payments review
Pricing details
Need a high-risk payment processor?
Not all of the processors listed above work with high-risk businesses that are more susceptible to chargebacks or operate in age-restricted industries. If that describes your business, here are a handful of processors worth looking into:
What is credit card processing?
Brick-and-mortars need software and hardware to accept credit card payments payment gateway
How to choose a credit card processing company
Starting out, look for credit card processing companies that can accommodate payments within each of your sales channels, whether those are online, in-person or both. If you prefer an all-in-one payment processor and POS system provider, rule out companies that don’t sell their own hardware (POS terminals, card readers, etc.).
Here are some additional factors to consider to choose the right credit card processing company for you.
Cost
Deposit timing
Contracts
Customer service
Integrations
💬 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 much does credit card processing cost?
In general, credit card processing fees
Interchange fees - Assessment fees are paid to the card networks.
- Payment processor fees are the “cuts” or “markups” that go toward the payment processing company for facilitating the transaction.
- Monthly subscription fees can cost upward of $99, but lots of companies don’t charge them. However, credit card processing companies that charge monthly fees may offer lower processing rates in exchange.
If you aren't sure where to start and budget is top of mind, NerdWallet's list of the cheapest credit card processing companies
Credit card processing pricing models
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.