Best Credit Card Processing Companies

Every company needs the ability to take credit card payments. Where the available processing companies separate themselves is in how well they can support the wide array of payment options beyond that. You’ll need a payment processor who can handle whatever your customers prefer. We researched the top providers in this category finding Stax to be the best for most. It’s powerful and flexible enough to handle any sized business’ needs.

The Best Credit Card Processing Provider for Most

With Stax, you can take any form of payment and even set up subscriptions, schedule payments, and save customer payment information. All of this gives you a unique ability to get money from customers any way they prefer, anywhere they’d like.

Not only that, but you’re supported by the powerful Stax dashboard, which not only help you manage your payments, but offers deep insights into your bottom line, your customers, and even your online reputation. Plus, if you’re a large business processing over $5 million in payments per year, you can get a bespoke plan from Stax that suits your high demand.

The 10 Best Credit Card Processing Options to Consider:

1. Stax – Best for most
2. Payment Depot – Best for high-volume merchants
3. Square – Most versatile processor with no monthly fee
4. Helcim – Best for growing small businesses
5. PaymentCloud – Best for high-risk industries
6. Stripe – Best for ecommerce credit card processing
7. Dharma Merchant Services – Best for B2B merchants
8. QuickBooks Payments – Best for online invoicing
9. PayPal – Best for low-volume processing
10. Payline – Best for medical practices

When It Makes Sense To Invest In Credit Card Processing

You need to take credit card payments if you want to increase your selling power. If you only take cash and your customer doesn’t have it you miss out on a sale.

Nowadays many of us make quick purchases with our credit or debit cards because it’s easier. So if you have a small business and you want to make more sales you want to give your potential customers the flexibility to use credit. Yes, there are fees that arise with that.

But you can include the fee into the pricing and most people are clear about credit card processing fees so it won’t be a big deal.

Bottom line, if you run a business of any kind where you are accepting payments. And you want to increase the ease of how your potential customers pay for your services or products. You need to include credit card processing.

#1 – Stax — Best for Most

Accepting credit card payments isn’t optional for any business, no matter how big or small you are. That’s something that the payment processing platform Stax takes to heart.

And it shows with their array of solutions for small and large businesses alike.

For a wide swath of organizations, Stax’s flat-rate, unified platform is boon.

Small businesses can offer big-biz versatility to their customers. Accept any kind of payment, from swiped and keyed to mobile and web. Plus, you’ll get the funds deposited into your account on the same day.

There’s robust customer and client management to enjoy, too. Save payment methods for recurring customers, send customized and branded invoices and payment reminders via email or text message, set up subscriptions, and a lot more.

And you’ll never be in the dark about payment status or your company’s financial health again. Stax delivers a powerful dashboard for managing payments and deep analytical tools that reveal a lot. You can see customer demand split out by your inventory, get a feel for your busiest times, and even monitor how your online reputation is faring based on reviews.

But Stax isn’t just for small to midsize businesses. Companies handling over $5 million in annual payments can get a version of Stax tailored to large organizations with high volume.

Beyond everything mentioned previously, your large business can leverage the Stax API in order to integrate its payment processing with your other platforms and digital or physical properties.

If you don’t have coders on your staff, don’t worry. Stax also has a wide array of prebuilt solutions for improving the ecommerce experience you deliver to customers.

So, whether you build your own or use a Stax-created tool, you can create a shopping cart and checkout experience unlike any other and made with your customers in mind.

And, if your company’s primary product is a SaaS platform, Stax can work with you to create a better, more seamlessly integrated payment solution.

Pricing for small business solutions from Stax split out into three tiers.

Small businesses doing under $250,000 in yearly revenue can use Stax for $99 per month. You get all the payment processing power of Stax, the platform’s analytics, and much more. If you’re doing more business than that annually or grow beyond that threshold (up to $500,000 annually), you’ll pay $199 per month for use of Stax.

Large businesses making over $5 million in annual revenue and SaaS companies can reach out to Stax to schedule a consultation for pricing and a bespoke package of features.

Stax is one powerful and flexible payment processing platform. No matter your size or scope, it’s a great solution for you and your customers. Please note that this program is for US-based companies only.

Learn more and get started with Stax today.

#2 – Payment Depot — Best for High-Volume Merchants

Payment Depot is an industry leader in the credit card processing space, especially for high-volume merchants.

And like some of the other merchant service providers on our list, this processor utilizes a subscription-style pricing structure. By paying this monthly fee, you get lower processing rates.

This business model is the most beneficial and cost-effective for high-volume merchants because of the incredible rates you’re afforded on certain common payments.

You’re getting 0% + $0.18 on all online payments and a rock-bottom fee of 0% + $0.08 on swiped/chip payments. You’ll start seeing incredible savings immediately if you’re running a high volume of transactions each month.

Plus, you get unlimited processing and a ton of free hardware to help make the checkout process as easy as possible for your customers. On top of that, you also get a dedicated account manager and advanced breach protections.

Businesses of all shapes and sizes currently use Payment Depot, including industries like:

• Retail
• Restaurants
• Automotive
• Hair and beauty
• Pet grooming
• B2B
• Healthcare
• Professional services

Overall, Payment Depot is one of the best credit card processors on the market. But high-volume merchants stand to benefit the most from the discounted processing rates and monthly subscription model. It’s important to note that this program is exclusively for companies based in the US.

Get started now by reaching out to Payment Depot for a quote.

#3 – Square — Most Versatile Processor with No Monthly Fee

Square is one of the biggest payment processors on the market today.

More than two million businesses of all shapes and sizes trust them to get payments taken without any problems. There are no monthly fees and no complex hardware.

Even better. There are no long-term contracts, set-up fees, termination fees, or monthly fees associated with your Square account.

You can accept swiped cards, tap payments, online payments, digital invoices, keyed-in payments, and set up paid appointments 100% online for clients to book your services.

So, you’re covered regardless of how and where you sell.

On top of that, Square is an industry leader in hardware. From an all-inclusive digital register and a full-fledged POS system to a handheld card reader for your phone, you get access to everything you need.

Plus, you can get your first mobile card reader for free.

All you have to do is install the Square app, plug the card reader into your charging port or headphone jack, select the amount you want to charge, and swipe the card.

Furthermore, there’s not much of a learning curve for you, your staff, or your customers, even if you need a robust setup. So, you don’t have to worry about spending days or weeks learning something new.

Plus, you get access to a ton of features, including:

• Store payment details on file
• Send custom invoices
• Free transfers in 1-2 business days
• Simple refunds
• Dispute management
• Fraud protection
• PCI compliance
• Customization

While Square is free to use, you pay a small amount based on usage through processing fees applied to each transaction. Essentially, it’s a pay-as-you-go service with your payments automatically taken out of each transaction.

Square POS starts at 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction.

Online transactions are 2.9% + $0.20. However, card-not-present transactions, on-file transactions, and keyed transactions are subject to higher rates. 

Sign up for a free account to get started today!

#4 – Helcim — Best For Easily Growing Your Small Business

Did you know that Helcim has credit and debit card processing solutions designed for small businesses? Selling online, in-person, over the phone, or sending invoices, Helcim can accommodate your needs.

In addition to processing payments on the back end, Helcim provides you with the hardware required to accept payments at your storefronts. 

The Helcim card reader can process swipe, chip, tap, and PIN payments.

Small businesses in the following industries are all viable candidates for Helcim’s solutions:

• Retail
• Wholesalers
• Food and beverage
• Online sellers
• Professional services
• Software and apps
• Contractors
• Beauty and wellness
• Healthcare

Helcim offers volume discounts, deposits in 1-2 business days, and no extra fees for PCI. Chargeback fees are just $15, and Helcim will reimburse the fee if you win the dispute. 

Transactional fees are based on monthly volume and payment methods.

#5 – PaymentCloud — Best For High Risk Industries

PaymentCloud isn’t the most popular or well-recognized name in the credit card processing industry. But for merchants in high-risk categories that are struggling to get approved by other processors, PaymentCloud could be your saving grace. 

From small businesses to Fortune 100 enterprises, thousands of high-risk merchants across the country trust PaymentCloud.

Some examples of the high-risk industries served by PaymentCloud include:

• Digital downloads
• Guns and firearms
• Credit repair
• Debt consolidation
• Adult businesses
• Vaping and e-cigarette
• SEO and SEM services
• CBD and hemp
• Cigars and tobacco
• Sports betting
• Web design
• SaaS

PaymentCloud has POS systems, mobile terminals, virtual terminals, and ecommerce shopping cart solutions. If you’re a high-risk merchant, this will be the best option for you to consider. 

#6 – Stripe — Best For Ecommerce Credit Card Processing

Stripe is an online payment processing company designed for ecommerce websites and online businesses. If you want to get paid online, Stripe will be the best option for you.

It’s a top solution for subscription-based services, on-demand marketplaces, traditional ecommerce shops, and crowdfunding platforms. 

Millions of businesses across 120+ countries use Stripe to process payments online. It’s trusted by startups, as well as larger organizations like Microsoft, Salesforce, Zillow, Slack, Expedia, and Spotify. 

Stripe is a developer-friendly payment processor. By eliminating the complexity surrounding the Stripe API, you can get up and running in a matter of minutes. The solution is robust, scalable, and fully flexible to meet your unique needs.

If you’re not a developer, you can simply use a partner app to get started; no coding required.

Stripe’s processing rates start at 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. 

It’s worth noting that the processor does have solutions for in-person sales as well. However, the ability to process payments online is Stripe’s standout service. 

#7 – Dharma Merchant Services — Best For B2B Merchants

Dharma Merchant Services has credit card processing solutions for retail storefronts, restaurants, and B2B organizations. But this merchant provider is best known for its B2B services. 

With Dharma, your B2B will benefit from Level 2 and Level 3 credit card processing capabilities. Merchants with B2B MCC’s (merchant category codes) will access lower interchange rates.

B2Bs that process more than $100k per month will be eligible for even more savings with high-volume discounts. Large ticket processing discounts are also available for B2Bs using Dharma.

All new Dharma merchant accounts include:

• Online reporting
• Virtual terminal
• Mobile processing
• Customer payment links
• Customer database with credit card storage

There are no long term contracts, and next-day funding is available for card-present merchants. 

For B2Bs that want transparent pricing, 24-hour tech support, exceptional service, and access to the lowest processing rates, Dharma Merchant Services will be a top choice for you to consider. 

#8 – QuickBooks Payments — Best For Online Invoicing

QuickBooks is best known for its bookkeeping and accounting software. But the company also has solutions for credit card processing.

If your small business is already using QuickBooks for accounting, QuickBooks Payments should be on your radar. This payment processing service allows you to get paid faster for online invoices.

With QuickBooks Payments, it’s easier for your clients to pay directly online when they receive your invoice. This is much more convenient than writing a check. 

You can also get paid by phone, on-the-go with a mobile card reader, and set up recurring payments for repeat customers. 

Here’s a look at the QuickBooks Payments processing rates:

• ACH Transfers — 1% ($10 max)
• Swiped — 2.4% + $0.25 per transaction
• Invoiced — 2.9% + $0.25 per transaction
• Keyed — 3.4% + $0.25 per transaction

Merchants processing more than $7,500 per month can save up to 40% with volume discount pricing. 

#9 – PayPal — Best For Low Volume Processing

PayPal is a name that we’re all familiar with. I’m sure the vast majority of you have used PayPal to send or receive money at one point or another. Maybe you’ve even used it as a secure way to pay for something online.

But PayPal is also an excellent way for low volume merchants to accept credit card payments online. 

PayPal does offer POS solutions for in-person payments with a PayPal card reader. But it’s definitely a better option for selling online.

PayPal supports recurring payments, subscriptions, invoices, estimates, and selling via social media. You can also give your customers the ability to pay over time with installments. 

With the PayPal virtual terminal, you can accept payments over the phone as well. 

Online transaction rates in the US cost 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. It’s not the cheapest rate on the market, but will be fine for low-volume processing. 

#10 – Payline — Best For Medical Practices

Payline is a credit card processing company that supports a wide range of business types and industries. With that said, they are an industry leader for processing medical transactions.

Add an additional layer of security to your payment processing solution with HIPAA compliant software, devices, and virtual terminals with Payline.

The processor seamlessly integrates with your medical practice. The virtual terminal and reporting dashboard sync in real-time. You’ll benefit from a centralized billing solution with unlimited users and an administrative hierarchy. 

Payline has mobile readers, apps, countertop devices, and card-not-present solutions. This processor offers special rates for businesses in the medical field. 

In addition to medical practices, Payline has solutions for nonprofits and high-risk merchants. They also offer business loans, which you might want to leverage down the road.

Methodology For Choosing The Best Credit Card Processing Company

How can you find the best credit card processing company for you? This is the methodology that we used to narrow down the top picks on our list. 

Take these factors into consideration as you’re evaluating prospective options.

Your Industry

Every merchant is assigned a merchant category code (MCC) when they sign up for credit card processing. This code impacts your interchange fees and other factors associated with accepting credit cards.

Some processing companies specialize in specific merchant solutions, such as B2Bs, medical practices, or high-risk industries. 

Online and In-Person Security Measures

Fraud is a massive problem for businesses that accept payments online.

Card-not-present fraud is increasingly common for online stores and fighting fraudulent charges gets expensive if it happens a lot.

Some providers have built-in tools to help detect fraud and decline suspicious activity before it happens to help protect your business.

Furthermore, you should choose a credit card processing company that helps protect your customer’s information when they enter it online with end-to-end data encryption.

There are also inherent risks with in-person transactions as well, with the rise of tap payments and online wallets.

Protecting your business and your customers isn’t something to take lightly, and it’s paramount that your credit card processing company goes to great lengths to do so.

Your Processing Volume

If you process a high volume of payments every month, you may qualify for discounted processing rates.

However, it depends on the processing company you choose.

Those discounted rates may come with a higher monthly fee, but the money you save in transaction fees will more than makeup for your added monthly expenses.

On the other hand, low processing volumes typically equal higher processing rates.

In this case, the processing company has to charge more to actually make money since you’re handling a small number of transactions.

Unfortunately, it’s standard across the industry. But you may be able to find slightly cheaper rates, depending on your needs and the provider you decide to go with.

Pricing Structure

Every provider on this list has to pay interchange fees imposed by credit card networks. However, the markups on top of those fees vary depending on the company you choose.

Some processors charge a low flat rate, such as $0.06 or $0.08 per transaction on top of the interchange fee. But to access these “wholesale” type prices, you’ll have to pay a monthly subscription.

In most cases, it’s well worth paying these monthly fees to access better transaction rates.

Other processing companies don’t charge a monthly fee, but you’ll have to pay higher transactional fees. 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction is the industry standard and most “free” credit card processors offer similar rates. 

Aside from transaction fees, it’s not uncommon for providers to charge setup fees, early termination fees, and equipment usage or rental fees.

So, make sure you read all the fine print before making any decisions.

Accepted Payment Methods

Not all credit card processors accept every major credit card. Most do, but some don’t, so it’s important to make sure you choose a provider that does.

On top of that, you may want to consider whether you can accept gift cards, PayPal payments, online wallets, and other payment methods. Credit cards aren’t the only way people pay, so you should pay close attention to the types of payments you can accept with any given provider.

The last thing you want is to have to turn customers away because you can’t process their credit cards or their preferred payment method.

Hardware and Software

How are you going to accept credit card payments? 

If you’re selling in-person, you need card readers, terminals, and POS solutions. If you’re selling online, you need a shopping cart solution. Merchants taking orders over the phone need a virtual terminal. 

Make sure that the processing company you’re considering has the right software and hardware to accommodate your business model.

Summary

Every business needs a credit card processing company to accept debit and credit cards.

What’s the best credit card processing company on the market today? Stax is our top recommendations. But there are plenty of other choices to consider, based on the factors and methodology described above. 

Use this guide to find the best credit card processor for your business.