Accepting credit card payments requires a reliable processor. We've thoroughly researched and analyzed small business credit card processors to help them choose. Our priorities were cost efficiency, user-friendliness, customer support, and other essential features.

Clover

Clover is a top choice for businesses seeking a reliable small-business credit card processor, particularly those requiring specialized POS (Point of Sale) systems. With a starting monthly fee of just USD 14.95 (CAD 20.14), Clover offers a direct subscription flat rate, making it easy to manage expenses.

The transaction costs are competitive, starting from 2.3% plus USD 0.10 (CAD 0.13) per transaction. This pricing structure is attractive for businesses seeking cost-effective credit card processing solutions.

Several benefits, including competitive transaction fees and round-the-clock customer support, bolster the decision to choose Clover. Notably, there are no fees for canceling the service. However, it's important to note some limitations, such as the daily cap on instant transfers and the requirement to use Clover's merchant account for the POS to function.

Clover is highly recommended for businesses prioritizing specialized POS needs and seeking a credit card processor that offers a blend of affordability and quality service.

Stripe

Established in 2010, Stripe swiftly became a leading small business credit card processor, especially for e-commerce and app-based sales. Stripe's pricing is transparent: there's no monthly fee, and charges a flat rate for transactions. For instance, in-person payments cost 2.7% + CAD 0.05 per transaction, while online and keyed-in payments have slightly different rates.

Its broad acceptance of payment types sets Stripe apart in the credit card processing sector. It supports mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay and international options like Alipay and WeChat Pay. Additionally, Stripe accommodates ACH debit, ACH credit, and wire transfers, charging an affordable 0.8% fee, capped at $5.

Stripe's integration with significant e-commerce and accounting platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, and Xero, enhances its business utility. With options for instant payouts and comprehensive 24/7 support, Stripe is a versatile and reliable choice for small businesses seeking to accept a diverse range of credit card and mobile wallet payments.

Square

Square emerges as a leading small business credit card processor for businesses prioritizing mobile transactions. Launched in 2009, Square revolutionized credit card processing for small companies with its user-friendly system. It provides a free mobile credit card reader and POS software for instant mobile, in-store, and online payment processing.

Square's flat rate for various transactions makes it easy for businesses. Online and keyed-in significant credit card transactions have different rates than in-person transactions, which are 2.65%. Square doesn't charge startup, refund, cancellation, or PCI-compliance fees, which appeals to small businesses.

In addition to mobile solutions, Square offers hardware for various businesses and upgraded plans with loyalty programs, marketing tools, and inventory management. Square offers 24/7 phone support for paid accounts, weekday support for free accounts, and an extensive online resource library. Small businesses that value quick setup and predictable processing fees should use Square as their credit card processor.

Payment Depot

Unlike other credit card processors for small business, Payment Depot adopts a unique subscription interchange-plus model. This approach involves a flat fee per transaction plus the interchange rate, which can lead to substantial savings for businesses with high credit card transaction volumes.

The monthly fees begin at USD 79 (CAD 106), designed for annual transaction volumes up to $250,000. The per-transaction fees are attractively low, ranging from $0.7 to USD 0.15 ($0.9 to CAD 0.20) and the interchange rate. There's room to negotiate these fees for businesses with larger transaction volumes.

Payment Depot ensures transparency with no hidden or cancellation fees. Moreover, the quick access to funds, typically within 24 to 48 hours, and the availability of diverse terminals and POS systems with 24/7 customer support make it an appealing option.

This service is ideal for businesses seeking low interchange-plus rates without built-in POS or sales management software.

Stax

Stax, previously known as Fattmerchant, is a standout choice among credit card processors for small busines, particularly for high-volume sellers. This company's subscription-based model costs $99 monthly (about CAD 133.35). Your monthly credit card processors for small busines processing volume determine this fee, ensuring a custom fit for your business.

Stax offers transaction costs from $0.3 to USD 0.10 (or $0.4 to CAD 0.13) in addition to the interchange rate. This structure appeals to high-volume transaction businesses. In addition to payment processing, Stax offers software. These $49–USD 129 (or $66–CAD 173) monthly plans include dashboards, ACH processing, and advanced reporting tools.

Stax offers customizable countertop terminals, POS system integration, and business tools. This credit card processor is ideal for those seeking a solution with low interchange-plus fees, management tools, and support.

PayPal

PayPal has been a prominent name among small business credit card processors since its inception in 1998. It's an excellent choice for small businesses seeking a precise and efficient credit card processing solution, especially those with lower monthly sales volumes. With PayPal, there are no monthly fees, which makes it accessible for businesses just starting.

Processing fees are 2.90% plus $0.30 per Canadian dollar per transaction. PayPal merchant accounts can be set up in minutes. Businesses benefit from PayPal's flexibility, which lets them accept PayPal accounts, QR codes, subscriptions, and cryptocurrency.

PayPal integrates with many e-commerce and accounting platforms, including Shopify, QuickBooks, and WooCommerce. This makes it a great credit card processor for small businesses that need a simple but flexible payment system. PayPal is easy to use and accepts many payment methods, making it a good choice for businesses.

Helcim

Helcim, a small business credit card processor, offers interchange-plus pricing with no setup, monthly, or cancellation fees. Volume-based discounts on Helcim's transaction costs appeal to businesses with high monthly processing volumes.

Their pricing suits different business sizes. For transactions up to $50,000, the rate is 0.40% plus $0.8, decreasing with volume. This model helps businesses with varying processing needs pay for what they use.

Helcim's built-in POS, online store, CRM, and online food ordering tool make it stand out for business management. Their easy setup and fast payouts boost their appeal. Phone, email, and a detailed online self-service portal provide robust support without live chat.