The 25 Best Cheapest Credit Card Processing Services, Reviewed & Ranked for 2025
The Top 10 Cheapest Credit Card Processing Services
Let’s see the top picks for the best cheapest credit card processing providers before moving on to the details:
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As a retailer, you know credit card processing fees are a silent profit killer. The right provider can mean the difference between a healthy margin and a slow bleed—especially if you’re dealing with high-volume sales, in-person transactions, or the joys of ecommerce.
I’ve been on the hook for every line item, from inventory to international shipping, so I know exactly how much those “small” fees add up.
This guide is for business owners who want to stop overpaying for payment processing and start getting real value from their credit card processor. I’ve cut through the marketing noise, compared the top companies, and flagged the real-world pros, cons, and pricing structures.
Need expert help selecting the right service?
You’ll find a shortlist of the best credit card processing providers for small business, in-person, and online payments, plus a breakdown of what each company actually delivers.
Whether you’re looking to lower rates, avoid hidden fees, or just get a straight answer on monthly fees and contract terms, you’re in the right place.
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Comparing the Best Cheapest Credit Card Processing Services, Side-by-Side
If you want the quick version, here’s a side-by-side look at the top cheapest credit card processing providers. This table breaks down the core use case, trial details, and pricing for each company—so you can spot the best fit for your business at a glance.
| Service | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for online retailers | Free demo available | From $25/month (2.9% + 30¢ per transaction) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for B2B transactions | Free demo available on request | Pricing available upon request | Website | |
| 3 | Best for small businesses | Free app download available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 4 | Best for high-risk industries | Free consultation available on request | Pricing available upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for global transactions | Free demo available | From £17.95 to £49.99/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for cloud-based solutions | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for mobile payments | Free demo available | From $25/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for low transaction fees | Trial information not available | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for recurring payments | Free demo available | From 1% + £/€0.20 per transaction | Website | |
| 10 | Best for ethical businesses | Trial information not available | From $25/month and 0.15% + 8¢ | Website |
The 10 Best & Cheapest Credit Card Processing Services, Reviewed
Ready to dig deeper? Below you’ll find my detailed reviews of each shortlisted provider. I break down what each company actually offers, who they’re best for, and the real pros and cons—so you can make a smart, cost-effective choice for your payment processing.
Authorize.Net offers payment gateway services that let businesses accept credit cards, e-checks, and other payment types online and over the phone. Its core focus is helping ecommerce stores, nonprofits, and service providers manage online credit card transactions.
Why I picked Authorize.Net: It supports online payments with built-in fraud detection and recurring billing tools that work well for subscription-based businesses. You can set up checkout pages quickly and take payments on your site or through a virtual terminal. It's a solid option if your team needs a way to accept credit card payments online without building custom integrations.
Standout Services: Customer information manager helps you securely store customer payment details, so repeat buyers can check out faster without re-entering their info. Advanced fraud detection suite lets you set rules to flag or block suspicious transactions, helping reduce chargebacks and risky payments.
Target industries: ecommerce, nonprofit, professional services, healthcare, and education.
Specialties: Recurring billing, fraud detection, virtual terminal payments, tokenized customer data, and invoice management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Lets you accept phone orders
- Good for recurring payments
- Works with many shopping carts
Cons:
- Old-looking user dashboard
- Some features require coding
EBizCharge provides credit card processing services built for companies that invoice or manage payments through accounting, ERP, or CRM systems. Its tools are mainly used by B2B companies that need to simplify how they collect and apply payments.
Why I picked EBizCharge: You can integrate payments directly into tools like QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Sage without needing extra steps. It offers level 2 and 3 processing to help you lower interchange fees on B2B transactions. Your team can manage invoicing and payment collection right inside the systems you already use.
Standout Services: ERP and accounting software integrations let you accept and apply payments from within platforms your team already uses, which saves time and cuts down on entry errors. Level 2 and level 3 processing helps reduce interchange fees for business and government cards, making it more cost-effective for high-volume B2B payments.
Target industries: Manufacturing, wholesale, distribution, professional services, and logistics.
Specialties: Accounting software integration, erp integration, level 3 processing, invoice payments, and data tokenization.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports many legacy business tools
- Easy to apply payments to invoices
- Works inside erp and accounting systems
Cons:
- Interface can feel outdated
- Setup takes longer than average
Payanywhere provides credit card processing tools for in-person and mobile payments, with built-in hardware and software designed for small business needs. It mainly serves local retailers, contractors, and service providers who need fast, simple ways to take payments.
Why I picked Payanywhere: It offers simple pricing and free hardware with no monthly fee, which works well if you're starting small. You can use the mobile app to take payments anywhere and view sales in real time. Your team can accept cards, send invoices, and track transactions without needing extra software.
Standout Services: Mobile point of sale app lets you accept payments from your phone or tablet and manage inventory, which makes it useful if you move between job sites or events. Virtual terminal allows you to take card-not-present payments from any internet-connected device, helping you handle orders over the phone or by invoice.
Target industries: Retail, home services, food and beverage, health and wellness, and personal services.
Specialties: Mobile payments, in-person sales, invoice billing, basic reporting, and inventory tracking.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Can use on phone or tablet
- Mobile app includes sales reports
- Simple flat-rate pricing model
Cons:
- Limited custom reporting tools
- App sometimes freezes during use
Leaders Merchant Services provides credit card processing solutions to businesses that often face restrictions from traditional payment processors. It mainly works with small to midsize businesses in industries considered high risk.
Why I picked Leaders Merchant Services: It offers custom solutions for industries that other providers won’t support. You can get access to card processing, virtual terminals, and fraud tools tailored for riskier business models. Your team gets a way to accept payments even when other processors say no.
Standout Services: High-risk merchant accounts allow you to process payments even if your business is in a flagged industry, helping you stay operational without relying on third-party tools. Virtual terminal access gives you the option to take phone and keyed-in payments securely from any computer, which is helpful for remote or service-based teams.
Target industries: Tobacco, CBD, travel, adult services, and ecommerce.
Specialties: High-risk merchant accounts, virtual terminal access, chargeback support, recurring billing, and fraud tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Helps with chargeback response options
- Offers phone-based and online payments
- Works with many high-risk business types
Cons:
- Contracts can be long and complex
- Reports of pushy sales tactics
Worldpay provides credit card and payment processing services for businesses of all sizes, with tools to accept payments in-store, online, and across borders. It mainly supports international businesses, ecommerce platforms, and retailers handling multi-currency transactions.
Why I picked Worldpay: You can accept payments in multiple currencies and regions using one platform. It also offers built-in currency conversion and localized payment options to help with cross-border sales. If you're selling globally, your team can manage international payments without juggling multiple vendors.
Standout Services: Multi-currency settlement lets you accept and settle payments in over 135 currencies, helping you cut conversion fees and get more control over how you manage global funds. Local payment methods allow your customers to use region-specific payment options, which can help reduce cart abandonment and support smoother checkouts across markets.
Target industries: ecommerce, retail, travel, hospitality, and education.
Specialties: Cross-border payments, currency conversion, fraud protection, recurring billing, and checkout optimization.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Helps with chargeback reporting
- Custom checkout for different regions
- Handles over 100 currencies
Cons:
- Account holds can be sudden
- Long-term contracts required
Versapay provides credit card processing and accounts receivable automation services, focusing on enhancing the invoice-to-cash process for businesses. They serve a wide range of clients, from small to large enterprises, looking to improve cash flow management and reduce overdue invoices.
Why I picked Versapay: Versapay stands out with its cloud-based solutions that integrate seamlessly with various ERP systems, allowing your team to manage payments across multiple sales channels efficiently. Their AI-driven cash application automates invoicing, reducing manual efforts and enhancing accuracy. This approach makes it an excellent choice for businesses aiming to optimize payment processing and improve operational efficiency.
Standout Services: Versapay offers digital invoicing, which simplifies the billing process and improves payment speed, reducing overdue invoices. Their account updater service automatically refreshes expired credit card information, enhancing customer satisfaction and minimizing payment disruptions.
Target industries: Retail, manufacturing, distribution, technology, and financial services.
Specialties: Credit card processing, accounts receivable automation, digital invoicing, ERP integration, and payment network connectivity.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Enhanced customer satisfaction
- AI-driven cash application
- Seamless ERP integration
Cons:
- Complex integration for some users
- May require technical setup
Elavon provides merchant services and payment processing solutions, focusing on in-person, online, and contactless payments. They primarily serve industries like restaurants, retail, and healthcare. Their main client base includes businesses of all sizes looking for secure and efficient payment transactions.
Why I picked Elavon: Elavon is distinct for its mobile payment solutions, making it ideal for businesses needing flexibility in payment processing. Their focus on fast processing and advanced data protection aligns with this USP. You can rely on their 24/7 customer support to address any issues that arise with mobile transactions.
Standout Services: Elavon introduces paze, a digital wallet that consolidates eligible cards into one secure platform, simplifying online checkout. Their customized reporting tools offer valuable insights into transaction data, helping your team make informed decisions.
Target industries: Restaurants, retail, healthcare, hospitality, and financial services.
Specialties: In-person payments, online payments, contactless payments, payment gateways, and security compliance.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 24/7 customer support
- Advanced data protection
- Fast payment processing
Cons:
- Complex setup for some users
- May require contract commitments
Clearly Payments offers credit card processing and merchant account services, focusing on industries such as retail, healthcare, and ecommerce. Their main client base includes businesses seeking transparent pricing and low transaction fees.
Why I picked Clearly Payments: Clearly Payments differentiates itself with its low transaction fees and transparent pricing model. They offer a membership plan with wholesale rates, which helps your team save on processing costs. The absence of locked-in contracts further allows flexibility for businesses, enhancing their appeal in cost-sensitive markets.
Standout Services: Clearly Payments provides payment terminals that support various transaction types, including mobile payments, which cater to diverse business needs. Their virtual terminals allow your team to process payments without physical hardware, making it ideal for remote or online transactions.
Target industries: Retail, healthcare, ecommerce, hospitality, and non-profits.
Specialties: Credit card processing, merchant accounts, payment terminals, virtual terminals, and mobile payment processing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Fast deposit times
- No locked-in contracts
- Transparent pricing model
Cons:
- Dependent on network availability
- May require setup for virtual terminals
GoCardless offers services for collecting ACH and international bank payments, focusing on automating payment collections for businesses. They serve a wide range of clients, from small businesses to large enterprises, making them ideal for those requiring efficient and cost-effective payment solutions.
Why I picked GoCardless: GoCardless excels in handling recurring payments, providing businesses with a reliable way to automate billing cycles. Their ACH Pull payment system reduces costs by eliminating credit card fees and supports international transactions. You can easily integrate their platform with your existing software, simplifying the payment process for your team.
Standout Services: GoCardless provides intelligent payment retries, which help recover approximately 70% of failed payments, reducing the hassle of missed transactions. Their online dashboard offers a user-friendly interface to manage payments and integrate with software like Zuora and Xero.
Target industries: Subscription services, utilities, education, finance, and non-profits.
Specialties: ACH payments, international payments, recurring billing, payment automation, and integration support.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automates billing cycles
- Easy software integration
- Supports international payments
Cons:
- No credit card processing
- Limited to bank payments
Dharma Merchant Services offers credit card processing solutions tailored to industries such as ecommerce, healthcare, and hospitality. They focus on providing user-friendly and secure transactions with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Their main client base includes businesses looking for ethical and socially responsible payment processing options.
Why I picked Dharma Merchant Services: Dharma Merchant Services differentiates itself with its interchange-plus pricing model, ensuring transparency and no long-term contracts. Their commitment to social responsibility and customer satisfaction is evident through features like 24-hour tech support and next-day funding for card-present transactions. This makes them an ideal choice for businesses that value ethical operations and straightforward pricing.
Standout Services: Dharma Merchant Services offers surcharging options that allow businesses to pass payment processing fees to customers, helping to reduce costs. Their MX Merchant platform provides tools like virtual terminals and online reporting, enabling efficient payment management and mobile processing.
Target industries: ecommerce, healthcare, hospitality, B2B, and non-profits.
Specialties: Credit card processing, virtual terminals, online reporting, mobile processing, and surcharging options.
Other Cheapest Credit Card Processing
Here are some additional cheapest credit card processing providers that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Global Payments
For large enterprises
- BlueSnap
For subscription services
- Swipesum
For payment consulting
- Square
For small businesses
- Helcim
For transparent pricing
- Stripe
For online payment integration
- PayPal
For international transactions
- Merchant One
For high-risk merchants
- Payment Depot
For membership pricing
- NetSuite Payment Processing
For ERP integration
- Stax
For subscription businesses
- Shopify POS
For retail integration
- ProMerchant
For personalized service
- Clover
For customizable hardware
- Payline Data
For flexible payment options
Our Selection Criteria For Cheapest Credit Card Processing Providers
Not all credit card processing companies are created equal—and picking the wrong one can cost you more than just a few extra basis points. Here’s the framework I used to separate the real contenders from the also-rans.
Each provider was scored on what matters for retail and ecommerce operators: core functionality, standout features, onboarding, support, value, and real customer feedback.
Core functionality (25% of total score)
To cut, a provider had to deliver the basics every business needs:
- Payment processing solutions. Handles credit and debit card transactions reliably.
- Payment gateway integration. Connects your online store or POS system to the payment networks.
- Security and fraud prevention. Keeps your business PCI-compliant and your customers’ data safe.
- Mobile payment acceptance. Lets you take payments anywhere, not just at the counter.
- Customer support access. Real help when you need it, not just a chatbot.
Additional standout features (25% of total score)
I gave extra points for companies that go beyond the basics:
- Customizable reporting tools. Gives you real insight into your sales and processing costs.
- Automated billing solutions. Saves time and reduces manual errors.
- International payment support. Handles multiple currencies and cross-border transactions.
- Loyalty program integration. Helps you keep customers coming back.
- Advanced analytics features. Lets you spot trends and optimize your payment strategy.
Usability (10% of total score)
You shouldn’t need a PhD to get paid. I looked for:
- Simple setup and onboarding. Fast, clear, and with minimal headaches.
- User-friendly interface. Easy to navigate, even for non-techies.
- Clear training materials. So your team isn’t left guessing.
Onboarding (10% of total score)
Getting started should be painless:
- Dedicated onboarding support. Real people to walk you through setup.
- Speed of implementation. No endless waiting for approvals or hardware.
- Helpful documentation. Answers to common questions up front.
Customer support (10% of total score)
When things go sideways, support matters:
- 24/7 availability. You need help on your schedule, not theirs.
- Multiple support channels. Phone, email, chat—take your pick.
- Responsive service team. Fast, knowledgeable, and helpful.
Value for price (10% of total score)
It’s not just about the lowest rate—it’s about what you get for your money:
- Transparent pricing structure. No hidden fees or gotchas.
- Competitive transaction fees. Lower rates for your sales volume.
- Tiered or flexible pricing. Options that fit your business model.
Customer reviews (10% of total score)
Finally, I checked what real online business owners are saying:
- Overall satisfaction ratings. Consistent positive feedback.
- Common strengths and complaints. Patterns that matter.
- Feedback on reliability and support. How the provider performs when it counts.
What are Cheap Credit Card Processing Providers?
Cheap credit card processing providers are companies that help businesses accept credit and debit card payments while keeping transaction fees as low as possible.
These companies offer essentials like payment gateway integration, mobile and in-person payment options, virtual terminals, and fraud protection—so you can process payments efficiently without getting gouged by hidden fees.
Small businesses, ecommerce retailers, and service providers use these companies to reduce processing costs and keep more of every sale.
How to Choose the Best Cheap Credit Card Processing Provider
Picking a credit card processing provider for your small biz is a business decision, not a guessing game. Skip the marketing noise and zero in on the factors that actually impact your day-to-day: transparent pricing, contract terms you can live with, and support that’s there when you need it—not just when you’re signing up.
Here’s how to evaluate your options like an operator, not a sales target:
| Factor | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Business fit | Does the provider support your sales model (in-person, ecommerce, mobile)? Are they familiar with your industry? | The right fit means fewer headaches, faster onboarding, and no surprises when you scale or add new channels. |
| Pricing structure | Is the fee structure clear—flat-rate, interchange-plus, tiered, or subscription? Are there hidden fees or minimums? | Transparent, predictable pricing helps you plan and keeps more money in your pocket. |
| Support and service | Is real support available 24/7? Can you reach a real human, not just a chatbot? | When something breaks, you need a fix—not a form letter. |
| Integration and setup | Will it plug into your existing POS, ecommerce platform, or accounting tools without extra hassle? | Seamless integration means less downtime and no double entry. |
| Security and compliance | Are they PCI compliant? Do they offer real fraud prevention tools? | Protect your business from chargebacks, fraud, and data breaches—before they become disasters. |
| Contract flexibility | Are you locked into a long-term contract, or can you leave if the provider isn’t delivering? | Flexibility gives you leverage and keeps providers accountable. |
Key Services to Expect from Cheap Credit Card Processing Providers
If a cheap credit card processing provider can’t deliver on these essentials, they’re just a line item waiting to bite you later. Here’s what you should expect from any company worth your business:
- Payment gateway integration. Securely connects your ecommerce site or POS system to the payment networks—no DIY hacks required.
- Mobile payment acceptance. Lets you take card payments anywhere, whether you’re behind the counter or out at a pop-up.
- Virtual terminal access. Process payments from any computer—handy for phone orders, invoices, or remote sales.
- Security and fraud prevention. Keeps your business PCI-compliant and helps you spot or stop fraud before it’s your problem.
- Recurring billing support. Automates payments for subscriptions or memberships, so you’re not chasing down invoices.
- Customizable reporting tools. Real-time insights into sales, fees, and trends—so you know where your money’s going.
- International payment support. Accepts multiple currencies and cross-border payments if you’re selling beyond your zip code.
- Customer support access. Real people available by phone, chat, or email—not just a help center FAQ.
- Transparent pricing model. Clear rates and fees, with no gotchas buried in the fine print.
- Loyalty program integration. Lets you reward repeat customers and boost retention without juggling another vendor.
Benefits of Choosing a Cheap Credit Card Processing Provider
The right cheap credit card processing provider does more than just shave a few points off your fees—they give you real leverage to run a smarter, leaner business. Here’s what you should get out of the deal:
- Lower transaction costs. Keep more of every sale instead of watching profits evaporate in fees.
- More payment options. Accept cards, mobile wallets, and online payments—meet customers where they want to pay.
- Improved cash flow. Faster deposits and reliable recurring billing mean you’re not left waiting on your own money.
- Stronger security. Built-in PCI compliance and fraud prevention tools help you avoid chargebacks and data breaches.
- Actionable reporting. Real-time insights into sales, costs, and trends—so you can make decisions with facts, not guesses.
- Better customer experience. Easy checkouts and loyalty program integration keep shoppers coming back.
- No hidden fees or gotchas. Transparent pricing means fewer surprises and no nickel-and-diming.
- Scalability. Add new locations, channels, or sales volume without renegotiating your whole setup.
Cost and Pricing Structures of Cheap Credit Card Processing Providers
Pricing is the difference between a provider that quietly eats your margin and one that actually helps you grow. Cheap credit card processing providers use a handful of pricing structures, each with its own tradeoffs.
If you want to avoid sticker shock, you need to know what you’re signing up for—and how it fits your sales volume, payment mix, and business model.
| Pricing structure | How it works | Pros | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat-rate | One fixed percentage per transaction, regardless of card type. | Simple, predictable, easy to compare. | Small businesses, low volume |
| Interchange-plus | Passes through the card network’s rate, plus a fixed markup. | Transparent, often lowest cost at scale. | High-volume or growth retailers |
| Tiered pricing | Transactions bucketed into “qualified,” “mid-qualified,” and “non.” | Can look cheap, but often hides real costs. | Businesses needing flexibility |
| Subscription | Monthly fee for access to wholesale rates, plus per-transaction. | Great for high volume, clear monthly cost. | Multi-location, scaling ops |
| Pay-as-you-go | No monthly fee, just pay per transaction. | No commitment, good for unpredictable sales. | Seasonal or pop-up businesses |
Key factors that influence your processing costs
Don’t just look at the headline rate—real-world costs depend on a handful of variables. Here’s what actually moves the needle for cheap credit card processing:
- Sales volume. Higher volumes can unlock lower per-transaction rates (and more negotiating power).
- Business type and risk profile. High-risk industries (CBD, adult, travel) often pay more, no matter what the ad says.
- Payment mix. Swiped, dipped, keyed, or online—all have different fee structures.
- Integration needs. Custom POS, ecommerce, or accounting integrations can add costs or require premium plans.
- Contract terms. Watch for early termination fees, minimums, or auto-renewals that can bite if you need to switch.
- Chargebacks and fraud rates. More disputes mean higher fees—and some providers penalize more than others.
Bottom line: Always get a custom quote, read the fine print for add-ons, and run the math based on your actual sales—not just the “starting at” price.
FAQs About Cheap Credit Card Processing Providers
Let’s get into the common questions that we assume you may still have after reading this post.
How do I know if a cheap credit card processing provider is actually reliable?
Don’t just chase the lowest rate—look for providers with a track record in your industry, clear contract terms, and real customer support.
Read recent reviews, ask about uptime guarantees, and make sure you can reach a human when you need help. If a provider dodges your questions or buries fees in the fine print, keep looking.
What’s the real difference between flat-rate and interchange-plus pricing?
Flat-rate pricing is simple: you pay the same percentage on every transaction, no matter the card. Interchange-plus passes the card network’s wholesale rate to you, plus a fixed markup.
Flat-rate is predictable for low volume or new businesses; interchange-plus is usually cheaper at scale, but you’ll see more line items on your statement.
Are there hidden fees I should watch for with cheap credit card processing companies?
Absolutely. Common “gotchas” include monthly minimums, PCI compliance fees, statement fees, and early termination penalties. Always ask for a full fee schedule in writing and run the numbers based on your actual sales—not just the teaser rate.
Can I use my existing POS or ecommerce platform with a new provider?
Most reputable cheap credit card processing providers offer integrations with major POS systems and ecommerce platforms, but not all do. Double-check compatibility before you sign. If you need custom integration, ask about setup costs and support.
How fast will I get my money after a sale?
Most providers deposit funds within one to two business days, but this can vary based on your sales volume, risk profile, and the provider’s policies.
Ask about funding timelines up front—especially if cash flow is tight or you’re running high-volume transactions.
What happens if I need to switch providers later?
You can switch, but watch for contract lock-ins, cancellation fees, and the hassle of re-integrating your systems. Before you move, make sure your new provider can handle your current setup and that you have a clear exit plan from your old one.
Flexibility up front saves headaches down the road.
Don’t Let Credit Card Processing Fees Eat Your Lunch
Cheap credit card processing providers are about keeping more of your hard-earned cash in your own register, not someone else’s.
The right provider will let you take credit card payments anywhere, keep your fees predictable, and help you avoid the “surprise! you owe us more” moments that can kill your bottom line.
If you’ve read this far, you’re clearly not the type to hand over your wallet without checking the bill first.
Remember: in the world of credit card processing, the only thing that should be getting swiped is the customer’s card—not your profits. Choose a provider that fits your business, read the fine print, and don’t be afraid to negotiate.
The only thing you should be overpaying for is your morning coffee.
If you're in the process of researching cheapest credit card processing services, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.
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