The Top 10 Credit Card Processing Services for Small Businesses
Let’s lead with the top picks first, then get into the deets. Here are the best credit card processing providers for small businesses and what they’re good at:
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Credit card processing for small business can make or break your bottom line—and nobody wants surprise transaction fees or a checkout system that leaves customers hanging.
With more than a decade in retail operations and ecommerce marketing, I’ve seen how unclear pricing and clunky payment flows cost businesses time, money, and goodwill. This guide delivers:
- A side-by-side comparison of the top processors for small business
- A clear breakdown of pricing models, transaction fees, and hidden-fee traps
- Real-world advice on matching a processor to your business needs
Read on to find a payment partner that keeps your cash flow healthy and your customers smiling—no surprises allowed.
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Comparing the Best Credit Card Processing Services for Small Businesses, Side-by-Side
Before you dive into the weeds of pricing tiers and feature lists, this chart lays out the essentials at a glance—pricing, trial deets, and ideal use cases—to help you zero in on the processors that match your budget and business needs.
Service | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for restaurants | Free demo available | From $69/month | Website | |
2 | Best for retail stores | Free demo available | From $89/month | Website | |
3 | Best for integration with Chase accounts | Not available | From 2.9% per transaction | Website | |
4 | Best for flexible payment options | Free demo available | From $25/month | Website | |
5 | Best for low transaction fees | Free demo available | From $14.95/month | Website | |
6 | Best for mobile businesses | Free demo available | From 3.25% plus $0.15 per transaction | Website | |
7 | Best for high-risk merchants | Free demo available | From $20/month | Website | |
8 | Best for pay-as-you-go pricing | Free plan available | From $12.95/month | Website | |
9 | Best for ecommerce businesses | Free demo available | From $19/month | Website | |
10 | Best for multichannel payments | Free demo available | From $0.13/transaction | Website |
The 10 Best Credit Card Processing Providers for Small Businesses, Reviewed
Below, you’ll find detailed summaries of each provider on our shortlist. We’re talking fee structures, standout features, and the real pros and cons—grounded in years of watching payment setups make or break small operations.
Toast provides POS and payment processing services tailored specifically for the restaurant industry, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience. They serve various dining establishments, helping manage orders, payments, and overall restaurant operations.
Why I picked Toast: Toast offers a comprehensive suite of tools that cater to the unique needs of restaurants, allowing your team to handle orders and payments efficiently. Their all-in-one platform integrates with kitchen displays and online ordering, reducing manual entry and errors. You can also benefit from real-time reporting, giving you insights into your operations.
Standout Services: Toast offers online ordering, allowing customers to place orders directly from their devices, which can boost sales and enhance convenience. They also provide kitchen display systems that streamline communication between front-of-house and kitchen staff, reducing errors and speeding up service.
Target industries: Restaurants, cafes, bars, food trucks, and catering services.
Specialties: Point of sale systems, online ordering, kitchen display systems, real-time reporting, and integrated payment processing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports online ordering
- Integrated with kitchen displays
- Tailored for restaurant operations
Cons:
- Limited to the restaurant industry
- Pricing details not transparent
Lightspeed offers embedded payment processing services specifically designed for retail businesses, focusing on point-of-sale systems, inventory management, and ecommerce solutions. Their primary client base comprises industries such as retail, restaurants, and golf facilities, offering a comprehensive suite of tools to manage business operations.
Why I picked Lightspeed: Lightspeed focuses on retail businesses, which means your team can benefit from tailored solutions, such as integrated inventory management and ecommerce capabilities. You can easily manage transactions both in-store and online, reducing the need for separate systems. Their advanced marketing tools also help you engage with customers more effectively.
Standout Services: Lightspeed provides 24/7 customer support, ensuring your team has access to assistance whenever needed, which is crucial for businesses operating at different hours. Moreover, their marketing tools enable you to craft targeted campaigns, helping you attract and retain customers effectively.
Target industries: Retail, restaurants, golf, apparel, and electronics.
Specialties: Point of sale systems, inventory management, ecommerce solutions, marketing tools, and 24/7 customer support.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced marketing tools
- Supports both in-store and online
- Integrated inventory management
Cons:
- Setup can be complex
- Pricing details not transparent
Chase Payment Solutions offers secure payment processing services for businesses, with a focus on online and phone transactions. They serve industries like ecommerce and restaurants, offering integrated solutions to streamline payment acceptance.
Why I picked Chase Payment Solutions: Their integration with Chase accounts offers a seamless experience for your team, simplifying financial management. You can use Chase QuickAccept for mobile credit card processing, which ensures flexibility in accepting payments. Additionally, their Authorize.net service supports online payments, making it easier for you to manage transactions.
Standout Services: Chase Payment Solutions provides Chase QuickAccept, which enables businesses to accept credit card payments via mobile devices, providing flexibility for those on the go. They also offer Authorize.net service, supporting online transactions that cater to businesses needing a reliable solution for handling ecommerce payments.
Target industries: Ecommerce, restaurants, retail, healthcare, and professional services.
Specialties: Online payment processing, mobile payment solutions, integration with Chase accounts, customer insights, and online banking tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Secure transaction handling
- Mobile payment options
- Easy integration with Chase accounts
Cons:
- May require Chase account for full benefits
- Pricing details not readily available
Elavon provides a range of credit card processing services, including in-person, online, and mobile payment solutions, catering to diverse business needs. They focus on enhancing business operations for industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
Why I picked Elavon: Elavon’s flexible payment options allow your team to handle transactions securely and efficiently. The Paze digital wallet streamlines online checkouts by consolidating cards into a single, secure platform, enhancing the customer experience. Additionally, their quick funding options help maintain a stable cash flow, making it easier for you to manage your finances.
Standout Services: Elavon offers fraud protection to secure your transactions, reducing risks and ensuring peace of mind for your business. They also provide customized reporting tools that give detailed insights into your transactions, enabling you to make informed business decisions.
Target industries: Retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, and professional services.
Specialties: In-person payments, online payment processing, mobile payment solutions, fraud protection, and customized reporting.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Quick funding availability
- Strong fraud protection
- Flexible payment options
Cons:
- May require contract commitments
- Pricing details not transparent
National Processing offers credit card processing services tailored for small businesses, including in-person and online payment processing, point-of-sale systems, and ACH services. Their main client base includes industries such as retail, ecommerce, and food and beverage.
Why I picked National Processing: They focus on providing low transaction fees, which can be a significant cost-saver for your business. Their transparent pricing structure includes simple monthly fees and competitive transaction rates. You can also rely on their 24/7 US-based customer support, ensuring help is always available when you need it.
Standout Services: National Processing offers ACH services, which enable you to handle electronic checks efficiently, reducing the need for physical checks and streamlining transactions. Their point-of-sale systems are also tailored to various business sizes, making it easier for your team to manage sales and inventory in one place.
Target industries: Retail, ecommerce, food and beverage, health and wellness, and high-risk sectors.
Specialties: In-person payment processing, online payment solutions, ACH services, point-of-sale systems, and 24/7 customer support.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 24/7 customer support
- Transparent pricing
- Low transaction fees
Cons:
- Requires long-term contracts
- Limited international support
SumUp offers mobile card readers and payment processing solutions tailored for small businesses and entrepreneurs on the go. Their services are designed to facilitate easy and secure transactions, catering primarily for mobile enterprises and freelancers.
Why I picked SumUp: SumUp provides portable card readers that allow your team to accept payments anywhere, which is ideal for mobile businesses. With no monthly fees, you only pay a fixed percentage per transaction, making it a cost-effective option. Their straightforward setup process means you can start accepting payments quickly without hassle.
Standout Services: SumUp’s invoicing capabilities allow you to send professional invoices directly from the app, which helps you manage billing efficiently. Their online store feature lets you create a simple ecommerce platform to sell products, extending your reach beyond physical sales.
Target industries: Mobile vendors, freelancers, retail, services, and artisans.
Specialties: Mobile card readers, payment processing, invoicing, online store creation, and app integration.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy setup process
- Portable card readers
- No monthly fees
Cons:
- Transaction fees can add up
- Limited to supported countries
PaymentCloud offers credit card processing solutions tailored for high-risk businesses, providing services such as payment gateways, merchant accounts, and fraud prevention tools. They serve industries that typically face challenges in securing payment processing due to their risk profiles.
Why I picked PaymentCloud: PaymentCloud specializes in providing solutions for high-risk merchants, ensuring your team has access to reliable payment processing services. Their dedicated account managers work with you to find the best-fit solutions for your business needs. With features like chargeback protection, you can minimize financial risks and maintain stable operations.
Standout Services: PaymentCloud offers integrated payment gateways, allowing you to accept multiple forms of payment through a single platform, which simplifies transaction management. Additionally, their chargeback protection services help protect your business from disputes, reducing potential losses and ensuring financial stability.
Target industries: Ecommerce, travel, CBD, nutraceuticals, and adult entertainment.
Specialties: High-risk merchant accounts, fraud prevention, payment gateways, chargeback protection, and dedicated account management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Chargeback protection included
- Dedicated account managers
- Tailored for high-risk businesses
Cons:
- Potentially higher transaction fees
- Pricing details not readily available
PayAnywhere offers mobile and in-store payment processing solutions, catering to small businesses and entrepreneurs who seek flexible payment options. Their services are designed to support various business needs, ranging from POS systems to payment analytics.
Why I picked PayAnywhere: PayAnywhere provides a pay-as-you-go pricing model, which is ideal if your team prefers not to commit to monthly fees. You can benefit from their mobile credit card readers that facilitate transactions on the go. Their detailed payment analytics provide you with insights into sales patterns, enabling you to make informed decisions.
Standout Services: PayAnywhere’s inventory management allows you to track stock levels and manage products efficiently, which is essential for retail businesses. They also offer a virtual terminal feature that will enable you to process payments from any internet-connected device, providing flexibility for remote transactions.
Target industries: Retail, food and beverage, mobile vendors, services, and ecommerce.
Specialties: Mobile payment solutions, point of sale systems, virtual terminal, inventory management, and payment analytics.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed payment analytics
- Mobile credit card readers
- Pay-as-you-go pricing
Cons:
- Basic reporting capabilities
- Limited to supported countries
Shopify Payments offers integrated payment processing services designed specifically for ecommerce businesses operating on the Shopify platform. They focus on providing a simplified payment experience for online stores, allowing companies to manage transactions directly through their Shopify accounts.
Why I picked Shopify Payments: Their integration with your Shopify store ensures a smooth checkout process for your customers. You don't need to set up third-party payment gateways, which saves time and reduces potential errors. Additionally, transaction fees are transparent, helping you better manage your costs.
Standout Services: Shopify Payments provides multi-currency support, enabling your store to accept payments in various currencies, which is particularly beneficial for international sales. They also offer fraud prevention tools that automatically monitor transactions, helping you protect your business from fraudulent activities.
Target industries: Ecommerce, retail, fashion, electronics, and home goods.
Specialties: Online payment processing, integration with Shopify, fraud prevention, multi-currency support, and simplified checkout.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multi-currency support
- Transparent transaction fees
- Direct integration with Shopify
Cons:
- Transaction fees may be high
- Only available on Shopify platform
Adyen provides payment processing solutions across multiple channels, including in-store, online, and mobile, for businesses of all sizes. They focus on helping companies manage transactions globally, offering a unified platform to streamline payment operations.
Why I picked Adyen: Their multichannel payment capabilities allow your team to handle transactions seamlessly across different sales channels. You can integrate their system with your existing platforms, ensuring a consistent customer experience. Their real-time data insights help you understand customer behavior and optimize payment processes.
Standout Services: Adyen offers risk management tools to protect your business from fraudulent activities, providing peace of mind while handling transactions. Their unified commerce feature enables you to integrate your sales channels, providing a consistent shopping experience for customers whether they are online or in-store.
Target industries: Retail, hospitality, travel, digital goods, and financial services.
Specialties: Multichannel payments, risk management, real-time data insights, unified commerce, and global transaction support.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Risk management tools
- Real-time data insights
- Multichannel payment solutions
Cons:
- Potentially complex setup process
- Pricing details not transparent
Other Credit Card Processing for Small Business
Here are some additional credit card processing providers for small businesses that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Global Payments
For large enterprises
- Worldpay
For global reach
- Stripe
For online businesses
- Swipesum
For payment consulting services
- Helcim
For transparent pricing
- Square
For mobile payments
- TSYS
For enterprise-level solutions
- Stax
For subscription-based pricing
- PayPal
For international transactions
- Payment Depot
For wholesale processing rates
- Clover
For retail and restaurant setups
- Merchant One
For personalized customer support
- Finix
For custom payment solutions
- Durango Merchant Services
For high-risk merchant accounts
- Dharma Merchant Services
For ethical business practices
- Payline Data
For healthcare payment solutions
- Authorize.net
For developer-friendly API
- QuickBooks Payments
For QuickBooks integration
Our Selection Criteria For Credit Card Processing Providers
We zeroed in on the features that actually move the needle for small business—no marketing fluff, just the essentials each processor needs to nail.
Core services (25% of total score)
To make the shortlist, every provider had to nail these basics:
- Payment gateway integration that works out of the box.
- Mobile payment solutions that don’t drop transactions mid-swipe.
- Point-of-sale compatibility with popular hardware and card readers.
- Secure transaction processing with up-to-date PCI compliance.
- Fraud detection tools that catch chargebacks before they hit your bottom line.
Additional standout services (25% of total score)
The extras that separate good from great:
- Multi-currency and cross-border processing for sales beyond borders.
- Advanced analytics dashboards that surface actionable insights.
- Loyalty or subscription billing hooks that drive repeat business.
- Contactless and mobile wallet support (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.).
- Flexible APIs or custom workflows for bespoke integrations.
Industry experience (10% of total score)
You want a partner that’s been around the block:
- Years in business and a proven retail or ecommerce track record.
- Solutions for high-risk sectors—subscriptions, travel, CBD, you name it.
- Partnerships with major card networks (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX).
- Real-world case studies showing they handle volume spikes.
Onboarding (10% of total score)
Getting live shouldn’t feel like a second job:
- Ease of setup and hardware installation.
- Quality of training resources and documentation.
- Speed to go live—no one wants to wait weeks for payments to clear.
- Access to a dedicated onboarding specialist.
Customer support (10% of total score)
When things go sideways, you need help—fast:
- 24/7 support via phone, chat, or email with real humans.
- Clear metrics on response times and ticket resolution.
- Robust online resources—knowledge base and community forums.
- Proactive system-status alerts to minimize downtime.
Value for money (10% of total score)
Your bottom line matters more than fancy features:
- Pricing transparency with zero hidden fees.
- Competitive transaction rates and monthly costs.
- Flexibility for seasonal or low-volume businesses.
- Incentives or volume discounts for long-term partners.
Customer reviews (10% of total score)
The final word comes from real users:
- Overall satisfaction ratings on independent review sites.
- Common shout-outs (or red flags) about reliability.
- Testimonials that highlight stellar support and problem resolution.
- Trends in churn or retention over time.
What is Credit Card Processing for Small Businesses?
Credit card processing for small business is a turnkey service that lets you accept, authorize, and settle credit and debit card payments both in person and online.
It routes card information through secure payment gateways, handles authorization with issuing banks, and deposits funds into your merchant account.
Small business owners rely on these services to streamline payment processing, control transaction fees, and maintain PCI compliance.
In practice, it solves common pain points like cash flow delays, hidden fees, and fraud risk—so you can focus on selling, not deciphering confusing rate sheets.
How to Choose a Credit Card Processing Provider for Small Business
Picking a processor shouldn’t feel like a game of roulette. Focus on the deal-breakers first—then dive into the fancy extras.
Here’s a straightforward roadmap to zero in on the right partner without getting lost in rate sheets and legalese.
Step | What to evaluate | Why it matters |
---|---|---|
Define your transaction profile | List your monthly volume, average ticket size, and payment methods (in-person, online, mobile). | Rates and contracts change based on volume and sales channels—get accurate quotes. |
Map your tech stack | Inventory your POS hardware, ecommerce platform, and accounting tools. | Seamless integration avoids double entry, reduces errors, and speeds up reconciliation. |
Compare pricing models | Line up interchange-plus, flat-rate, and tiered plans side by side, including all monthly fees and hidden surcharges. | The cheapest headline rate often hides extra fees—see the true cost per transaction. |
Test onboarding speed | Ask each provider how long setup takes and whether they assign a dedicated specialist. | Faster go-live means faster revenue—don’t let slow implementation stall your business. |
Vet support channels | Confirm 24/7 availability, support methods (phone, chat, email), and average response times. | When your terminal glitches at 7 p.m., you need real humans on the line—not voicemail. |
Review security & compliance | Verify PCI compliance, encryption standards, and fraud-prevention tools. | Protect your customers’ card data—and your reputation—from breaches and chargebacks. |
Choose the provider that nails your highest-priority row first, then cross off the rest. That’s how you lock in a payment partner that actually works for your business, not against it.
Key Credit Card Processing Services for Small Businesses
Before you get dazzled by pricing, make sure your processor ticks all the right functional boxes—these are the non-negotiables that keep transactions flowing, fees predictable, and customers coming back for more.
- Mobile payments. Accept in-person credit card payments with portable card readers wherever you sell.
- Point-of-sale systems. Integrate your card readers, inventory, and sales reporting in one POS system to streamline checkout.
- Payment gateway. Securely route online transactions through a reliable payment gateway that supports multiple payment methods.
- Virtual terminal. Process phone or mail orders through a browser-based terminal—no physical hardware required.
- Multi-currency support. Enable international sales by accepting multiple currencies and settling in your preferred merchant account currency.
- Contactless payments. Let customers tap with debit cards, apple pay, or google pay for faster checkouts and higher throughput.
- Fraud prevention tools. Use AVS, CVV checks, and real-time risk scoring to reduce chargebacks and protect your cash flow.
- Recurring billing. Automate subscription or installment payments with a built-in recurring payment feature.
- ACH processing. Offer ACH transfers alongside credit card transactions to lower transaction fees and expand payment options.
- Advanced analytics. Leverage detailed dashboards and reporting to track transaction fees, sales volume, and customer payment trends.
Benefits of Credit Card Processing Services for Small Businesses
Choosing the right payment processor transforms how you get paid, manage cash flow, and serve customers. Here’s what a solid merchant services partner brings to the table:
- Accept every payment method. From credit card and debit cards to Apple Pay and Stripe, capture sales wherever customers shop.
- Faster cash flow. Quick settlement times mean money hits your bank account sooner—no more waiting weeks to pay bills.
- Clear, predictable costs. Upfront transaction fees and monthly fees—no hidden charges or surprise termination fees—so you can plan your budget.
- Smooth checkout experiences. Integrated POS systems and virtual terminals keep lines moving in-store and carts filled online.
- Rock-solid security. PCI compliance, full encryption, and real-time fraud tools protect customer card information and reduce chargebacks.
- Versatile payment options. Support contactless tap-to-pay, mobile swipes, ACH transfers, and automated recurring billing to suit every customer.
- Insightful reporting. Dashboards detail processing rates, sales volume, and payment methods so you can optimize pricing and promotions.
- Plans that grow with you. Flexible pricing—from flat-rate to interchange-plus—adapts as your sales volume and business needs evolve.
Costs and Pricing Structures of Credit Card Processing for Small Businesses
Pricing models aren’t one-size-fits-all—and the cheapest headline rate can hide fees that kill your margins. Here’s the rundown on the core structures you’ll encounter, so you can match your sales volume and business needs to the right pricing plan.
Pricing structure | How it works | Best for |
---|---|---|
Subscription-based | Fixed monthly fee covers access to all core services | Businesses with steady, predictable volume |
Transaction-based | No monthly fee; you pay a fee for each sale | Low-volume or seasonal sellers |
Tiered pricing | Multiple rate tiers based on card type and transaction category | Merchants with diverse payment mixes |
Flat-rate pricing | Single, uniform rate for all card-present and card-not-present sales | Small businesses wanting simple budgeting |
Interchange-plus pricing | Wholesale card network fees plus a fixed markup | High-volume sellers seeking maximum transparency |
Key factors that influence credit card processing pricing
- Transaction volume. Higher monthly volume often unlocks lower interchange-plus markups or tiered discounts.
- Industry risk profile. High-risk sectors (travel, CBD, subscriptions) can expect steeper rates.
- Payment methods. Adding mobile payments, ACH, or international cards may carry extra fees.
- Security and compliance. Enhanced fraud tools and PCI compliance services can bump up costs.
- Integration complexity. Custom APIs or bespoke POS integrations sometimes incur setup or ongoing charges.
Credit Card Processing Services for Small Business FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about small business credit card processing:
What’s the difference between a merchant account and an all-in-one payment processor?
A merchant account is a dedicated bank account that holds funds from card transactions before they settle into your business bank account. An all-in-one processor bundles that merchant account, gateway, and terminal services under one roof—think Square or Stripe.
All-in-ones simplify setup and billing but may charge higher flat-rate fees. If you’re volume-sensitive and comfortable with a bit more complexity, a separate merchant account plus gateway (interchange-plus pricing) often delivers lower overall costs.
How do chargebacks work, and how can I minimize them?
A chargeback happens when a cardholder disputes a transaction, and the funds are pulled back from your account. To reduce disputes:
- Keep clear records of sales and refunds.
- Display your business name on customer statements to avoid confusion.
- Use AVS/CVV checks and require signatures or PINs for high-value transactions.
- Respond promptly to dispute notices with all supporting documentation.
What do I need to know about EMV and chip card acceptance?
EMV (Europay, Mastercard, Visa) chip cards encrypt data on each transaction, which slashes your liability for counterfeit-card fraud.
To stay PCI compliant and avoid costly fines, make sure your point-of-sale hardware and payment gateway support EMV-ready terminals. If you’re still swiping mag-stripe cards, you’re asking for chargebacks.
Can I negotiate processing rates, or am I stuck with sticker price?
You’re not locked into the rates you’re initially quoted. High-volume merchants wield the most leverage, but even smaller businesses can haggle:
- Ask for smaller markups on interchange-plus plans.
- Bundle multiple locations or terminals for volume discounts.
- Push back on monthly or statement fees.
- Leverage competitive quotes—processors will often match or beat rivals to win your business.
How long does it take for funds to hit my bank account?
Settlement times vary by provider and card network: typically 1–3 business days. American Express and international cards can take a day or two extra. If you need same-day or next-day funding, look for providers that offer expedited settlement—usually for a small fee.
What hidden or early termination fees should I watch out for?
Always read the fine print on your contract. Common gotchas include:
- Early termination fees (often a percentage of remaining contract value).
- Equipment deactivation or lease return charges.
- Monthly minimum or minimum processing fee shortfalls.
- PCI-compliance or non-compliance penalties.
Ask your rep to spell out every possible fee in writing so you can budget accurately—and have leverage if you need to switch providers down the road.
Charge Ahead With Confidence
Choosing the right credit card processing services for small business means less time wrestling with hidden fees and more time closing sales.
You’ve seen how a transparent pricing model and seamless payment gateway keep cash flow steady and customers lining up—whether in person with a card reader or online through your ecommerce checkout.
Use the side-by-side comparison, pricing breakdowns, and hands-on advice here to zero in on the processor that matches your transaction volume, tech stack, and growth goals.
If you're in the process of researching credit card processing for small business, 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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