The 25 Best Credit Card Processing Companies, Ranked & Reviewed For 2025
The Top 10 Credit Card Processing Companies to Consider
Time for the top 10 list to kick things off. Here are the best credit card companies and what they are best at.
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
Let’s get real—if you sell anything in 2025, you’re taking cards. That means transaction fees, chargebacks, and the occasional processor that ghosts you when there’s a glitch in your POS.
Pick the wrong provider and it’s not just your margins that take a hit.
You’ll be chasing down settlements, stuck in contracts you didn’t read closely enough, and watching your tech stack fall apart every time an update rolls out.
This guide cuts through the noise. I’ve vetted the top credit card processing companies across ecommerce, in-store, and hybrid retail.
You'll get hard info on fees, customer support, integrations, and what each provider actually does best—so you can stop wasting time and start collecting payments that hit your account fast and clean.
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Comparing the Best Credit Card Processing Companies, Side-by-Side
Not every business wants to read 2,000 words before finding a decent provider. This table gives you the need-to-know: what each processor does best, starting costs, and trial info if you’re still on the fence.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for month-to-month agreements | Free trial available | From $99/month | Website | |
| 2 | Best for transparent pricing and in-house support | Free demo available | From $99/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for omnichannel retail sales | 3-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 4 | Best for low credit card processing rates | 3-month free trial | From $79/month | Website | |
| 5 | Best for 0% cost credit card processing | Not available | From $29/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for accessing multiple payment processors | Free consultation available | From $50/hr | Website | |
| 7 | Best for ecommerce payment processing | Free plan available + transaction fees | From $35/month and 2.9% + $0.30/transaction | Website | |
| 8 | Best for versatility, with included POS | Free account available | From 0.50% + $0.25 per transaction | Website | |
| 9 | Best for next-day funding | Free plan available | From $13.95 plus 0.29% + 1.55% per transaction | Website | |
| 10 | Best combination of POS and payment processors | Free demo available | From 2.3% + $0.1 per transaction | Website |
The 10 Best Credit Card Processing Companies, Reviewed
You’ve seen the shortlist. Now let’s break down the top credit card processors—what they do well, where they fall short, and what kind of retailer they’re really built for.
Just the facts that actually affect your operations.
Payline Data is a payment processing provider that helps businesses accept various forms of payments, including credit and debit cards, both online and in person.
Why I picked Payline Data: Payline Data offers a virtual terminal and dashboard, which lets you process payments online, view reports, key in transactions, store customer profiles, and send invoices—all from one place. This centralization can make managing your payments more efficient.
They also offer cart integration and payment page options. You can integrate their services directly into your online shopping cart or use their hosted payment page to accept payments through your website. This flexibility allows you to choose the setup that best fits your business model. Furthermore, Payline Data offers month-to-month agreements instead of long-term contracts.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include invoicing and recurring billing, which let you send invoices and collect one-time or recurring payments easily. Additionally, they provide interchange optimization to help you secure the best possible rates from major credit card companies, potentially saving you money on each transaction.
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, Authorize.net, NMI, CardPointe, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good cart integrations
- No long-term contracts
- Ability to process various payment types
Cons:
- Monthly fee may be steep for low-volume merchants
- ACH transfers are paid add-ons
Stax Pay is an all-in-one payment processing platform that caters to businesses and SaaS platforms with a focus on transparent pricing and dedicated in-house support. The platform delivers integrated payment and recurring billing solutions, ensuring compliance and offering the ability to pass on credit card processing fees through surcharging.
Why I picked Stax Pay: Stax Pay distinguishes itself with its integrated payment and recurring billing solutions tailored for businesses. It stands out due to its commitment to industry-leading compliance, the ability to handle seamless surcharging, and the simplification of payment acceptance for its users.
What makes Stax Pay different is its transparent pricing structure and the availability of real people ready to provide support. This approach to pricing and customer service is particularly important for businesses that need clear cost structures and reliable assistance.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include payment processing, customized invoicing, subscription billing, a virtual terminal, robust analytics, customer management, a developer-friendly API, inventory tracking, and multi-location support. Stax Pay also provides next-day funding, omni-channel payment solutions, point of sale options, and seamless integration with various business tools and software.
Integrations include Slack, Zapier, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and CRMs.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Versatile feature set
- High degree of customizability
- Subscription-based pricing
Cons:
- Primarily for U.S. markets
- Complex functionalities and configurations
Shopify POS is a point-of-sale system designed to integrate both in-store and online sales, catering to the needs of omnichannel retail businesses. It assists retailers in managing business operations, tracking payments, inventory, and customer data, and offers insights that are crucial for maintaining inventory levels and understanding customer preferences.
Why I picked Shopify POS: This company shines in its ability to provide a cohesive experience for credit card processing, leveraging Shopify's robust ecommerce infrastructure to offer seamless integration and secure transactions. It also distinguishes itself with its capacity for omnichannel selling, providing a smooth checkout experience and linking in-store with online sales.
This strong and integrated system eases daily operations, monitors payments and customer information, and delivers insights that aid in enhancing efficiency and revenue growth.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include its online inventory management which gives you the flexibility to pivot inventory to other locations or online based on performance. I also like its POS smart grid, which keeps your most-used apps, discounts, and products at your fingertips to speed up checkout.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Mailchimp, Klaviyo, LoyaltyLion, Yotpo, ShipStation, DHL Express, UPS, and Canada Post.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive third-party app marketplace for additional functionalities
- Direct credit card processing with competitive rates
- Seamless integration with Shopify's e-commerce platform
Cons:
- Additional fees for using external payment gateways
- Limited to countries where Shopify Payments is available
- Primarily benefits Shopify users, less so for non-Shopify merchants
Payment Depot, a merchant services company, offers payment processing for in-person and online transactions. It accepts all major credit cards and digital wallets.
Why I picked Payment Depot: Payment Depot uses a subscription-based pricing model that eliminates percentage-based markups, offering businesses access to wholesale interchange rates. This structure significantly reduces costs for companies processing high volumes of transactions. Additionally, its transparent pricing ensures you can easily predict and control processing expenses without hidden fees.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include the ability to accept most payment types and connect all the tools you need in a single dashboard. You can also connect directly with in-house success and support teams by phone or online at any time.
Integrations include Authorize.net, Magento, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, QuickBooks, Opencart, Zencart, and Shopify.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Processes online wallets
- Range of hardware (+ virtual terminal)
- No setup, chargeback, or cancellation fees
Cons:
- High monthly fees
- Few support resources
CardX by Stax is a payment processing tool that allows businesses to accept credit card payments at 0% cost, ensuring compliance with surcharging regulations. It offers online, in-office, and in-person payment processing solutions, enabling businesses to keep 100% of their credit card sales while automatically adhering to all rules and regulations.
Why I picked CardX by Stax: CardX by Stax stands out for its seamless surcharging compliance and automated compliance, making it easy for businesses to accept credit cards at 0% cost. This makes it the best choice for businesses looking for a payment processing solution that is fully compliant and allows them to keep all of their sales revenue. Additionally, the software ensures compliance with surcharging regulations and provides detailed transaction insights, helping businesses manage their finances more effectively.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a user-friendly dashboard that helps you track transactions effortlessly. Your team can access detailed reporting tools that offer insights into payment trends. Additionally, the system provides real-time updates which keep you informed about every transaction as it happens.
Integrations include Stax Pay, Stax Connect, Stax Bill, Stax Processing, and Click to Pay.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Custom branding options
- Multi-platform capability
- Seamless refund process
Cons:
- Not ideal for low-volume transactions
- Initial learning curve
Swipesum offers a unique approach to payment processing by acting as both a provider and consultant. Rather than committing users to a single payment processor, Swipesum’s platform is back-end agnostic, allowing businesses to choose from a range of top processors.
Why I picked Swipesum: Swipesum is versatile and customizable, giving you access to any major processor from Swipesum's platform. This versatility makes it easy to adjust payment solutions as needed. Swipesum also offers statement audits and rate monitoring to ensure businesses always have the best rates possible. Their dedicated account managers provide white-glove service, making complex merchant service tasks more manageable and cutting back on costs associated with card payment processing.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include its Staitment tool, which uses AI to monitor and minimize fees and identify disputes before they escalate. They offer free gateway setups for new users and provide engineering support for complex integrations. The platform also excels in providing hands-on assistance for chargeback management, helping businesses tackle disputes.
Integrations include Shopify, NetSuite, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Magento, Stripe, Square, Clover, Lightspeed, Oracle, QuickBooks, and SAP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Processor-agnostic approach allows flexible provider options
- Supports chargeback management and fraud prevention
- AI-driven statement analysis for transparent fee management
Cons:
- Not ideal for businesses preferring a self-service setup
- Customized solutions can take longer to set up
Square Online is a platform that allows businesses to create and manage an ecommerce website, accept payments, and handle orders both online and in-store. It offers a user-friendly website builder, options for domain and email setup, and integration with other Square products like Point of Sale, Customer Directory, and Loyalty programs.
Why I picked Square Online: One of the key reasons I picked Square Online is its intuitive setup and user-friendly interface, allowing businesses to quickly establish an online presence without needing extensive technical knowledge. The platform offers customizable templates and a drag-and-drop editor, making it easy to create a professional-looking online store in minutes.
Furthermore, the integration with Square's POS system ensures that inventory and sales data are synchronized across both online and offline channels, providing a unified and efficient way to manage business operations. The platform also has strong and secure payment processing capabilities. It accepts all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include order management and multi-location management for easy inventory tracking in one place. It also has built-in SEO tools, shipping and other fulfillment options, and a mobile-ready design. Square Online also provides built-in tools for managing and tracking orders, as well as advanced reporting features that give business owners valuable insights into their sales performance.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Bookkeep, Facebook Ads, Google Ads, Squarespace, Thrive Inventory, Wix, and WooCommerce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced reporting capabilities
- Built-in inventory management
- Flexible POS system
Cons:
- Limited design themes
- Limited payment options on free plan
Helcim is a payment solution that also offers invoicing and recurring payments. They tout their fee and rate transparency and give small businesses the tools to build and grow a database of customers.
Why I picked Helcim: Much more than a credit card payment processor, Helcim can function as an out-of-the-box business infrastructure. While it may not have the most advanced features, the combination of processor, POS, CRM, and online store gives new business owners a suite of tools to work with.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include inventory management that lets you track stock levels in real-time, a virtual terminal for processing payments without physical hardware, and advanced reporting tools that give insights into your sales performance. These features are designed to enhance your business operations and keep everything organized.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Magento, WooCommerce, and Foxy.io.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customer database
- PCI Level 1 service provider
- Included POS and inventory tool
Cons:
- Expensive at low sales volume
- Many prohibited industries
Merchant One is a financial services provider that specializes in payment processing solutions for businesses of various sizes and industries. The company aims to support businesses with quick approval processes, 24/7 customer service, and a focus on security and compliance with industry standards.
Why I picked Merchant One: Merchant One offers a range of payment solutions that enable credit card processing companies to accept various forms of payments from their customers. The services include the ability to process credit and debit card transactions, electronic check acceptance, and mobile payment solutions.
Merchant One Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include merchant services such as account setup, customer support, and compliance with payment card industry data security standards (PCI DSS) to ensure secure transaction processing. Merchant One also provides next day funding, meaning that transactions can be settled and funds can be deposited into an account on the following business day.
Integrations include Authorize.net, USAePay, Aloha, Maitre'D, Payeezy Gateway, Payflow Pro, Micros, and Paytrace Gateway.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers recurring billing support
- Supports NFC and EMV technology
- Provides a variety of credit card terminals
Cons:
- Some potential for hidden fees
- Limited information on contract terms
Clover is a versatile solution for handling transactions and managing operations, particularly designed for small to medium-sized retail and restaurant enterprises. It simplifies essential business functions like payment processing, inventory tracking, and sales reporting. The system's design caters to business environments that value straightforward and reliable operational tools.
Why I picked Clover: Clover offers a fully integrated solution that simplifies transactions while managing inventory, employee schedules, and customer loyalty programs. Its versatile hardware options and user-friendly software cater to businesses of all sizes, providing flexibility and scalability. With strong reporting tools and secure payment processing, Clover ensures seamless operations and data-driven decision-making for growing businesses.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a virtual terminal for online transactions, allowing you to complete sales without the need for physical cards. The system also offers mobile accessibility, so you can manage your business from anywhere. Additionally, multi-location support makes it easy for you to oversee operations across different sites efficiently.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Gusto, Mailchimp, Yelp, Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Salesforce, Xero, and Homebase.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Reporting tools
- 24/7 phone support
- Rapid deposit
Cons:
- Complex pricing
- No free options
Other Credit Card Processing Companies
Here are some additional credit card processing companies that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- EBizCharge
For B2B businesses
- Podium
For local trade businesses
- Stripe
For global online sellers
- PayPal
For cryptocurrency and international transactions
- ProMerchant
For advanced fraud protection
- STAX
For high-volume sellers
- Dharma Merchant Services
For POS flexibility
- Flagship Merchant Services
For small retailers
- Chase
All-in-one financial solution
- QuickBooks Online
For QuickBooks users
- Shopify
For Shopify-based businesses
- CDGcommerce
For B2B businesses
- National Processing
For low-volume sellers
- Host Merchant Services
For high-risk businesses
- Paysafe
For large-scale e-commerce businesses
Related Reviews
If you haven't found what you're looking for quite yet, check out these other related reviews:
- Accounting Software
- ERP Software
- Billing Software
- POS Software for Small Businesses
- Best Merchant Services
- Inventory Management Software
Our Selection Criteria For Credit Card Processing Companies
Here’s how I evaluated each provider—based on what actually matters when you’re trying to keep payments clean, fees low, and operations tight.
Core services (25% of total score)
These are the basics. If a processor didn’t offer these, it didn’t make the list.
- Payment gateway integration. Should connect easily to your ecommerce site and POS—no duct-taped APIs.
- Merchant account support. Either your own or through a provider that doesn’t hold your money hostage.
- POS compatibility. Must support both hardware and virtual terminals.
- Fraud protection. Not just buzzwords—real tools that flag suspicious activity before it hits your books.
- Detailed reporting. You need visibility into every transaction, not just daily totals.
Additional standout services (25% of total score)
Here’s where the top picks start to pull ahead.
- Mobile payments. Tap-to-pay, QR codes, and mobile checkout should all be in play.
- International capabilities. Multicurrency support and clean FX rates matter if you sell beyond borders.
- Custom solutions. Flexible enough to fit niche workflows—without a six-month implementation.
- Ecommerce integrations. Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and beyond—because no one runs custom carts anymore.
- Security extras. Think tokenization, PCI compliance baked in, and good audit trails.
Industry experience (10% of total score)
We gave credit for time served—because payments isn’t a “move fast and break things” kind of job.
- Years in business. More than a couple, ideally with recession mileage.
- Enterprise clients or volume. Shows they can handle complexity and scale.
- Certifications and partnerships. PCI, ISO, banking partnerships—it all counts.
- Innovation track record. Are they building or just bundling?
Onboarding (10% of total score)
Getting set up shouldn’t feel like applying for a mortgage. We looked for easy wins.
- Account setup speed. Shouldn’t take a week to start accepting payments.
- Hands-on support. Bonus points for setup walkthroughs or account reps who speak human.
- Training tools. Video, docs, and in-platform guides that don’t insult your intelligence.
- Time to first transaction. The faster, the better.
Customer support (10% of total score)
Things will go wrong. Who picks up the phone when they do?
- Live support options. Phone, chat, email—ideally 24/7, not 9–5 in one time zone.
- Specialist access. Tier-2 teams that can actually solve integration issues.
- Reputation for service. We scoured reviews for horror stories—or the lack of them.
Value for price (10% of total score)
This is where a lot of “cheap” providers quietly lose their edge.
- Transparent pricing. No teaser rates or fine-print surcharges.
- Volume-friendly tiers. Should reward growth, not penalize it.
- Low/no junk fees. Setup fees, PCI fees, cancellation fees—show me the true cost.
Customer reviews (10% of total score)
Finally, we cross-checked user feedback for patterns—good and bad.
- Ease of use. How simple is the day-to-day?
- Reliability. Downtime, lag, glitchy dashboards—dealbreakers.
- Support satisfaction. Were users helped, or handed a ticket and ghosted?
- Price vs value sentiment. Is the cost justified in real-world use?
What Are Credit Card Processing Companies?
Credit card processing companies are providers that move money from your customer’s card to your business account—fast, securely, and with as few fees as possible.
They handle the backend tech that powers ecommerce checkouts, in-store terminals, mobile readers, and recurring billing systems.
Good ones also help with fraud prevention, PCI compliance, and chargeback disputes.
If you sell online, in person, or anywhere in between, you need one. Just make sure you’re not paying champagne fees for a warm beer experience.
How to Choose Credit Card Processing Companies
Picking a processor isn’t just about chasing the lowest rate. It’s about matching how you sell, how fast you need to get paid, and how much tech pain you’re willing to tolerate. Use this checklist to keep your decision focused.
| Factor | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Will the processor handle higher volumes and new channels as your business grows? |
| Integrations | Does it plug into your ecommerce platform, POS, accounting software, and CRM? |
| Customizability | Can you tailor payment flows, invoices, or surcharges without hiring a developer? |
| Ease of use | Is the dashboard intuitive—or will you need a manual and a magnifying glass? |
| Budget | Look beyond the rate. What’s the monthly nut when you factor in fees and hardware? |
| Security safeguards | Are you covered for PCI compliance, tokenization, and fraud monitoring? |
| Customer support | Can you reach someone when your terminal’s frozen at 5:00 PM on a Friday? |
| Transaction fees | Are the fees clear, consistent, and fair for how and where you process payments? |
Key Credit Card Processing Company Services
These are the services that separate a real payment partner from a glorified middleman. Look for these capabilities when you're comparing options:
- Payment gateway integration. Connects your online store to the processor, enabling secure digital checkout without duct-taped APIs.
- Fraud detection and prevention. Flags sketchy transactions before they cost you chargebacks or worse.
- Mobile payment processing. Accept payments on phones or tablets—at pop-ups, in-store, or anywhere else.
- Point-of-sale (POS) solutions. Includes hardware and software to take payments at the counter or on the floor.
- Recurring billing and invoicing. Automates subscription charges or B2B invoices so you’re not chasing down payments.
- Multi-currency processing. Lets international customers pay in their local currency—without blowing up your margins.
- Customer support. Real humans, reachable when something breaks (because something always breaks).
- Data analytics and reporting. Tracks your sales, payment methods, and trends—so you know where your money’s going.
- Chargeback management. Helps you respond to disputes and keep your merchant account in good standing.
- Security compliance. Ensures you're covered on PCI, encryption, and other data protection requirements.
Benefits of Credit Card Processing Companies
When you’ve got the right processor in your corner, payments stop being a headache and start pulling their weight. Here’s what you gain:
- More sales, fewer excuses. Customers can pay how they want—card, mobile, online, whatever gets the deal done.
- Faster access to cash. Get paid in 1–2 days instead of waiting on manual reconciliations or paper checks.
- Cleaner customer experience. Seamless checkout means fewer abandoned carts and awkward “your card didn’t go through” moments.
- Built-in fraud protection. Real-time screening keeps scammers out without nuking legit transactions.
- Insights you can use. Track payment trends, average order size, and high-risk behavior with built-in reports.
- Help when you need it. Solid providers offer real support—especially when things go sideways during a rush.
Costs & Pricing Structures of Credit Card Processing Companies
There’s no single price tag for card processing. Most providers quote custom rates, but they fall into a few common pricing models. Here's what each one really means:
| Pricing model | How it works | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat rate | One fixed percentage per transaction, regardless of card type. | Small businesses, simple setups | High volume can mean overpaying |
| Tiered pricing | Transactions bucketed into tiers with different rates. | High-ticket retailers | Opaque fees, hard to audit |
| Interchange plus | Wholesale interchange rate + a fixed markup. | Mid-size to enterprise | More transparent, but can look complex |
| Subscription model | Pay a flat monthly fee + direct access to wholesale rates. | High-volume merchants | Monthly fees don’t make sense if volume’s low |
| Blended pricing | A custom mix of models—often used with gateway platforms. | Ecommerce businesses | Can be hard to compare apples-to-apples |
Key factors that influence cost
Beyond the pricing model, these are the real-world variables that determine what you’ll actually pay:
- Chargeback rates. Too many disputes and your processor may raise your rates or freeze your account.
- Transaction volume. The more you process, the more leverage you have to negotiate rates.
- Industry risk profile. “High-risk” categories (like CBD or travel) usually get higher fees and stricter rules.
- Payment method. Card-present transactions are cheaper than keyed-in or online—less fraud risk.
- Card type. Debit cards cost less than rewards or business credit cards, which carry higher interchange.
- Contract terms. Month-to-month keeps you flexible. Long-term might save you money—but read the fine print.
- Hardware and software. Don’t forget to factor in POS terminals, card readers, and any software subscriptions.
Technically, many of these options have free payment processing outside of the fees you can't escape. Subscription plans give larger brands more functionality to help them grow their business.
Credit Card Processing Companies FAQs
Still trying to make sense of credit card processing? Here are answers to some of the most common questions.
Can I accept international cards without getting burned on fees?
Yes, but read the terms carefully. Some processors add foreign transaction fees or offer poor exchange rates. Look for ones with multi-currency support and reasonable FX markup if you sell across borders.
How fast do I get my money after a transaction?
Most processors deposit funds in 1–3 business days. If you need faster payouts (same-day or next-day), make sure it’s included—or budget for the extra fee.
What happens if I get a chargeback?
Expect to eat a fee and provide documentation fast. Good processors offer chargeback alerts or dispute assistance, which can help you keep more revenue and avoid merchant account risk flags.
Do I need my own merchant account?
Not always. Some processors use an aggregate merchant account (think Square, Stripe), while others set up a dedicated one just for you. Aggregators are faster to set up but have stricter rules.
Can I bring my own POS or payment hardware?
Sometimes. Some processors play nice with third-party gear, others don’t. Always check compatibility—especially if you already invested in terminals or mobile readers.
What if my processor’s system goes down?
You’re stuck unless you have offline mode or a backup method. Ask if your processor supports offline transactions and what their uptime SLAs look like. No one wants downtime at checkout.
Check Out Better Payments Companies
Credit card processing shouldn’t be the thing that kills your margin—or your patience. But with the wrong provider, you’re looking at late deposits, confusing fees, and support that disappears when you need it most.
The processors in this guide aren’t perfect, but they’re the best bets for different use cases—from ecommerce and B2B to in-store and hybrid retail.
Pick the one that fits your workflow and volume, then negotiate like your profit depends on it—because it does.
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