Compare Processors
Pick any two processors and compare pricing models, transaction fees, and contract terms. No affiliate rankings, no sponsored placements.
Select 2–4 products to compare
Head-to-head comparisons
In-depth roundups
All processors reviews
Helcim
The best interchange-plus processor for businesses that want zero monthly fees and automatic volume discounts.
Dharma Merchant Services
The lowest interchange-plus markups we have seen. Best for businesses processing $10K+ per month who want transparent pricing and real support.
Square
Best for businesses under $10K/month who want simplicity over savings.
Stripe
Best for online businesses and developers who need advanced payment infrastructure.
Host Merchant Services
One of the better traditional processors. Competitive interchange-plus markups with a lifetime rate lock, month-to-month contracts, and a genuinely strong reputation. The $20/month in fixed fees and quote-required signup keep it behind Helcim for most merchants, but the rate lock and high-risk support are real differentiators.
CDG Commerce
A transparent, independently owned processor that does right by merchants. Free gateway, zero PCI fees, and month-to-month contracts with no ETF. Best for ecommerce businesses and nonprofits processing $10K-$200K/month who value stability over the absolute lowest markup.
Stax
Best for businesses processing $20K+/month who want wholesale interchange rates without per-transaction markups.
Payline Data
A decent interchange-plus processor with genuinely merchant-friendly terms (month-to-month, no ETF, PCI included). Worth considering if you need high-risk merchant support or HIPAA compliance. For standard low-risk businesses, Helcim offers better rates with no monthly fee.
Gravity Payments
A solid traditional processor for businesses processing $10K+/month who negotiate interchange-plus pricing and want Clover hardware with 24/7 phone support. But the contracts, rate creep, and opaque pricing mean you need to know what you're asking for.
National Processing
A middling interchange-plus option. Helcim offers better pricing, no contracts, and fewer complaints.
PayPal
Best for low-volume businesses that need instant setup, PayPal/Venmo brand recognition, and unified online + in-person processing without a monthly fee. Not for anyone processing over $10K/month.
Payment Depot
The budget entry point to the Stax ecosystem. Interchange passthrough with no percentage markup works well for businesses processing $8K-$20K/month, but post-acquisition complaints about fee creep and support deterioration are hard to ignore.
Flagship Merchant Services
Attractive on paper with low advertised rates and free hardware, but opaque pricing, equipment bait-and-switch tactics, and a well-documented pattern of post-cancellation billing make Flagship a processor to avoid.