Swipe right on business growth, left on payment headaches.
The best credit card processing companies make transactions so easy you’ll want to dance in your store. With secure payments, rapid approvals, and helpful support, these champions turn money movement into smooth success.
Ready to stress less, earn more, and have some fun?
Meet the best credit card processing companies that know how to treat your business right.
15 Best Credit Card Processing Companies:
1. Stripe – Best for online brands and custom payments
Stripe is a star among the best credit card processing companies for e-commerce, tech, and startups. Its easy integrations and global reach let firms accept payments online, in apps, or even from social media. Small shops love its transparent flat-rate pricing and powerful APIs. The growth story: Stripe helped turn side hustles into global shops overnight.
- Who it’s for: Online shops, SaaS, international sellers
- Pricing: 2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction
- Features: Customizable dashboard, fraud detection, endless integrations
- Pros: Developer-friendly, scales with you
- Cons: Support is mostly online, with a high risk of high chargebacks
2. Square – Best for all-in-one POS and quick-start
Square stands tall as best credit card companies for brick-and-mortar startups and mobile vendors. It’s a free POS with no monthly fee, and clear rates that helped local bakers become global brands. Many first learned credit payments using Square in a farmers’ market lot.
- Who it’s for: Cafes, pop-ups, service providers
- Pricing: 2.6% + 10¢ per swipe; no monthly minimum
- Features: Free online store, instant transfers, and inventory tools
- Pros: Simple signup, great for newbies
- Cons: Account risk for sudden closure, not suited to high risk
3. PayPal – Best for global reach and merchant trust
PayPal feels instantly familiar to buyers as one of the best credit card processing companies. Small businesses enjoy quick setup, buyer-seller protection, and trust, plus the PayPal button can boost checkout. The story: From eBay auctions to global retail, PayPal launched millions of online stores.
- Who it’s for: Side hustlers, small web shops, nonprofits
- Pricing: 2.9% + 49¢ per sale; alternative fees may apply
- Features: Invoicing, “Pay Later”, global currencies
- Pros: Instantly recognized, robust security
- Cons: Account holds, unclear dispute resolution
4. Stax – Best for large volume and real savings
Stax joins the best credit card processing companies for those who process high volumes and want to pay less. Their monthly membership lets businesses avoid per-transaction markups, which saves serious cash as they grow. Their simple story? Lower rates equal bigger smiles for big sellers.
- Who it’s for: Midsize and large companies
- Pricing: Monthly fee, interchange + 8¢ per transaction
- Features: Full analytics, mobile app, same-day funding
- Pros: True-cost pricing, excellent for scaling
- Cons: Not as cheap for tiny firms, the monthly fee stings for low volume
5. Clover – Best for easy hardware and retail chains
Clover claims its spot as the best credit card with an easy-to-use ecosystem of POS devices. It gives growing brands hardware and software that scale, think of resizing lemonade stands to restaurant chains.
- Who it’s for: Retailers, quick-service, restaurants
- Pricing: From 2.3% + 10¢ per swipe
- Features: App market, loyalty programs, custom hardware
- Pros: Streamlined setup, flexible devices
- Cons: Early termination fees, must buy devices
6. Helcim – Best for transparent pricing
Helcim, often praised in lists of the best credit card companies, wins hearts with zero hidden fees and automatic discounts for higher volume. A story: a local gym saved thousands by switching to Helcim’s clear rates.
- Who it’s for: Retail, hospitality, service businesses
- Pricing: Interchange + 0.3% and 8¢ per transaction
- Features: Inventory tools, online payments, no termination fee
- Pros: No monthly fee, stellar customer service
- Cons: Needs better hardware variety, not built for high-risk
7. Payment Depot – Best for cost-plus value
Payment Depot is a credit card processing company for businesses that hate markup. Clubs and dental offices love its membership plans, which return savings as sales climb, making budgeting simple.
- Who it’s for: Service providers, healthcare, stores
- Pricing: $59 monthly, interchange + 15¢ per sale
- Features: Next-day funding, account specialist, no contract
- Pros: Predictable costs, great support
- Cons: Not for new tiny businesses, the monthly fee
8. Chase Payment Solutions – Best for brand trust
Chase brings big-bank dependability, making it one of the best credit card companies for legacy retailers and those needing rapid deposits. With tools to suit both little shops and major chains, it powers plenty of big names.
- Who it’s for: Traditional retailers, medical offices
- Pricing: Starts at 2.6% + 10¢ per swipe
- Features: Same-day deposits, robust security, integrations
- Pros: Reliable funding, no extra Chase account needed
- Cons: Not transparent on all fees, slow support at times
9. National Processing – Best for industry-specific solutions
Among the best credit card processing companies, National Processing stands out for its tailored solutions. Grocers, restaurants, and nonprofits cherish industry-low rates and helpful integrations. Their story: built for a unique business, never one-size-fits-all.
- Who it’s for: Restaurants, salons, nonprofits
- Pricing: As low as 0.14% + 7¢ + interchange per sale
- Features: Mobile app, online bill pay, recurring billing
- Pros: Custom plans, low base fees
- Cons: Equipment lease contracts, some binding terms
10. Dharma Merchant Services – Best for ethical business
Dharma earns its place as the best credit card through charity support and transparent values. Yogis and cafes alike cherish its clear rates and sustainable business. Dharma’s culture of giving back inspires loyal customers.
- Who it’s for: Social enterprises, wellness, nonprofits
- Pricing: Interchange + 0.15% + 8¢
- Features: eCheck, virtual terminal, mobile payments
- Pros: Social mission, fee transparency
- Cons: Doesn’t serve high-risk, small businesses
11. FIS (Worldpay) – Best for global commerce
FIS, known worldwide, is one of the best credit card processing companies for firms moving billions in dozens of currencies. With deep analytics and global reach, major franchises thrive.
- Who it’s for: Multinational retailers, online-first brands
- Pricing: Customized
- Features: Multi-currency, fraud shield, scalable API
- Pros: Enterprise-level security, serious scale
- Cons: Custom pricing only, long onboarding
12. Merchant Industry – Best for hybrid needs
Merchant Industry earns mention as one of the best credit cards for its mix of fraud controls and hardware solutions. It’s the familiar name in New York, loved by small and growing businesses, and champions an all-in-one POS.
- Who it’s for: Local and chain stores, hybrid businesses
- Pricing: Custom
- Features: Out-of-the-box hardware, extensive protection
- Pros: Great fraud defense, solid support
- Cons: Limited online review, contracts can be strict
13. Braintree – Best for tech-forward retailers
A division of PayPal, Braintree makes the list of best credit card companies by offering flexible APIs, easy PayPal/Venmo acceptance, and recurring billing features. Startups grow with Braintree by scaling payments as fast as they code.
- Who it’s for: App developers, SaaS, and ecommerce
- Pricing: 2.59% + 49¢ per transaction
- Features: Mobile SDKs, recurring billing, multi-currency
- Pros: Developer power, strong fraud tools
- Cons: Takes time to master, higher fee for micro-payments
14. CDGcommerce – Best for small businesses on a budget
CDGcommerce is repeatedly voted one of the best credit card companies by small firms wanting value with zero monthly fees. Its story is about helping local shops keep more profit, even in tight times.
- Who it’s for: Startups, new small companies
- Pricing: Interchange + 0.2% + 10¢ per swipe
- Features: Chargeback defense, online invoice, month-to-month
- Pros: No monthly fee, robust SMB focus
- Cons: Fewer integrations, basic reporting
15. PaymentCloud – Best for high-risk needs
PaymentCloud completes this list of best credit card processing companies by working with businesses that most others turn away. From CBD to adult toys, PaymentCloud finds a payment home for nearly any niche.
- Who it’s for: High-risk merchants, CBD/kratom, finance
- Pricing: Custom
- Features: Chargeback help, online payment gateway, app integrations
- Pros: Accepts tough verticals, supportive rep team
- Cons: Hidden pricing, can require underwriter review
Facts and Stats
- Card payments made up over 70% of all non-cash transactions in the U.S. in 2024, making the best credit card processing companies vital for businesses big and small.
- The global digital payments market is expected to top $15 trillion by 2027, fueling even more demand for the credit card processing companies.
Conclusion
Swipe, tap, dip, today, business is truly an adventure with the best credit card processing companies by your side. They rescue you from payment puzzles and help you sprint toward new goals, one fast transaction at a time. If you want less stress, more time, and happy customers, choosing one of these credit card processing companies will make your payment drama a thing of the past.
