- Ideal for merchants of all sizes
- Get an approval rate in 24hrs
- 24/7 technical support
- Accept POS, in-store, mobile and online payments
- Same day approval
- Over 70 payment methods across global markets
- Provides a free Clover POS system with training
- Flat 0.50% rate, plus 10 cents fee per transaction
- 24/7 personalized support
- Trusted by 200,000+ merchants
- No application fees
- Automatic surcharging compliance
- 24/7 support
- Accept payments anywhere
- Automatic surcharging compliance
- Access to all Clover hardware
- Unlimited sales & transactions
- First 3 months free
- No term contracts or hidden fees
- Easy and simple account creation
- Automatic surcharging compliance
- Works with 135+ currencies
- Intuitive and easy to use
- Automatic surcharging compliance
- Rates from 2.75% + $0.10
- Ideal for merchants of all sizes
- Get an approval rate in 24hrs
- 24/7 technical support
- Accept POS, in-store, mobile and online payments
- Same day approval
Top Options in Merchant Service Tools:
A multitude of options makes decision making difficult when you are first setting up your merchant account for credit card processing. However, having plenty of choices also helps you tailor your merchant account tools to suit the way you do business, whether in a mobile format, in a fixed retail location or online. The most popular tools among merchants for credit card processing are payment gateways, physical terminal machines, mobile card readers and virtual terminals. Find out the different features of each below.
Payment Portals: Your Gateway to Online Credit Processing:
A payment portal or gateway routes credit card payments through an online approval process. When a customer completes a shopping cart purchase on your website, your cart sends the encrypted payment information to your payment gateway. The gateway may reformat the data for additional safety before sending it to the payment processors associated with your bank.
This service sends the data along to the appropriate credit card company, such as VISA or American Express. Depending on the card type, the card company may issue a payment approval or denial, or it may send the payment to the issuing bank for an approval decision. The bank or card company sends back an approval code to the payment portal, which sends it to you. Despite all of the steps involved, the entire process typically takes only 2-3 seconds.
Credit Card Terminals for Bricks and Clicks:
If your business accepts both point-of-sale credit card purchases in a physical location (bricks), and online credit card payments (clicks), then a credit card processing terminal and a gateway ensure your ability to process both. Types of terminals include:
- Traditional swipe machines with landline connections (credit card machine)
- Wireless credit card terminals
If you plan to place your machine in a fixed location where you already have a landline phone connection, a traditional swipe credit card reader is your best option. Swiping a customer’s credit card minimizes the risk of fraud. Also, many merchant services charge a lower transaction fee when you swipe rather than key in a card number. A wireless terminal works wherever you get cell reception, freeing up your landline connection.
- Mobile Credit Card Reader - Portability Plus:
Several high profile online credit card processors offer mobile credit card swipers for taking payments on the run. This may be a great option for your business because the free hardware easily connects to your smartphone or other mobile device. A mobile credit card reader comes in handy at busy times when swiping customers’ credit cards is much faster and simpler than copying down data. You must download associated software to your device prior to using your mobile credit card reader.
Virtual Terminals Enable Seamless Transactions:
If you have a desktop, laptop or tablet, you have a virtual credit card terminal. All you need is the software or an online terminal account from your provider and a bank account to receive your processed payments. You pay the processing service for account activation, monthly service and transaction fees. A virtual credit card terminal gives you the versatility to accept payments online and offline as well.
When selecting the accessories that fit the way you do business, keep in mind that as your business changes, you can adjust the way you process credit card payments too. The tools and technology currently available keep your payment portfolio scalable.
Our Top 3 Picks
- 1Industry-leading CCP with value-added services
- Best for - Additional value-added services, low rates
- Rates - Starts at 0.15%
- Contract Length - 3 years
Safe PaymentsIndustry-leading CCP with value-added servicesSafe PaymentsRead Leaders Merchant Services ReviewLeaders is one of the best credit card processing services in the industry. It’s been around for 20 years, and its parent company is the reputable Paysafe Group Subsidiary. Leaders gives businesses a lot of reasons to love it, including some of the best credit card processing rates in the industry. We’re talking about rates that start at just 0.15%. Plus, Leaders has a 98% approval rating. So, businesses having a hard time getting the green flag will find Leaders’ process refreshing.
What's more, Leaders offers a solid $500 Assurance guarantee. This states that if the company can't save you money within the first 6 months of your contract, you'll be awarded $500 in compensation. Leaders works with the reliable Clover point of sale system, and it also integrates with QuickBooks. New SMBs will appreciate the helpful glossary of terms and 24/7/365 customer service for troubleshooting any issues. Additionally, Leaders offers value-added services such as business cash advances, loyalty programs, gift cards, check guarantee services, and point of sale systems.
Leaders Merchant Services Pros & Cons
PROS
$500 Assurance ProgramIntegrates with QuickBooksRates starting at 0.15%CONS
Long contract termsPricey early termination fee - 2Offers global payments in 17 countries
- Best for - Businesses and corporations looking to scale up
- Rates - Quote-based
- Contract Length - From month-to-month to three years
Offers global payments in 17 countriesRead Paysafe ReviewPaysafe is a comprehensive payment solution that is transforming how businesses handle transactions. It accepts global payments in 17 currencies, including credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, POS systems, cash cards, and installment payments. The scale-based pricing starts at 15% for low volume, 3.9% per volume, and 9.5% for higher volume. There's also a fixed fee of 1.5 euros per transaction. Paysafe offers various services, including online, digital wallet, and in-person payments, and additional benefits like POS systems, receipt management, and currency conversion. This makes it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes and types.
Paysafe offers several tools to assist businesses with their in-store payment processing. One of the notable equipment offerings is Paysafe's Android tablet POS (Point of Sale) system, which facilitates on-the-spot payment acceptance. This POS system, combined with Paysafe's sophisticated in-store payment structure, allows businesses to provide their customers with various payment options, including installment payments and mobile purchasing. For detailed pricing, contact Paysafe directly for a tailored quote.
Paysafe Pros & Cons
PROS
Flexible pricingIntegrates with major Ecommerce platforms like ShopifyAdvanced security measures including tokenizationCONS
Customer support response can take up to 24 business hoursNo clear application process mentioned for setup - 3Custom payment processing and merchant services
- Best for - Businesses seeking merchant and payment processing solutions
- Rates - 0.29%-1.55% per swiped card transaction
- Contract Length - 3 years
Custom payment processing and merchant servicesRead Merchant One ReviewMerchant One is a credit card payment processing company that offers solutions to small and large businesses in various industries. The company partners with Clover to resell its state-of-the-art POS systems, provides its customers with free training on using them, and services the hardware in-house. This ensures a high-quality user experience.
While Merchant One has excellent reviews on Trustpilot, several complaints indicate issues with customer service, billing, and contract terms. Nevertheless, Merchant One’s dedicated managers will respond to queries and guide you on setting up your account and processing transactions.
Why we chose Merchant One - We chose Merchant One because it’s able to process both POS and mobile phone credit card payments.
Our experience - We liked that Merchant One provides a dedicated account manager and offers lower card payment processing fees than some of its rivals.
Merchant One Pros & Cons
PROS
Assigned account managersState-of-the-art technologyTailored solutions for different businessesCONS
Free trial unavailableBilling and pricing issues noted
