10 Good Payment and Card Processors for Any Business
Running a business today means figuring out how to accept payments the right way. No matter if you’re running an online store, a brick-and-mortar shop, or a mix of both, having a reliable and secure way to handle card payments is essential for smooth operations. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one to pick?
To make things easier, we rounded up 10 of the top payment and card solution companies you should check out.
1. Swipesum – Let the Experts Find the Best Fit for You
Swipesum isn’t your typical processor. It’s actually a free consulting service that helps you find the perfect payment processor for your business. Instead of guessing or comparing dozens of providers yourself, Swipesum does the research for you.
They work with over 70 vendors and help you get the best deal. Plus, they stick around to offer support even after setup.
Best for: For businesses of all sizes looking for guidance, having an expert help you choose the right provider can make all the difference.
2. Square – The Go-To Choice for Small Businesses
Square is one of the top payment processing companies for small businesses, especially if you’re making less than $25,000 a month. It’s super easy to set up, and you don’t even need a fancy system to start accepting card payments, just a phone and a card reader.
You also get tools like POS, invoicing, and even an online store builder without extra fees.
Best for: Small local shops, food trucks, and service-based businesses.
3. Stripe – Perfect for Startups and Online Businesses
Stripe is a big name among the top payment processors, especially for online stores and SaaS businesses. If you’re just starting out or building an e-commerce brand, Stripe makes it easy to get up and running.
It offers powerful features, quick payouts, and tons of customization. Just keep in mind it’s a bit pricey, so it’s ideal for early-stage businesses that want to scale.
Best for: Startups and online-first businesses.
4. Elavon – Made for Big Business
If your business is bringing in over $1 million a year, Elavon is worth checking out. It’s built to handle high-volume transactions and gives you advanced tools to manage everything from chargebacks to custom reports.
Elavon also supports both online and in-store payments. Just know that pricing is quote-based, and payments might take a little longer to hit your account.
Best for: Big businesses that require robust features and the flexibility to meet evolving needs.
5. Checkout.com – A Smart Pick for Global Ecommerce
Checkout.com is one of the top credit card processing companies for businesses that sell internationally. It handles cross-border payments smoothly and gives you tools to accept multiple currencies.
If you’re using Shopify, you might even get better pricing through Checkout.com than with Shopify’s own payment system.
Best for: E-commerce brands with global customers or using Shopify.
6. Shopify Payments – Built-In for Shopify Users
Already using Shopify for your online store? Then Shopify Payments is a quick and simple way to start accepting cards without needing to set up anything extra.
It’s great for new sellers, but once you start scaling up, you might want to switch to a provider with lower fees.
Best for: Shopify stores that want fast, easy payment processing.
7. PayPal – Fast, Familiar, and Trusted
PayPal is one of the most recognizable names on this list. It’s easy to set up and gives you access to a huge customer base that already trusts the platform.
While the fees are on the higher side, it’s a solid option for freelancers, side hustlers, or anyone who wants to get paid quickly without jumping through hoops.
Best for: Freelancers and solo entrepreneurs who want simplicity.
8. Helcim – Clear Pricing with No Surprises
Helcim is one of the top payment and card solution companies when it comes to transparency. It uses interchange-plus pricing, so you know exactly what you’re paying, and why.
You’ll also get access to invoicing tools, a POS system, and ecommerce features, all without contracts or hidden fees.
Best for: Small to mid-sized businesses that care about fair pricing.
9. Square Online – Easy Ecommerce Setup
Already using Square in-store? Their online tools make it easy to expand your business to the web. Square Online lets you build a shop quickly and start selling right away.
No coding skills? No problem. You can set it up in minutes and connect it with your existing POS system.
Best for: Brick-and-mortar businesses going online.
10. Stax – Flat Fees That Help You Save
Stax is different because it doesn’t charge per transaction. Instead, you pay a flat monthly fee and keep more of your sales.
That makes it a great option for businesses that process over $30,000 a month. It comes with tools like online checkouts, text-to-pay, and invoicing.
Best for: Growing businesses that want to keep more profit.
Looking Beyond Payments: Why the Right Processor Matters Long-Term
Picking the right payment processor is more than just taking care of today’s transactions. It’s about preparing your business for what’s next. As your business evolves, your payment needs will too. The top payment processors are designed to grow with you, offering the flexibility you need to scale seamlessly. This means fewer payment issues to worry about, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing and running your business.
