Best Merchant Services Providers in October 2024

In the rapidly evolving world of commerce, having the right merchant services is crucial for the success of any business. Whether you're running a small local shop or a large online enterprise, you need a reliable partner to handle your transactions efficiently and securely. This is where merchant services come in. Merchant services companies provide the critical infrastructure for processing credit and debit card payments, ensuring that your business can offer a seamless and professional payment experience to your customers.

In this article, we will compare six of the top merchant services companies in the US, highlighting their key features, pricing, and overall value for your business. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision when selecting the best merchant service provider to suit your unique needs.

1. Leaders

Leaders Merchant Services

Leaders Merchant Services

Leaders Merchant Services

Leaders Merchant Services is a comprehensive payment processing provider dedicated to offering solutions that empower businesses to grow seamlessly. Established with a focus on customer service and competitive pricing, Leaders Merchant Services provides a wide array of financial services tailored to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to large corporations. Their offerings include credit card processing, point-of-sale systems, online payment gateways, and business management tools, all designed to streamline transactions and enhance efficiency.

Features

1. Credit Card Processing: Accepts major cards.
2. Mobile Payments: Payments via mobile.
3. E-commerce Solutions: Integrates with carts.
4. Point-of-Sale Systems: Advanced POS systems.
5. Merchant Cash Advances: Additional capital access.
6. Fraud Protection: Multiple security layers.
7. Recurring Billing: Automated billing cycles.

Pricing

Leaders Merchant Services offers tailored pricing plans based on the specific needs and transaction volumes of your business. While the exact costs can vary, here is a general idea of what you can expect:

It's always best to get a quote based on your specific business needs to get the most accurate pricing.

Why Leaders Merchant Services is a Good Brand and How It Can Help Your Store Grow

Leaders Merchant Services excels in offering reliable, cost-effective payment solutions. Their competitive pricing and exceptional customer service ensure smooth business operations. Features like mobile payments, advanced POS systems, and robust e-commerce solutions cater to various business models.

By streamlining payment processes and offering business management tools, they enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. Merchant cash advances provide crucial capital for growth. With extensive support and resources, Leaders Merchant Services helps your business thrive in a competitive market.

• SAVE or get $200 Guarantee*
• Get a free credit card reader
• Accepts high-risk merchants

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2. Paysafe

Paysafe is a leading global payment solutions provider, offering a seamless and secure payment experience to businesses and consumers worldwide. With a comprehensive portfolio of services, including payment processing, digital wallets, and online cash solutions, Paysafe caters to various business needs. Founded with a vision to simplify the complexity of online transactions, Paysafe has grown to support millions of customers and thousands of businesses across the globe, fostering trust and innovation in the payment industry.

Features

• Credit Cards: Supports Visa, MasterCard, Amex, and Discover
• Digital Wallets: Includes Skrill and NETELLER
• Online Cash: Offers paysafecard for prepaid payments
• Recurring Billing: Automated payments for subscriptions
• Fraud Management: Tools for detecting/preventing fraud
• Real-Time Reporting: Tracks transactions and performance
• Mobile Payments: Accepts payments via mobile devices

Pricing

Paysafe's pricing structure is tailored to meet the specific requirements of different businesses, with fees varying based on transaction types, volumes, and regions. Here is a general outline of potential costs:

For the most accurate pricing, it’s recommended to contact Paysafe directly for a customized quote based on your business needs.

Why Paysafe is a Good Brand and How It Can Help Your Store Grow

Paysafe excels as a versatile payment provider, meeting diverse business needs. It offers various payment options like credit card processing, digital wallets, and online cash solutions to enhance customer experience and loyalty.

With global reach and multi-currency support, Paysafe is ideal for international expansion. Advanced security and fraud protection ensure safety for both businesses and customers.

Paysafe provides powerful analytics and reporting tools for valuable transaction insights, aiding informed growth decisions. Easy integration with e-commerce platforms and POS systems ensures minimal disruption.

In summary, Paysafe helps your store grow with secure, reliable, user-friendly solutions that streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and boost sales.

• Super-competitive processing rates

• PCI protections and next-day funding

• Zero Cost Processing option with Cash Discount pricing

Visit Paysafe

3. Clover

Clover is a leading provider of point-of-sale (POS) systems and payment processing solutions designed to simplify and enhance business operations. With a strong emphasis on innovation and user experience, Clover offers a comprehensive suite of hardware and software tailored for businesses of all sizes, from small retail shops to large enterprises. Clover’s ecosystem includes a range of customizable POS systems, payment processing services, and an app marketplace that allows businesses to add functionalities as needed. By integrating advanced technology with ease of use, Clover aims to help businesses manage payments, track inventory, and grow their customer base efficiently.

Features

1. Integrated Payments: Accepts major credit cards, EMV, and contactless payments
2. POS Hardware: Offers Clover Station, Mini, Flex, and Go
3. Inventory Management: Robust tracking and organization tools
4. Employee Management: Scheduling, permissions, and performance tools
5. Customer Engagement: CRM, loyalty programs, and marketing tools
6. App Marketplace: Third-party apps for accounting, payroll, and e-commerce
7. Real-Time Reporting: Detailed, real-time sales and inventory insights
8. Security: Advanced features for transaction and data protection

Pricing

Clover's pricing varies based on the POS hardware and additional services you choose. Here’s a general overview:u

Why Clover is a Good Brand and How It Can Help Your Store Grow

Clover excels as an all-in-one POS, simplifying operations and boosting productivity. Its user-friendly interface reduces training time and increases efficiency.

Customizable features and a vast app marketplace allow tailored solutions for business needs, including inventory management and customer engagement.

Advanced reporting tools offer real-time insights for data-driven decisions. Integrated payment solutions ensure quick, secure transactions, enhancing customer satisfaction.

In summary, Clover supports business growth with a scalable, customizable platform, managing everything from payments to inventory, letting you focus on serving customers and driving growth.

• Payments as low as 2.3% +10¢/transaction
• Fraud protection up to $100,000
• Take payments with or without Wi-Fi

Visit Clover

4. MerchantOne

Merchant One is a leading provider of credit card processing solutions known for its commitment to personalized service and competitive pricing. Established to cater to businesses of all sizes, Merchant One offers a comprehensive suite of payment processing services, including POS systems, mobile payments, e-commerce solutions, and advanced fraud protection. With a focus on customer satisfaction, Merchant One aims to provide a seamless and secure payment experience, helping businesses streamline their operations and boost efficiency. Their dedicated customer support and quick setup process make them an attractive choice for businesses seeking reliable payment processing solutions.

Features

1. Credit Card Processing: Accepts major cards
2. Mobile Payments: Mobile payment acceptance
3. E-commerce Solutions: Payment gateways integration
4. Point-of-Sale Systems: Various POS solutions
5. Fraud Protection: Advanced security tools
6. Reporting and Analytics: Detailed insights
7. Merchant Cash Advances: Additional funding access

Pricing

Merchant One offers tailored pricing plans based on your business’s specific needs and transaction volumes. Here’s a general idea of what you might expect:

For the most accurate pricing, it’s best to contact Merchant One directly for a customized quote.

Why Merchant One is a Good Brand and How It Can Help Your Store Grow

Merchant One stands out with personalized service, competitive pricing, and customizable plans. Quick approval and setup minimize downtime, letting you focus on core operations.

Supports various payment methods, including mobile and online, ensuring customer convenience. Robust security measures protect against fraud and data breaches, building trust.

Detailed reporting and analytics provide valuable business insights for data-driven decisions.

In summary, Merchant One helps your store grow with secure, customizable payment solutions, personalized service, and competitive pricing, enhancing customer satisfaction and boosting sales.

• 98% Approval Rate
• No Set Up Fee
• Available Terminal Placement Program

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5. Payment Depot

Payment Depot is a reputable payment processing provider that offers a unique membership-based pricing model designed to deliver significant cost savings to businesses. Unlike traditional payment processors that charge a percentage fee on each transaction, Payment Depot operates on a wholesale pricing model. This means businesses pay a flat monthly membership fee and get access to direct interchange rates without any markups. Aimed at providing transparency and simplicity, Payment Depot serves a wide range of industries, offering comprehensive solutions such as credit card processing, POS systems, mobile payments, and e-commerce integrations.

Features

1. Credit Cards: Accepts Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover
2. Interchange-Plus: Direct rates plus a monthly fee
3. POS Systems: Robust, easy-to-use in-person payments
4. E-commerce: Comprehensive online payment solutions
5. Mobile Payments: Flexible, on-the-go transactions
6. Recurring Billing: Automated payments for subscriptions
7. Fraud Protection: Advanced security and PCI compliance
8. Analytics: Detailed sales and performance reports

Pricing

Payment Depot’s unique pricing structure is based on a membership fee plus direct interchange rates. Here’s a general idea of the costs:

For the most accurate pricing tailored to your specific business needs, contacting Payment Depot directly for a personalized quote is recommended.

Why Payment Depot is a Good Brand and How It Can Help Your Store Grow

Payment Depot excels with transparent, cost-effective membership pricing, avoiding traditional markups. This benefits businesses with high transaction volumes by reducing costs.

Offering in-person, online, and mobile payments, Payment Depot is versatile for modern needs. Robust security ensures safe transactions, building customer trust.

High-quality customer support quickly resolves issues. Wide compatibility with POS systems and e-commerce platforms ensures seamless integration.

In summary, Payment Depot aids growth with its clear pricing, comprehensive features, and exceptional support, enhancing financial management, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

• Merchant Services For Low Fees
• Interchange + 0% per transaction
• No long-term contracts or early termination fees

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6. Stax

Stax, formerly known as Fattmerchant, is a premier provider of subscription-based payment processing solutions designed to offer transparency, efficiency, and cost savings to businesses of all sizes. With a straightforward pricing model, Stax eliminates the traditional percentage markups on transactions and instead offers a flat monthly fee plus direct cost. This innovative approach allows businesses to save on processing fees and gain clearer insight into their expenses. Stax provides comprehensive solutions, including in-person, online, and mobile payment processing, as well as advanced analytics tools, making it a versatile and robust choice for modern businesses.

Features

1. Credit Cards: Accepts Visa, MasterCard, Amex, and Discover
2. Flat-Rate: Transparent monthly fee plus direct costs
3. POS Systems: Easy-to-use, robust in-person payments
4. E-commerce: Comprehensive online payment solutions
5. Mobile: Accept payments on-the-go
6. Recurring Billing: Automated payments for subscriptions
7. Analytics: Robust tools for sales and performance insights
8. API: Seamless integration with developer-friendly API

Pricing

Stax’s pricing model is based on a subscription fee plus direct cost pricing. Here’s a general breakdown:

For the most accurate pricing tailored to your specific business needs, contacting Stax directly for a personalized quote is recommended.

Why Stax is a Good Brand and How It Can Help Your Store Grow

Stax offers subscription-based pricing for transparency and cost savings. It supports all payment forms— in-person, online, mobile—for flexibility.

Advanced analytics provide valuable business insights. Top-rated customer support resolves issues quickly. Robust API and integrations ensure seamless system integration.

In summary, Stax aids growth with transparent pricing, versatile payments, and powerful analytics, boosting financial management and customer satisfaction.e

• Flat fee, 0% markup payment processing

• Average monthly savings of 40%

• Trusted by 30,000+ businesses

Visit Stax

What Are Merchant Services?

Merchant services is a broad term that refers to merchant processing services giving a business the capability to accept payment using a customer's credit card. The merchant services provider (MSP) is the one who actually makes the transaction happen while complying with security requirements.

Merchant services providers are also referred to as credit card processors (CCP). MSPs act as the intermediary between your business and your customer’s credit or debit card account.

This is how it works:

• A customer will swipe their credit card or enter their credit card information to make a purchase from your store.

• Your point of sale software sends the data to your chosen MSP.

• The MSP contacts the customer's credit card association to check that they have enough credit to pay for the purchase.

• The card association checks with the customer's bank, and then (hopefully) sends the MSP a reply approving the transaction.

• The MSP completes the transaction and sends you a receipt for the customer.

Tips for Choosing the Best Merchant Service Provider

With many options available on the market, there are vital factors to consider when choosing a merchant service provider:

Cost

Merchant services offer different pricing models and rates. It is important to review what’s on offer to determine if it fits your needs. Hidden costs or unexpected processing fees may drain your budget.

Payment options

Check whether the merchant service provider offers several payment solutions for processing transactions from debit cards, credit purchases, and mobile payments. There might also be an Independent Sales Organization (ISO)—a third-party credit card processing service—managing transactions on your behalf, but for a share of your sales.

Equipment/Hardware

Ask what equipment is offered, such as card readers, POS systems, and handheld devices, like tablets. They may be included in your contract, or you may have to pay for them separately. The setup should take a few business days to finalize.

Customer support

When something goes wrong, you’ll need help managing your merchant account or when conducting transactions. Your merchant service should have a comprehensive customer support system to resolve challenges faster and prevent any business disruptions.

Ease of use and scalability

When to Invest in Merchant Services

Merchant services are vital for Ecommerce and service-oriented businesses. Digitization has reduced cash transactions in favor of credit cards, debit cards, and digital payments. Therefore, it’s recommended to find a solution that can handle in-person and online transactions while meeting all the legal and financial requirements for transferring funds from the buyer to your seller account.

Failing to invest in a merchant service solution means that customer experience will be diminished, and your business won’t earn the revenue that matches its potential. Merchant services are flexible to fit your business model. For example, if you’re in retail, you may prefer mobility, meaning you’ll want portable options that can process customer transactions on the spot. High-risk businesses—those that experience a lot of credit card chargebacks—can also find a solution, albeit expensive, for processing their customer transactions.

Another reason to invest in merchant services is the extensive features, such as invoicing tools, app integrations, virtual terminal, shopping cart, payment processing hardware, and more. Many merchant services are scalable, enabling you to take advantage of the services and features to grow your business.

However, there are cost considerations, and each merchant service provider has its own rates and fees that may work well for you or hurt your budget. Try different pricing options, such as flat fees, monthly rates, or per-charge transactions, to determine what works best for your business.

Merchant Services Fees and Rates

Merchant service fees and rates depend on the merchant account service fees, payment processing fees, and equipment costs. Some merchant account providers have setup fees, but the better ones don’t. A provider may offer bundled pricing, per-transaction pricing, or a flat monthly rate, and there may also be markup fees.

The standard merchant account service fees include the following:

• A gateway fee of around $10 per month or from $0.10 per transaction to process online credit card payments.

• A statement fee of $5 for billing statements and customer support.

• A PCI compliance fee of around $100 annually for securing customer data.

• A chargeback fee starting at $15.

Payment processing fees involve an interchange rate plus pricing, which is usually from around 1.5% per transaction. Finally, the payment method can also affect the cost. Swiping the card may be charged differently compared to an online transaction.

Equipment costs include POS systems, card readers, and other appliances needed for your business, and they may be expensive. You can opt for a virtual terminal like PayPal to save money.

Types of Merchant Service Providers

Merchant service providers come in different types:

Merchant account provider

If you’re looking to receive money from a credit or debit card transaction, you need a solution that processes the funds from your account and deposits them into the seller’s bank account. A merchant account provider is a bridge enabling that transaction. Some merchant account providers only offer a merchant account but not with any card processing capabilities.

Payment services provider

Payment processing services, like PayPal, offer alternatives to dedicated merchant accounts. They offer lower account fees because you won’t receive a unique merchant identification (ID). These services are different because you’re not bound to the contract agreements found with a merchant account.

Payment gateway provider

Online transactions are only possible through a payment gateway. This is a technology that automatically connects all parties involved to process payments instantly. Payment gateway providers can either open a merchant account for you on their service or link to your existing merchant account to conduct transactions.

What Are the Benefits of Accepting Credit Cards Online?

Accepting credit cards online is crucial for your business as many customers prefer to pay that way. It opens new revenue streams, enhances customer experience, and offers a fast, secure payment option. It’s straightforward to set up if you find the ideal merchant service provider, and the cost is competitively priced.

People enjoy the convenience of shopping online and having items delivered or services rendered, so having a credit card payment processing solution makes it easier for the customer. You can integrate Buy Now buttons on your website to get a sales lead to purchase something using a credit card. The credit card option may entice impulse buyers to perform the transaction or spend more than they would if they were using cash.

You can maintain cash flow through credit card payments that are settled immediately rather than being vulnerable to the risk of bad checks. If you’re sending invoices, some online payment processors generate links or instant payment buttons for customers to input their credit card data and settle the transaction immediately.

What Are Payment Processing Contracts?

A payment processing contract is an agreement between a merchant and a payment processor—such as a merchant services provider—that outlines the fees, rates, and liabilities involved in providing the service. The contract lengths range from month-to-month to three-year terms, and there may be a termination fee if you decide to end the contract early.

The contract will detail the fees owed to credit card companies like Visa or MasterCard for processing transactions, this is known as the interchange rate. It will describe the Payment Card Industry and Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance fees, which are essential for showing that your business is secured for debit and credit card payments.

The payment processing contract will also present equipment leasing costs for hardware like credit card readers. These provide instant and safe processing of a swiped or keyed-in card.

Since salespeople aren’t required by law to disclose all fees involved, you might end up signing an expensive contract filled with hidden fees. Therefore, you’ll have to check what fees you’ll be obligated to pay per month and per transaction with the merchant service provider.

How To Set Up a Merchant Service Account

Once you’ve registered your business and opened a business bank account, you can search for a merchant service provider to open a merchant account. Compile your business records and financial statements, and get a copy of your credit score to provide insights on whether your business will be a credit risk for the provider.

Compare merchant service providers to select one that suits your business’s needs. Determine what payment method you’d like to use, from card transactions, ACH, mobile payments, etc. Check the features and the customer support available. Analyze the pricing, fees, and contract lengths to avoid signing long-term deals that don’t work for your business.

Finalize your application, submit it for review, and wait for the outcome. Review the contract terms before signing the deal. Wait a while, and you’ll be notified if you’ve successfully opened an account.

What is the Best Credit Card Processing Company for a Small Business?

Paying by credit card is the norm these days, so adding credit card processing capabilities can be a real boost to your income. Small businesses can choose online credit card processing, a conventional credit card reader, or a mobile credit card processor that integrates with a smartphone or tablet.

Conventional card readers can be best if you make a lot of face-to-face sales. If most of your credit card transactions take place online, then an online CCP and payment gateway will be the most useful. Sole traders and mobile businesses, like electricians or entertainers, might find that a mobile CCP that works with their smartphone serves them best.

There isn’t one credit card processor that is the best for everyone, because every business is different. What’s best for a large retail store with many branches isn’t necessarily best for a small Ecommerce business. However, here are some things to look for to help you find the best credit card processors for your business:

• A CCP that has experience serving your sector.

• A CCP that can service all your needs in one—for example, if you have an online store and a brick and mortar store, look for an MSP that can process both face-to-face and online transactions.

• Hidden fees. Many companies practice ‘bait and switch’ where the price you see advertised doesn’t include all of the real costs.

• Compare fees carefully. Because there are a few different pricing models, it can be difficult to compare like with like. An MSP that seems to offer great value at first glance might actually cost more in the long run due to the pricing model.

• Check the minimum monthly transaction amount and make sure that you expect to meet it.

• Pay attention to whether the rates go up or down according to your volume of sales. If you make a lot of transactions, you'll want a CCP that lowers the fee as sales increase, but if you make just a few high-value sales per month, you'll want the lowest fees to apply to the lowest sales volume.

What to Expect in 2024

Advances in financial technology (fintech) mean that 2024 will see greater innovations in the merchant services sector. There may be next-generation Application Programming Interface (API) integrations, cryptocurrency use, and blockchain technology adoption to record transactions and store data.

Global economic problems like inflation, high-interest rates, and recession will challenge merchant service providers, as many businesses will struggle with cash flow issues and diminished revenues. Merchant service providers will need to evaluate their pricing structures to remain competitive and retain their customers.

Customer experience will always be at the forefront of any business operation. Therefore, merchant services should develop novel solutions, provide ample customer support, and find opportunities to reward customers through loyalty programs.

Mobile payments and wallets have become predominant in the smartphone age, and better user interfaces and solutions should be developed to make using merchant services on mobile phones convenient.

Our Methodology: How We Rated the Best Merchant Services

Every business has specific needs, and you must find a convenient and affordable merchant service with top features that are tailored to your company’s requirements. We’ve selected the top merchant services on the market that are consistently mentioned and conducted detailed reviews. Furthermore, we’ve rated the best merchant services using the criteria below:

• Pricing and rates

• Best and extensive features

• The business type that would benefit from the service

• Service contract lengths: short, month-to-month, three years, contractless services

• Free equipment included in the contract, such as card readers

• Types of credit and debit cards allowed

• Ability to perform an online transaction

• Approval and funding speeds

• Same day approval

• Same day funding

• Usability on handheld devices plus mobile payments

• Quality of customer support and its availability 24/7

• Merchant software user interface and experience

Bottom Line

Merchant services can streamline your business operations by processing card and online transactions faster and more securely. By utilizing merchant services, you can provide your customers with superior service and a positive user experience. The services are convenient, agile, and competitively priced, giving businesses multiple options for solving their payment needs.