Best Month-to-Month Credit Card Processing (No ETF) 2025

KEY TAKEAWAYS

If you want the ability to cancel anytime without paying an early termination fee, a month-to-month (M2M) merchant account is the way to go. This page highlights processors known for flexible terms or negotiable “ETF-waived” agreements, explains how M2M pricing really works, and gives you a quick rollout plan so you can switch with minimal downtime.

TOP PICKS (SHORT REVIEWS)

1. Payment Depot

Known for straightforward interchange-plus and flexible terms. Easy statements and simple off-ramp if your needs change. Confirm in writing that the agreement is month-to-month with $0 ETF and verify any 30-day notice language.

2. Stax

A strong fit when volume is steady and you prefer predictable costs. Many accounts run on a membership model with flexible terms. Ask for a month-to-month addendum and spell out monthly fee, per-transaction cents, and cancellation steps.

3. Clover

Great when you want all-in-one POS with fast deposits. Terms vary by sales channel. If you buy through a partner/reseller, ask specifically for “month-to-month, ETF waived” and confirm hardware is purchased (not leased).

4. Leaders Merchant Services

Hands-on setup (popular with restaurants and retail using Clover). Terms are negotiable—request interchange-plus in writing, an ETF waiver, and a simple 30-day cancellation clause.

5. Merchant One

Fast approvals and practical onboarding. Often offers multi-year by default; ask for the M2M option or a trial period with ETF waived. Calendar any auto-renewal window so you can exit cleanly.

6. Paysafe

Gateway-friendly option with online links, recurring billing, and risk tools. Contract structure depends on setup; you can often negotiate month-to-month or short initial terms. Get markup and cancellation steps in writing.

7. Swipe4Free

Useful if you plan dual pricing or compliant surcharging. Program agreements vary; request an explicit M2M rider, make sure debit is never surcharged, and confirm how refunds/voids handle the fee.

8. Worldpay

Stronger at scale, typically multi-year. If you want their rails but need flexibility, ask for a short pilot (3–6 months) or an M2M addendum with ETF waived and rate-review checkpoints.

HOW MONTH-TO-MONTH PRICING REALLY WORKS

“No ETF” doesn’t automatically mean “cheapest.” Your total cost is interchange + network assessments + the processor’s markup (plus any monthly or incidentals). With M2M, the focus is clarity and the ability to walk away. Always compute your effective rate monthly: add all fees on the statement (processing, monthly, PCI, gateway, chargebacks, instant deposit), divide by gross card sales, and multiply by 100. If you see >~3% for mostly in-person volume (or a rising trend online), it’s time to re-quote.

CONTRACT CHECKS THAT PROTECT YOU

Ask for the exact markup in writing (basis points and per-transaction cents on interchange-plus, or the full membership fee + cents on subscription plans). Make sure the agreement states: month-to-month term, $0 ETF, any notice requirement (e.g., 30 days), and the process to cancel (email address or portal). Avoid equipment leases; buy hardware or use Tap to Pay so your contract and devices aren’t tied together. If there’s a “liquidated damages” clause, remove it.

FUNDING SPEED AND FEATURES

Confirm batch cut-off, weekend/holiday handling, and eligibility for next-day or instant deposits (and the fee for instant). For online or recurring billing, insist on tokenization, account updater, and basic fraud tools (AVS/CVV); use ACH for large invoices to cut costs.

5-STEP ROLLOUT PLAN

Choose pricing (IC++ or subscription) and get a signed M2M addendum with ETF waived.
Buy hardware outright (or use Tap to Pay) and avoid leases; set batch cut-off.
Move your gateway tokens (if applicable) and enable account updater for recurring.
Run one week of parallel processing and reconcile nightly to confirm deposit timing.
After two statements, compute your effective rate; re-quote if costs drift up.

FAQs

What’s the real difference between M2M and a 3-year contract?

M2M lets you cancel anytime without an ETF. Multi-year often includes an ETF or liquidated damages. Pricing can be similar—negotiate both price and term.

How do I verify “no ETF”?

Ask for a signed addendum that states $0 ETF, the notice period (if any), and the exact cancellation method (email/portal). Keep a copy with your contract.

Can I still get next-day funding on M2M?

Usually yes. Funding speed is separate from term; confirm cut-off times, weekend rules, and any instant-deposit fees.

Are incidentals common on M2M accounts?

Yes—monthly fees, PCI, gateway, chargebacks, and batch fees may still apply. The goal of M2M is flexibility, not zero fees. Get the full fee table in writing.

Do equipment leases affect my ability to cancel?

Yes. Leases are separate contracts that often outlive the merchant account. Buy hardware or choose Tap to Pay to keep your exit clean.

Which pricing is best for M2M?

If volume is steady, interchange-plus or a membership model usually beats flat-rate over time. Always track your effective rate and renegotiate as needed.

Best Month-to-Month Credit Card Processing (No ETF) — 2025