RTC SCORE
8.0
#1 of 16 with enough data
Helcim
Helcim's interchange-plus pricing with automatic volume discounts: in person, interchange + 0.40% + 8¢ up to $50k a month, down to interchange + 0.15% + 6¢ at the highest volume. No monthly, PCI, statement or batch fee, month-to-month with no cancellation fee, and an optional credit card surcharge (Fee Saver) at no extra fee.
RTC SCORE
5.4
#9 of 16 with enough data
Stripe
Stripe's flat-rate processing: 2.7% + 5¢ in person with Stripe Terminal, 2.9% + 30¢ online and 3.4% + 30¢ keyed in, with no monthly, PCI or closure fees, month to month. Deposits take two business days (instant payouts 1.5%). It has no restaurant POS of its own: restaurants use it through POS systems built on Stripe.
Key differences
| Data point | Helcim | Stripe |
|---|---|---|
| In-person rate | 0.4% | 2.7% |
| In-person fee per transaction | 8¢ | 5¢ |
| Online rate | 0.5% | 2.9% |
| Online fee per transaction | 25¢ | 30¢ |
| Keyed-in rate | 0.5% | 3.4% |
| Keyed-in fee per transaction | 25¢ | 30¢ |
| Price of a countertop terminal | $349 one-time | $299 one-time |
| 24/7 support for merchants | No | Yes |
| Support channels | Phone, Email or form | Phone, Chat, Email or form |
Side by side
| Feature | HelcimRTC Score: 8.0 out of 10 | StripeRTC Score: 5.4 out of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Type of processor and pricing | ||
| Type of processor | Interchange-plus or subscription processorSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | Flat-rate payment company (payment facilitator)Source: Stripe (opens in a new tab)A payment company with one published flat rate for every business on standard pricing. |
| Pricing model | Interchange-plusSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | Flat rateSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab) |
| Published pricing (points out of 100) | 100Source: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Same rubric for every vendor: in-person rate (25), online and keyed rates (15), markup and monthly fee (20), a stated $0 cancellation fee (20) and its other fees in a public fee disclosure (20). | 100Source: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Same rubric for every vendor: in-person rate published 25; online and keyed rates 15; monthly fee ($0, stated) 20; early termination fee ($0: no closure fees, stated) 20; other fees 20 (disputes, instant payouts, international cards and Tap to Pay are on the pricing page). |
| Card rates | ||
| In-person rate | 0.4%Source: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Markup over interchange up to $50k a month in card sales (3-month average); lower tiers above that. | 2.7%Source: Stripe (opens in a new tab)With Stripe Terminal readers. Tap to Pay on a phone adds 10¢ per authorization. |
| In-person fee per transaction | 8¢Source: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | 5¢Source: Stripe (opens in a new tab) |
| Online rate | 0.5%Source: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Keyed and online payments share Helcim's card-not-present markup, up to $50k a month. | 2.9%Source: Stripe (opens in a new tab) |
| Online fee per transaction | 25¢Source: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | 30¢Source: Stripe (opens in a new tab) |
| Keyed-in rate | 0.5%Source: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Same card-not-present markup as online payments, up to $50k a month. | 3.4%Source: Stripe (opens in a new tab)2.9% plus the 0.5% for manually entered cards. |
| Keyed-in fee per transaction | 25¢Source: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | 30¢Source: Stripe (opens in a new tab) |
| American Express pricing | American Express's cost plus a markupSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)American Express's OptBlue rate plus Helcim's usual markup. Helcim also lists an acquirer network fee of 0.03% + 3¢ on every American Express payment, which our cost estimate leaves out (about $3 a month for our reference restaurant). | Same rate as other cardsSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)One rate for every domestic card, American Express included. |
| American Express rate | N/ASource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)American Express doesn't have a rate of its own here: you pay its cost plus Helcim's markup. | N/ASource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Doesn't apply: American Express costs the same as other cards. |
| Rates by monthly volume | In person: interchange + 0.40% + 8¢ up to $50k a month; 0.35% + 7¢ from $50k; 0.25% + 7¢ from $100k; 0.20% + 6¢ from $500k; 0.15% + 6¢ from $1M. Online and keyed: 0.50% + 25¢; 0.45% + 20¢; 0.35% + 20¢; 0.25% + 15¢; 0.15% + 15¢. The tier follows your 3-month average volume; above $5M a month, pricing is by quote.Source: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | N/ASource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Doesn't apply: one published rate for any volume. Stripe offers custom pricing (including interchange-plus) for large volumes, only by quote. |
| Monthly and other fees | ||
| Monthly account or plan fee | $0/moSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | $0/moSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Pay as you go, with no monthly fee. |
| Annual fee per account | $0/yrSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | $0/yrSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Stripe says it charges no monthly or other hidden fees and lists every standard fee on its pricing page; none of them is this one. |
| Annual fees per device or location | $0/yr per deviceSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)No yearly fee per device. Optional 4G data for a terminal costs $7 a month. | $0/yr per deviceSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)No recurring program or compliance fee per reader. Cellular data on readers that use it is optional, at $10 a reader a month. |
| PCI compliance fee (yearly) | $0/yrSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | $0/yrSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Stripe says it charges no monthly or other hidden fees and lists every standard fee on its pricing page; none of them is this one. |
| PCI non-compliance fee (monthly) | $0/moSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Helcim says it charges no PCI fees, and its fee disclosure lists no fee for not completing PCI compliance. | $0/moSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Stripe says it charges no monthly or other hidden fees and lists every standard fee on its pricing page; none of them is this one. |
| Statement fee | $0/moSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | $0/moSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Stripe says it charges no monthly or other hidden fees and lists every standard fee on its pricing page; none of them is this one. |
| Monthly minimum | $0/moSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | $0/moSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Stripe says it charges no monthly or other hidden fees and lists every standard fee on its pricing page; none of them is this one. |
| Fee per batch | $0Source: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Inferred: Helcim doesn't say "no batch fee" in so many words, but the "Other Fees" table of its US fee disclosure lists no batch fee, and its statement guide shows only interchange, card network costs and Helcim's markup. | $0Source: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Stripe says it charges no monthly or other hidden fees and lists every standard fee on its pricing page; none of them is this one. |
| Chargeback fee | $15Source: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | $15Source: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Plus $15 for each dispute you respond to manually, which you get back if you win. |
| Other fees | Tap to Pay on iPhone: 10¢ per approved payment. Recurring payments: +0.4%. International cards: +1.45% (Visa, Mastercard), +1.30% (Discover), +1.00% (American Express). Level 2/3 data optimization: Helcim keeps 30% of the savings. Optional 4G data: $7 a month. ACH: 0.5% + 25¢ (capped at $6 under $25,000) and $5 per returned payment. American Express acquirer network fee: 0.03% + 3¢.Source: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | Cards issued outside the US +1.5%; currency conversion +1%; Tap to Pay on a phone +10¢ per authorization; optional point-to-point encryption +5¢ per authorization; cellular data $10 a reader a month; $15 for each dispute you respond to manually (returned if you win); Smart Disputes 30% of the disputed amount when you win.Source: Stripe (opens in a new tab) |
| Equipment | ||
| How you get the equipment | You buy itSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)The Smart Terminal can also be paid in 12 monthly payments of $32. | You buy itSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)You buy the readers from Stripe, or take contactless payments on a phone with Tap to Pay. |
| Price of a countertop terminal | $349 one-timeSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Helcim Smart Terminal (countertop, with printer and 4G). The card reader costs $199. | $299 one-time(Best value)Source: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Stripe Reader S700 (countertop smart reader). The Stripe Reader M2 mobile reader is $59. |
| Equipment lease you can't cancel | NoSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | NoSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Stripe sells its readers at a listed price; it doesn't publish a lease. |
| Equipment lease term | N/ASource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Helcim doesn't lease equipment: you buy it. | N/ASource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Doesn't apply: no lease. |
| Equipment at $0 upfront: what it commits you to | N/ASource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Helcim doesn't offer equipment at $0 upfront: you buy the card reader ($199) or the Smart Terminal ($349, or 12 payments of $32). | N/ASource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Doesn't apply: Stripe doesn't offer readers at $0 upfront. |
| Equipment only works with this processor | UnconfirmedSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Helcim's POS app only works with Helcim hardware, but Helcim doesn't say whether its reader or terminal can be used with another processor. | YesSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Stripe's readers work with Stripe accounts (through Stripe Terminal), not with another processor. |
| Getting your money | ||
| Standard deposit speed | Next business daySource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Next business day at no extra cost when your bank is on the RTP or FedNow networks and you close the batch by 7 PM Mountain Time; otherwise 1 to 2 business days. Your first batches take about 3 business days. | Two business daysSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Default US settlement is two business days. Your first payout takes 7 to 14 days, depending on your industry and risk level. Instant Payouts cost 1.5%. |
| Instant payout fee | N/ASource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Helcim doesn't offer paid instant payouts; its fastest option is next-business-day Faster Deposits at no cost. | 1.5%Source: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Minimum 50¢ per instant payout. |
| Holds and reserves | Helcim's terms let it hold or delay payouts and require a reserve for any reason related to your use of the service, in an amount it sets and can change at any time, funded from your sales or your bank account. After the account closes it may keep a reserve for at least 6 months.Source: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | Stripe can set up a reserve with a notice of its terms and hold it to cover what you may owe (disputes, refunds); it sizes reserves by risk and pays them out when the reserve term ends. It can also delay or withhold payouts for disputes.Source: Stripe (opens in a new tab) |
| Contract and exit | ||
| Contract term | Month to monthSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Month-to-month: you can close the account without a fee. | Month to monthSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Month to month, with no closure fee: the agreement runs until you or Stripe end it, and you end it by closing your account in the Dashboard. |
| Automatic renewal | Month to monthSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Month-to-month, with no renewal term. | Month to monthSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)No term to renew. |
| Notice to avoid renewal | 0 daysSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)No renewal to opt out of. | N/ASource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Doesn't apply: no term to renew. |
| Notice to cancel | 0 daysSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)You close the account by calling support during business hours; no notice period. | 0 daysSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)You end the agreement by closing your account in the Dashboard; no notice period. |
| Early termination fee | No early termination or cancellation fee.Source: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | No early termination fee: Stripe charges no closure fee.Source: Stripe (opens in a new tab) |
| How the early termination fee is calculated | No early termination feeSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | No early termination feeSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)No closure fee, per Stripe. |
| Liquidated damages clause | NoSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | NoSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)No clause charges you for the months left: the agreement has no minimum term. |
| Price increases during the contract | With notice, and you can leave without a feeSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)With at least 30 days' notice, and you can close the account without a fee. Card network costs pass through as they change. | With notice, and you can leave without a feeSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)At least 30 days' notice of any fee increase; since the agreement has no term and no closure fee, you can leave before it applies. |
| Right to raise prices | Helcim can change its rates and fees with at least 30 days' notice on its platform; continuing to use the service after that accepts them. Card network fees change when the networks change them.Source: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | Stripe can change its fees with at least 30 days' notice of any increase or new fee.Source: Stripe (opens in a new tab) |
| Personal guarantee by the signer | YesSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Only if Helcim asks for it as extra security; it isn't a standard part of signing up. | UnconfirmedSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)The agreement has no personal guarantee clause; if you're a sole proprietor, you and the person who applies are both bound by it. |
| Dual pricing and surcharges | ||
| Dual pricing or surcharge program | YesSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Fee Saver is a credit card surcharge. Its terms say that in person it currently works only on the Helcim Smart Terminal (Helcim's help center also lists the newest card reader). Helcim can adjust the customer's fee for some card brand and cross-border costs, and can change, suspend or end Fee Saver at any time, with or without notice. Card network rules and state laws apply. | NoSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Stripe's terms allow surcharging only where card network rules and the law permit it, but Stripe doesn't publish a dual pricing, surcharge or cash discount program for US merchants. |
| Cards the program covers | Credit cards only (surcharge)Source: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | N/ASource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Doesn't apply: no program. |
| Monthly fee for the program | $0/moSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Neither the Fee Saver terms nor Helcim's fee disclosure list a fee for it. | N/ASource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Doesn't apply: no program. |
| Your POS and your business | ||
| Works with these restaurant POS | OthersSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Its own POS app at no extra cost. The Smart Terminal has an API to connect other POS systems, but Helcim documents no integration with Toast, Square, Clover, Shift4 POS, SpotOn or Lightspeed. | OthersSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Stripe Terminal works with third-party POS systems built on Stripe; Stripe doesn't list any of the restaurant POS systems on our list. |
| Requires the vendor's own POS | NoSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)The Smart Terminal also works as a standalone terminal next to your POS. | NoSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Stripe has no restaurant POS of its own; it works through POS systems and apps built on Stripe. |
| Monthly volume it's built for | $0/moSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)No minimum volume: the first tier starts at $0. | $0/moSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)No minimum volume: pay-as-you-go pricing for any business. |
| Accepts high-risk businesses | YesSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Some higher-risk businesses after extra review; prohibited businesses are turned down. | UnconfirmedSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Stripe publishes lists of prohibited and restricted businesses; it doesn't present itself as a processor for high-risk businesses. |
| Routes debit to the lowest-cost network | UnconfirmedSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Helcim prices PIN debit at interchange plus its markup but doesn't say whether it routes debit to the cheapest network. | UnconfirmedSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Stripe's pricing and docs don't say whether it routes US debit to the lowest-cost network for you. |
| Support | ||
| 24/7 support for merchants | NoSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | Yes(Best value)Source: Stripe (opens in a new tab) |
| Support channels | Phone, Email or formSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab)Phone with its in-house team, and support tickets from your account. | Phone, Chat, Email or formSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab) |
Contracts compared
| Product | Initial term | Auto-renewal | Early termination fee | Price increases during the term | Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HelcimSource: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | Month to month | No auto-renewal | No early termination or cancellation fee. | Helcim can change its rates and fees with at least 30 days' notice on its platform; continuing to use the service after that accepts them. Card network fees change when the networks change them.Source: Helcim (opens in a new tab) | No data |
| StripeSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab) | Month to monthSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)Month to month, with no closure fee: the agreement runs until you or Stripe end it, and you end it by closing your account in the Dashboard. | No auto-renewalSource: Stripe (opens in a new tab)No term to renew. | No early termination fee: Stripe charges no closure fee. | Stripe can change its fees with at least 30 days' notice of any increase or new fee.Source: Stripe (opens in a new tab) | No data |
This is general information about published contracts, not legal advice: read your own contract and check with a lawyer before you sign.
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