10 Cheapest Credit Card Processing Services

Not all processors are created equal, so this guide breaks down the 10 reputable credit card processing services to help you. Spoiler alert: Vellis takes the #1 spot for its global reach, compliance, and flexibility!

Vellis – Global Payment Processing Solutions (#1 Ranked)

Vellis earns the top spot as the best overall choice for affordable and reliable processing. Known for its international coverage and transparent pricing, it’s a strong fit for local shops, e-commerce stores, and businesses expanding across borders.

Here’s some of Vellis’ key features that make it the best payment processor:

• Multi-currency account support for global sales.
• PCI DSS compliance for maximum data security.
• Transparent pricing with no hidden surcharges.
• Versatile options for in-person, online, and recurring payments.

For businesses focused on global expansion, Vellis delivers the most affordable and adaptable system, making it the #1 recommendation in 2025.

Why Cost Matters in Credit Card Processing

Processing fees may seem small, but they add up quickly. Imagine a business with $50,000 in monthly card sales. At 3% fees, that’s $1,500 lost each month. Over a year, that’s $18,000 in expenses just to move money.

Pricing models vary:

• Flat-rate pricing keeps things predictable with a set fee per transaction.
• Interchange-plus pricing passes along card network fees plus a small markup, often cheaper for higher volumes.

Choosing the right model is about balancing affordability with compliance, reliability, and support.

Key Factors to Consider in Ranking the Cheapest Credit Card Processing Services

When reviewing the top 10 providers, four considerations matter most:

1. Transparent pricing: No hidden fees or vague terms.
2. Global support: Essential for businesses serving international customers.
3. Ease of integration: With POS systems, online stores, or accounting software.
4. Scalability: From startups to large enterprises.

Keep these factors in mind while reading through our ranking below!

Top 10 Cheapest Credit Card Processing Services (Ranked)

Here’s our list of the most cost-effective providers in 2025:

#1: Vellis

Vellis takes the top spot because of its rare combination of affordability, transparency, and global reach. Unlike many providers that hide fees in complex contracts, Vellis offers clear pricing with no hidden charges. Its multi-currency accounts allow merchants to accept payments in different currencies without expensive conversion losses. 

Compliance is another strength: Vellis is PCI DSS-certified and offers strong fraud protection tools, helping businesses remain secure and competitive. Whether you run a neighborhood café, an online subscription service, or a multinational e-commerce store, Vellis is designed to scale alongside your business.

#2: Square

Square is often the first choice for startups and small businesses because of its simplicity and flat-rate pricing model. With no monthly fees and predictable transaction rates, small merchants can manage costs easily without worrying about variable charges. Square also provides free POS software, mobile card readers, and a wide selection of business tools that integrate seamlessly into daily operations.

While Square isn’t always the cheapest option for very high-volume businesses, it’s hard to beat for accessibility and ease of use.

#3: PayPal

PayPal is one of the most recognized names in digital payments, and its brand credibility alone often boosts customer trust at checkout. It works especially well for small sellers, freelancers, and online shops thanks to its fast setup and global acceptance. PayPal supports both one-time and recurring payments, making it a flexible option for subscriptions or online services. 

However, its in-person transaction fees are slightly higher compared to competitors, which can eat into profits for physical retail businesses. Still, the convenience, buyer protection, and worldwide recognition make PayPal a top choice for businesses that prioritize flexibility and trust.

#4: Stripe

Stripe has become the go-to platform for tech-savvy and online-first businesses. Its developer-friendly APIs allow companies to create customized checkout flows, subscription management systems, and advanced billing setups. Stripe supports over 135 currencies and multiple payment methods, including credit cards, ACH, and digital wallets. 

For businesses that rely heavily on online transactions, Stripe’s robust recurring billing and fraud detection tools are invaluable. While its fee structure is slightly higher for certain transactions, the flexibility and scalability make it a cost-effective long-term choice for growing digital businesses.

#5: Helcim

Helcim sets itself apart with full transparency: it uses interchange-plus pricing, where fees are passed directly from card networks with only a modest markup. This approach often leads to lower costs than flat-rate models, especially for businesses processing higher volumes. 

Helcim also includes advanced analytics, invoicing tools, and a customer portal at no extra charge. These features help business owners track trends, manage recurring billing, and enhance customer experiences. 

With no long-term contracts or cancellation fees, Helcim is particularly attractive to growing businesses that value flexibility and honest pricing.

#6: Stax (Fattmerchant)

Stax uses a subscription-based pricing model that’s highly beneficial for businesses processing large volumes. Instead of paying high percentages per transaction, merchants pay a flat monthly fee plus direct interchange rates. This makes costs predictable and often significantly lower for established businesses with steady revenue. 

Stax also integrates with a wide range of accounting tools, CRMs, and POS systems, streamlining business operations. While the monthly subscription may not suit very small businesses, high-volume merchants can save thousands annually with Stax.

#7: Dharma Merchant Services

Dharma is a mission-driven payment processor known for its ethical practices and commitment to small and medium-sized businesses. It operates on interchange-plus pricing with extremely low markups, making it one of the most cost-effective providers in its class. 

In addition to affordability, Dharma emphasizes customer support, helping business owners understand their statements and optimize their payment setups. For nonprofits and community-driven organizations, Dharma offers discounted rates, aligning its services with its values.

#8: National Processing

National Processing specializes in affordable credit card processing tailored to specific industries, including retail, restaurants, and e-commerce. Its pricing structure is highly competitive, with some of the lowest interchange-plus rates available for small and medium businesses. The company also provides dedicated hardware options, mobile payment support, and integrations with major POS systems. 

By offering tailored plans, National Processing helps businesses avoid paying for unnecessary features. For business owners who want long-term savings without sacrificing reliability, this provider is a strong contender.

#9: Payment Depot

Payment Depot uses a membership-based pricing model, offering wholesale interchange rates in exchange for a flat monthly fee. For businesses processing high monthly volumes, this approach can lead to significant savings compared to percentage-based fees. Payment Depot’s transparent structure makes budgeting straightforward, and its customer support is consistently praised for responsiveness. 

The company also provides free reprogramming of existing equipment, lowering startup costs for businesses switching providers. While the membership fee may not be justified for very small businesses, medium to large merchants can unlock some of the lowest effective rates available.

#10: Fiserv (First Data)

Fiserv, formerly known as First Data, is one of the largest payment processors in the world. Its scale and infrastructure allow it to serve high-volume businesses with competitive rates and reliable service. Fiserv supports both in-person and online transactions, with strong fraud detection and advanced reporting tools. 

The company’s Clover POS system is widely used, offering merchants an all-in-one hardware and software solution. However, smaller businesses may find Fiserv’s pricing and contracts less flexible compared to other providers on this list. For large enterprises needing global capabilities and advanced features, Fiserv is a dependable, cost-effective option.

Cheapest Credit Card Processing for Small Business

If you’re running a small shop, salon, or service company, the cheapest credit card processing for small business often means flat-rate pricing with no monthly fees. Square and PayPal are known to give small businesses affordable entry points.

Vellis also fits well for entrepreneurs with international clients, offering global capabilities without hidden charges.

Cheapest Online Credit Card Processing

For online-only businesses, processing costs come with unique challenges: gateway fees, recurring billing charges, and fraud protection costs. The cheapest online credit card processing solutions balance affordability with robust fraud tools.

Stripe and PayPal are, again, common choices, while Vellis offers an edge for global e-commerce thanks to its multi-currency support.

Here are additional considerations for businesses when looking for a credit payment processor:

• How long does a credit card payment take to process? Typically 1–3 business days, though some providers offer same-day funding.
• What is Apple Pay? Similar to leading payment processors, Apple’s digital wallet lets customers make secure and contactless payments with their iPhone or Apple Watch.
• Contextual commerce: The growing trend of enabling payments directly within digital experiences, from social media apps to chat platforms.

The cheapest processor isn’t always the absolute lowest cost; it’s the one that balances price with convenience, trust, and flexibility.

Global Perspective on Credit Card Processing Costs

Processing fees aren’t uniform worldwide:

• U.S. businesses often pay around 2.6%–3.5%.
• European businesses benefit from caps on interchange fees, lowering costs.
• Asian markets vary widely, with higher cross-border fees for global transactions.

This makes multi-currency support and international compliance crucial. Providers like Vellis, Stripe, and PayPal are strong options for businesses targeting global markets.

Choosing the best payment processing solution is about more than chasing the lowest advertised fee. It’s about finding a partner that offers transparent costs, global reach, compliance, and ease of use.

In 2025, Vellis stands out as the best choice whether you’re a small startup looking for predictable fees, an e-commerce store needing the cheapest online credit card processing, or a global company managing multi-currency transactions.

The right payment partner ensures that businesses spend less time worrying about fees and more time focusing on growth, customer satisfaction, and long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the cheapest credit card processing service?

Vellis ranks as the most cost-effective overall due to its transparent global pricing and multi-currency support, while other affordable options include Square, PayPal, and Helcim depending on business needs.

What is the cheapest credit card processing for small business?

Flat-rate providers like Square and PayPal are best for startups and low-volume merchants, while interchange-plus models such as Helcim or Dharma can save money as transaction volumes grow.

What is the cheapest online credit card processing option?

Stripe and PayPal are popular for e-commerce due to easy integrations, while Vellis is ideal for global online businesses that need multi-currency and cross-border payment support.

Are low-cost processors still secure and compliant?

Yes, reputable providers maintain PCI DSS compliance, use encryption, and offer fraud monitoring to ensure that even budget-friendly solutions remain secure.

Do international businesses have different processing costs?

Yes, global merchants often face multi-currency conversion fees and cross-border charges, but providers like Vellis and Stripe reduce these costs with international payment infrastructure.

References

NerdWallet. (2025, January 24). Credit card processing fees: A 2025 guide for businesses. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/credit-card-processing-fees

ClearlyPayments. (2025, April 21). How much should merchants pay for credit card processing in 2025? https://www.clearlypayments.com/blog/how-much-should-merchants-pay-for-credit-card-processing-in-2025/

TechRadar. (2025, September 5). Best payment gateway of 2025. https://www.techradar.com/best/best-payment-gateways