Payment Processor Comparison
PaymentsPlus vs Helcim
Both use interchange-plus pricing, the fairest model for merchants. PaymentsPlus quotes custom markups from your statement, offers hardware placement options, and same-day funding. See which one saves you more.
Helcim: $0/month + 0.30% markup
Helcim markets their $0 monthly fee, but the markup on every transaction is higher:
- 0.30% markup on every dollar processed
- Must purchase hardware ($109-$329)
- Only one terminal option (Helcim Smart Terminal)
PaymentsPlus: $10/month + custom IC+ markup
Our $10 monthly fee supports lower, statement-based markups:
- Custom markup (often from ~0.20%*, better at Enterprise volume)
- Clover hardware placement options for qualified merchants
- Full Clover lineup (Go, Flex, Mini, Station, multi-device kits)
The Break-Even Point
If you process more than $10,000/month, the lower markup outweighs the $10 fee
Example: $25,000/month business
With Helcim
$487.5/mo
+ $329 terminal
With PaymentsPlus
$472.5/mo
placement options
Monthly Savings
$15
Year 1 Savings
$509
incl. equipment
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | PaymentsPlus | Helcim |
|---|---|---|
| Interchange Markup | Custom (from ~0.20%*) | + 0.30% |
| Monthly Fee | $10/month | $0/month |
| Contract | Month-to-month | Month-to-month |
| Equipment Cost | Placement options | $109-$329 purchase |
| Funding Speed | Next-day (same-day available) | Next business day |
| Cancellation Fee | $0 | $0 |
| PCI Compliance | Included | Included |
| Canadian Support | Phone & email | Phone & email |
| Volume Discounts | Yes - negotiable | Automatic tiers |
| POS Hardware | Clover (full lineup) | Helcim Smart Terminal only |
Where Helcim Falls Short
Helcim is a solid processor, but there are key differences
Helcim charges interchange + 0.30% on published rates. PaymentsPlus quotes custom interchange-plus markups from your statement, often from about 0.20% for typical card-present volume, with better Enterprise options as volume grows.
Helcim's Smart Terminal costs $109-$329 to purchase. PaymentsPlus offers Clover hardware placement options for qualified merchants, so you are not forced into an upfront device purchase.
Helcim only offers their own Smart Terminal. PaymentsPlus gives you access to the full Clover lineup: handheld Flex, countertop Mini, Station Duo, and larger multi-device packages for restaurants.
Helcim offers next-business-day funding. PaymentsPlus offers next-day standard with same-day funding available for qualified merchants who need faster cash flow.
Being Honest: When Helcim Might Be Better
We believe in transparency. Helcim might be the right choice if:
- •You process less than $10,000/month (the $0 monthly fee saves more than the markup difference)
- •You're purely online and don't need physical terminals
- •You prefer to own your equipment outright rather than use placement
Processing more than $10,000/month? Get a statement-based quote and see the real dollar difference, plus a hardware package that fits.Check our calculator for an estimate, then confirm with a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both use interchange-plus — what's really different?
The markup and how it is set. Helcim publishes interchange + 0.30%. PaymentsPlus quotes custom interchange-plus markups from your statement (often from about 0.20% for typical card-present volume, with Enterprise options as volume grows). We also offer Clover hardware placement options instead of forcing a terminal purchase.
Helcim has $0 monthly fee - isn't that better?
It depends on your volume and the markup you are quoted. Many businesses over $10,000/month come out ahead with a slightly lower markup even after a $10 statement fee. We always compare against your real statement in dollars.
What about Helcim's automatic volume discounts?
Helcim reduces their markup as volume grows. We quote Enterprise and multi-location pricing from your statement, which often beats published starting examples at higher volume.
Can I switch from Helcim easily?
Yes. Since neither processor uses long-term contracts, you can switch anytime. Most merchants are processing within a few business days, with hardware options to replace your Helcim terminal.
Why do you charge a monthly fee when Helcim doesn't?
Our $10 monthly fee supports lower, negotiated per-transaction markups and Canadian support. For growing businesses, the overall cost is what matters. We show that on a statement review.
Lower Markup. Free Equipment. Same Transparency.
If you value interchange-plus pricing, you'll love PaymentsPlus. Same transparent model, lower markup, and free Clover equipment included.
No obligation. See your potential savings in 60 seconds.