Best Credit Card Processing Companies

iPayment, Inc. provides payment processing solutions for small and medium-sized businesses (SMB). The company has been around for over 17 years and serves 150,000 SMB customers.

Since its beginning in 2001, this company is an established leader in the transaction processing industry. The company welcomes small and medium-sized businesses, but caters to big companies. Their top clients include Subway, Verizon, Mac Tools and Avon.

Established in 2003, this company is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They provide credit card processing and payment processing for accounts around the world.

Payline Data works with merchants and businesses to provide solutions for their credit card processing needs. Payline Data integrates with your existing platform and can also allow for mobile payments using a mobile reader or on your business’s app.

Total Merchant Services was founded in 1996 and provides merchant services for businesses across the United States and Canada. Their services allow businesses to accept all major credit and debit cards, including EBT, without signing a contract.

Founded in 2014, Fattmerchant offers subscription-based credit card processing solutions designed for small businesses. Fattmerchant keeps their service simple and clear, eliminating hidden charges or surprise fees.

Headquartered in Santa Margarita, Calif., Precise Pay is a payment processing service designed for both established stores and startup entrepreneurs alike. Precise Pay is powered by Electronic Cash Systems.

National Processing provides a variety of  merchant processing products for any sized business. They provide personalized partnerships through dedicated account executives that will work with each company's processing needs. National Processing boasts guaranteed low rates, high-risk accounts solutions and no hidden fees.

Blue Dog Business Services was founded in 2010 to help make complex business products simpler. With comprehensive, easy ways to handle payment processing, Blue Dog puts customer service at the heart of its business model.

Founded in 2001, the company handles payments for all types of small to medium-sized businesses, especially local businesses. They've received an award for the "Best Channel Vendor" from "Business Solutions" magazine every year from 2009 to 2016.

• OmniShield Assure security: This patented system offers an added layer of data encryption to minimize financial losses from counterfeit cards and reduce fraud liability.
• Experience in multiple business venues: Mercury has custom-tailored solutions developed from working with six categories of restaurants, six categories of major retail outlets and service-oriented establishments like salons, spas, car washes and golf clubs.
• Mercury StoreCards: Create distinctive StoreCards, which are part gift card and part payment card. The cards offer cash-back rewards for your frequent customers. A Card Studio website also lets customers purchase personalized gift cards online.
• MercuryGift cards: You also get access to gift card services with unlimited free transactions for merchants who process credit cards with Mercury.
• POS and device choice flexibility and integration: Vantiv Integrated Systems works with POS software developers to imbed payment technology into POS systems.
• The Developer Network for Integrated Payments: This company offers services that provide pre- and post-integration support. This allows for a customized approach to the integration process.
• Accelerated funding option: Vanity Integrated Payments offers an Accelerated Funding option, which gives qualifying applicants funding the same day or next day.

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, is Square's CEO and co-founder. The company offers a credit card reader that attaches to your smart phone or tablet as well as wireless equipment for other types of payments. 

This service is highly reputable because it has the backing of the multinational J.P. Morgan Chase Bank corporation, an organization founded in New York in 1799.

• Free EMV (chip card) terminal: As a sign-up bonus, new merchants receive a complementary EMV terminal.
• Wide selection of payment technology: A variety of credit card machines, EMV/Contactless terminals, online payments, mobile credit card processing and more. Chase will help you choose the right systems and devices for your business.
• Accept both EMV chip cards and contactless payments: Chase offers a next-generation device that accepts smart cards, NFC and RFID contactless payments, manual-entry payments, debit and credit card swipes and more.
• Accept international payments: With Chase Paymentech, process online payments in more than 130 currencies.
• "SafeTech" fraud tools: Features include real-time information on the physical location of the consumer and the computer or mobile device that was used to initiate the transaction.
• Orbital Virtual Terminal: Get specialized pricing plans to adapt to the growth of your business across multiple selling platforms. With Chase Online Checkout, you can manage your business by viewing daily sales activity.
• Credit card processing rates: Start at 2.75 percent. See their website for more rate information.

A company processing about $11 billion dollars annually, BluePay has integrated with more than 320 different software platforms and has been trusted by more than 42,000 businesses since 2002. Blue Pay was the winner of CNP Award 2016 for Customer Choice for Best E-Commerce Platform/Gateway. Clients include Toshiba and Southwest.com, Clif Bar and Izuno.

• Batch credit card processing: Process multiple credit card payments simultaneously and get instant approvals to make high-volume sales days run more smoothly.
• Multi-level card processing capabilities: There are three levels of processing. Level one is standard card processing; level two is business-to-business; level three is business-to-business and business-to-government processing.
• Canadian connections: BluePay offers additional support and connections for businesses with markets that span throughout both the United States and Canada.
• Versatile payment packages: BluePay offers three high-value package plans: the starter plan, the professional plan (level two) and the enterprise plan (levels two and three). Each caters to startups, small businesses and larger corporations respectively.
• Advanced tokenization solution: Protects stored data with “tokens” to increase security. Tokens are coded reference pointers transmitted via POS terminals or online payment systems.

This Denver, Colorado company began in 2005. PaySimple offers payment solutions to small business merchants, especially focusing on the service industries. This credit card processing company appeared in "TechCrunch" magazine in a 2015 article titled "Coaxing US Banking And Payments Into The 21st Century."

• Collect touch signatures: Using the built-in functionality of Apple mobile devices that have fingerprint sensors, clients can complete transactions more securely with one touch of a finger.
• Send e-receipts: After each transaction, this system will automatically send an electronic receipt to clients via email.
• Mobile credit card reader: Syncs with your PaySimple account. The reader plugs into your audio jack on your smartphone or tablet.
• Online appointment bookings: Using BookSimple, you get an easy-to-use system that saves you time. Sync up your calendar (Outlook, Google Calendar, iCal) to see all appointments in one location. It also enables customers to book appointments online and that system can connect to their final payments.
• Easy billing management: This advanced system allows sellers to create auto-recurring bills for regular clients, make electronic invoices and sets follow-up reminders to keep the financial schedule on track.

This is a PayPal company that offers an online and mobile payments platform. BrainTree has a simple integration that gives your online business access to not only PayPal, but also to credit cards and debit cards, Bitcoin, Apple Pay, Venmo and Android Pay.

Cayan was started in 1998 and offers affordable credit card payment solutions to successful small businesses. Cayan's payment products are designed to help business owners streamline their in-house processing and offer top-quality customer service.

• Equipment: Cayan offers a variety of payment equipment. Choose from simple devices to sophisticated devices that process EMV, mobile NFC and contactless cards.
• Payment solutions: Cayan offers three payment options to choose from: Genius, which offers a wide variety of secure payment options for your customers; Flex, which offers a simple approach, online management and award-winning support; and Enterprise, which offers seamless integration for larger companies.
• Gift cards: With Cayan's specialized software, businesses can sell gift cards or offer stored value programs. Get a free setup and a complementary welcome kit that contains 50 pre-designed, reloadable cards, or customize with your own design.
• Mobile payments: Software solutions allow your business to accept payments via mobile devices. This makes it easier for certain customers to purchase more frequently. Cayan offers a mobile chip card (EMV) reader for added security.
• Value-added services: Additional services offered by Cayan include business management and check processing. Cayan vets these outside suppliers.
• On-screen marketing: A customizable user interface allows you to advertise offers and loyalty programs when customers reach the point of purchase.

National Bankcard provides a wide variety of credit card and debit card payment processing solutions for a variety of businesses. Prominent clients include Subway, BMW, Comfort Inn, KFC and Shell.

• No setup fee: There’s no charge to set up an account with National Bankcard.
• POS options: Your customers can pay in a variety of ways, including Apple Pay, EMV chip cards and magstripe cards.
• Mobile processing: Get a free credit card reader when you open an account.
• No contract term: You won't be required to set a contract term when you ign up for a payment processing account. This saves you money if you need to reassess your use of the service.
• No cancellation fees: Try out the service and the free credit card reader to see if the company is the right choice for your business. You can cancel without penalty.
• Online signup: Signing up for National Bankcard's services is completely paperless. Start an account via the website and get started right away.
• 24/7 support: Support staff are on-hand at all hours of the day. Get your new account set up within 24 hours, and check in with live customer support representatives whenever you need assistance.
• Optional peripherals: You can add a check scanner or a PIN pad to your terminal to allow your customers to pay with debit cards or with checks.

In business since 1998, CreditCardProcessing.com supports over 153,000 merchants. They pride themselves on offering great customer service and believes that—and competitive rates—sets them apart from the competition. This company is a reseller of iPayment.

• Month to month contracts: Long-term contracts can be stressful for business owners who aren't completely sure of their credit processing needs from one season to the next. This flexible pricing allows businesses to try the service without making a financial commitment.
• No cancellation fees: Try out CreditCardProcessing.com and if you decide it doesn't work for your business, you can cancel without paying any fees.
• Guaranteed low price: If you can find a lower service price elsewhere, submit your current account processing statement or a competing offer in writing to CreditCardProcessing.com and they will beat it. If they can't beat the overall package, they'll send you a $50 American Express gift certificate.
• Same-day approval: Apply for a merchant account online and receive same-day approval.
• Free EMV-compliant and NFC-capable terminal: When you sign up for a merchant account, you'll receive a free payment terminal.
• Free mobile reader: Also get a free credit card reader for your mobile device.
• PCI-compliant fee: Note that there’s an annual PCI-compliant fee, which is explained in detail on the company’s website.

Payment Depot is a payment processing company based in Orange, California. The company cuts out the middlemen and can offer its clients wholesale rates on credit card processing.

• Transparent terms: Payment Depot offers easy-to-understand terms and conditions that live up to its marketing material.
• Four payment plans to fit your needs: The options are a Basic Membership, Most Popular membership, Best Value membership and Premiere Membership, which allows unlimited processing volume.
• 90-day guarantee: If you are not satisfied with the service within 90 days of opening an account, you will receive a full refund.
• No contracts or cancellation fees: You can check out this service without making a long-term financial commitment.
• Quick online application: The application takes 10 minutes and approval time is usually less than 24 hours.

Dharma Merchant Services provides payment solutions for retail locations, virtual stores and nonprofit organizations. The company uses a transparent pricing model, and the fees and rates are disclosed on their website.

• Full disclosure rate comparison: Dharma Merchant Services is a self-described socially responsible company that provides clients with real rate comparisons (by line item) so they can find the best deal.
• Paperless signup: Sign up online without needing to submit signed paper documents. Submission to approval happens within about two days, but it can also happen the next day.
• Nonprofit reduced rate: Nonprofit organizations have access to reduced rates.
• Sustainable practices: Dharma Merchant Services prefers to work with other companies that are socially and environmentally responsible.
• Nonprofit supporter: Dharma supports charitable and nonprofit organizations each year.
• Variety of equipment: Choose the equipment that meets your needs. Options includes terminals that process magstripe, EMV cards, mobile NFC and contactless payments.

TransFirst is a payment processing company founded in 1995. They provide a wide range of end-to-end payment solutions for businesses. They are owned by Vista Equity Partners and serve about 200,000 merchants, financial institutions, associations and more.

• Great support: You get free 24/7/365 customer support when you become a client.
• Cutting-edge technology: Payment processing depends on quality hardware and software. TransFirst makes sure to keep these are up-to-date and offers a comprehensive selection, including models that offer EMV, NFC and contactless payments.
• Risk-free trial: TransFirst offers a risk-free 30-day trial. Sign up, and TransFirst's service representatives will help you find the best payment processing options for your business.
• Industry-specific solutions: Payment processing changes from one industry to the next. TransFirst has solutions ready for a broad range of industries, including healthcare, mid-market corporate sales and convenience stores.
• ProcessNow Mobile: This is offered to meet the needs of startups and smaller businesses who have only a few employees. You can accept payments anywhere with this system.

Helcim is a credit card payment processing company founded in Calgary in 2006. The company provides payment processing services in Canada and the United States. Clients include Unicef Canada, Children’s Wish, YMCA and British Columbia School Districts.

• Three payment platforms: Select from Retail, Virtual Terminal and Mobile.
• No cancellation fees: If you decide that Helcim's payment solutions aren't right for your business, there is no cost to cancel your account. All services are on a month-to-month basis.
• Easy online signup: New applications are approved within 24 to 48 hours.
• Mobile payments: Mobile payment services will accept money through Android, iPad and iPhone. Free credit card reader (for swiping) included.
• Transparent pricing: Account costs are listed on the website and the same rates apply to all clients.
• Up-to-date equipment: Choose from the latest terminal designs that offer EMV, NFC and contactless payment options for your customers. Equipment is shipped via UPS.
• Co-signers allowed: Approval involves a credit check. If this is a problem, then a co-signer might be allowed so you can obtain approval for an account.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Vantiv is a payment processing company that supports over 400,000 merchants and 17,000 automated teller machines (ATMs). It was founded in 1971 as Fifth Third Processing Solutions, and today its clients are located in 46 states and eight countries and represent the retail, restaurant, e-commerce and supermarket industries and more.

• POS terminals: Vantiv has several options for point-of-sale (POS) terminals, including card readers, chip readers and mobile card readers.
• Many payment options: Vantiv has systems that can accept credit or debit card, mobile pay, ACH and eCheck, gift cards and prepaid cards and more. You can choose the optimal solution for your industry.
• Vantiv iQ: Vantiv offers merchants a simple system for tracking customer behavior and buying patterns called Vantiv iQ. You can see snapshots of payment activity and other metrics so you can adapt to your customers’ needs and drive sales.
• Mobile payment solutions: Vantiv offers several options for merchants who want to accept mobile payments, which are made using an app on a customer’s smartphone. The company will provide support as you transition your business to accept mobile pay.
• MerchantAdvantage resources: Vantiv offers its merchants an online support website known as MerchantAdvantage. Clients can read in-depth articles about their processing products so they can learn to make the most of Vantiv’s services, and can join an online community for merchants to support one another as they grow their businesses.

First Data is global payment company with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. It was founded in 1971 and today services six million merchants, making it the largest payment processor in the industry. It offers processing solutions for institutions of all sizes and types.

• Industries serviced: First Data offers payment processing solutions for e-commerce, retail, food and drink and other small businesses. It also services large merchants, global and national financial institutions, community financial institutions, government and other industries.
• E-commerce solutions: Merchants who want to develop online businesses can use Clover Online, a comprehensive service that offers a sleek business website, payment portal and marketing to attract online traffic.
• POS terminals: First Data’s point-of-sale (POS) terminals such as Clover Station offer fraud protection and features to secure payments. These systems are set up over existing broadband internet.
• Automated Teller services: First Data offers a turnkey ATM program that enables any merchant to offer Automated Teller services.
• High risk merchant accounts: First Data offers high-risk merchant accounts for merchants who may not be able to secure a traditional account due to the natures of their industries or their credit histories.