How is Helcim compared to Clover?

The main differences between Helcim and Clover are payment processing fees, POS hardware options, and contract requirements. Helcim offers cheaper payment processing fees (from 1.83% for in-person or 2.27% for online transactions on average) compared to Clover’s rates (from 2.5% + 10¢ for in-person or 3.5% + 10¢ for online transactions), thanks to its interchange-plus pricing model. In addition, Helcim requires no monthly fees or contracts, while Clover charges monthly fees of up to $342/month (depending on POS hardware needs and industry) and may require a 48-month contract. If Clover merchants want to cancel early, they must pay early termination fees. Clover is also often sold through banks and resellers, with pricing and contract terms that can vary depending on the provider.

Clover is a stronger option for full-service restaurants because it offers a wide variety of restaurant-focused POS hardware and features such as table management, staff tools, and menu customization through third-party apps. Helcim can work well for quick-service restaurants, food trucks, or restaurants that already have business management software and want to integrate with Helcim using its API.

Helcim does not require long-term contracts or monthly fees. The only fee merchants pay with Helcim is the payment processing fee for each transaction. Clover, on the other hand, may require at least a two-year contract and may charge early termination fees. Contract terms can vary significantly depending on where Clover is purchased.

According to Trustpilot, many customers appreciate how helpful and friendly Helcim’s support team is. Helcim provides user-friendly POS software and hardware that help merchants set up and start accepting payments quickly. On the other hand, Trustpilot reviews show that Clover merchants often report issues with unhelpful customer service. Customers also describe negative experiences with Clover merchant services, POS limitations, and malfunctions.

Helcim is often a better fit for businesses with high monthly transaction volume because it offers low-cost interchange-plus pricing (from 1.83% for in-person or 2.27% for online transactions on average) and automatic volume discounts that can reduce processing rates over time.

Clover offers a large App Market with many third-party add-ons for restaurants, retail, loyalty programs, appointments, and staff management. Helcim provides integrations through its API and Helcim Payment Extension. The Helcim API lets merchants add Helcim payment processing to their websites, platforms, and apps. Helcim Payment Extension is a browser extension that merchants can download to process payments with Helcim without leaving their business management software.

For many small businesses, Helcim is a more affordable option because it has no monthly fees, low payment processing fees (from 1.83% for in-person or 2.27% for online transactions on average) thanks to its interchange-plus pricing model, and built-in payment tools at no extra cost. In contrast, Clover charges monthly software subscription fees, has more expensive payment processing fees (from 2.5% + 10¢ for in-person or 3.5% + 10¢ for online transactions), and often requires contracts with expensive early cancellation fees.